Position Overview

The Assistant Director of Development will understand the mission, needs and value proposition of the university and the Department of Athletics and build relationships with prospective donors to increase philanthropic support. Donors such as alumni, friends, and/or grateful patients will be identified by listening for opportunities to align their interests and passions with opportunities to donate to the university.

The aim of the role is to actively manage a portfolio of prospective donors to be asked for gifts of up to $99,000 and to build a pipeline of major gift donors for the future. Preparation for the “ask” will include creative and strategic utilization of resources to determine the prospective donor’s capacity for giving, build their interest, raise their sights, sustain their engagement and obtain a gift. Success in the position will be guided by annual metrics such as number of monthly meetings, number of gift commitments, and dollars raised. Central resources such as a robust donor database, and reporting and analytics tools exist to help the role achieve goals.

The Assistant Director reports to the Associate Athletic Director, Annual Giving & Buckeye Club and operates with a high degree of independence to make decisions, solve problems, negotiate and adapt to shifting priorities. Expectations include stellar communications and interactions with constituents, frequent collaboration with colleagues across the college, Advancement and the university and Wexner Medical Center, diplomacy, and discretion. A curious person who is not afraid to pick up the phone and be entrepreneurial will do well as an Assistant Director. This role requires frequent workweek travel including approximately one or two overnight trips per month, regular in-state travel and occasional evening and weekend work.

All members of Advancement are part of creating an inclusive culture that inspires an exceptionally diverse and talented team and are measured on their adherence to the following core competencies: leadership, continuous improvement, teamwork and collaboration, and communication/interpersonal effectiveness. All members are also expected to exhibit The Ohio State University’s Shared Values which include Excellence and Impact, Diversity and Innovation, Inclusion and Equity, Care and Compassion, and Integrity and Respect

Department Overview

Nationally recognized as the most comprehensive college athletics programs, Ohio State boasts over 1,000 student athletes in 36 intercollegiate sports. Under the leadership and direction of Gene Smith, the whole of our athletics success starts with success of the individual parts. This fundraising role exists to help ensure that our programs and facilities are of championship caliber.

“I am passionate about college athletics as it provides access to higher education to young women and men with God-given academic and athletic talents, many of whom are first generation. There is perhaps no greater training ground than college athletics for success in life.”

– Gene Smith, Senior Vice President & Wolfe Foundation Endowed Athletics Director

Duties and Responsibilities

85% - Fundraising

Identifies, qualifies, and cultivates a portfolio of prospective gift donors. Pursues connections and discovers donor values, capacity, interests and passions. Ensures quality and positive momentum within assigned portfolio to convert prospects to donors. Builds context for gift proposals, develops and implements strategic gift solicitations.

10% - Other

Maximizes opportunities to steward donors to further enhance relationships. Attends college and/or university events to engage with prospects and donors.

5% - Miscellaneous

Completes special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Metrics and Collaboration

The annual performance of all fundraisers at Ohio State is measured by the number of qualifications, cultivations, solicitations and commitments/dollars raised the individual accrues over each fiscal year. Each fundraiser may have different expectations regarding these figures based upon, but not limited to, their experience level, unit size, prospect portfolio, past performance, etc. Goal setting is done with the individual’s manager prior to each fiscal year to assure transparency, consistency and alignment.

All fundraisers at Ohio State are encouraged and expected to collaborate with their colleagues throughout the University, Medical Center and within the Department of Athletics. Collaboration efforts can include but are not limited to: working with another academic unit or the Medical Center to collaborate on a gift from a donor, collaborating internally with the research office, faculty members and leadership to learn and discuss priorities.

Performance Objectives

First month

• Become familiar with the overall structure, resources, and processes of university development.

• Develop an understanding of Athletic’s priorities.

• Build relationships with college, unit, and central Advancement partners including annual giving, prospect development and donor experience.

First 2-3 months

• Begin to actively fundraise by meeting with existing and prospective donors.

• Implement lead generation and cultivation strategies, engaging appropriate partners as necessary.

• Incorporate best practice solicitation strategies for portfolio assignments.

First 12 months

• Continue building a portfolio of qualified prospects.

• Move the prospects through the donor engagement process.

• Continue working towards meeting team and individual performance goals/metrics by soliciting and closing gifts.

• Learn and discuss priorities, working with other units to learn about how they execute certain projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education/experience.

• At least two (2) years of professional fundraising experience or professional transferable experience (i.e. managing relationships with required measurable output, making calls, conducting face-to-face appointments, creating and presenting proposals, and other fundamental elements of client relationship or sales-related activities).

Desired Qualifications (We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly)

• At least two (2) years of professional fundraising experience raising the highest level of philanthropic gifts at an organization.

• At least two (2) years of professional fundraising experience in higher education or a hospital/health care environment.

• Experience working in other advancement departments such as donor relations and stewardship, donor communications and/or alumni relations.

The Office of Advancement is committed to providing tools and resources for you to learn our business, proprietary databases, university-specific processes, and advancement practices.

Commitment to Inclusion

The Office of Advancement is committed to active allyship in addressing and dismantling the inequities created by systemic racism and implicit, long-held bias. We pledge to act with kindness, respect, and integrity at all times; trust ourselves and our colleagues and empower their whole identities; and hear and see our colleagues’ ideas, voices, and perspectives, acknowledging that we are better together.

You Need to Know

Aside from the unparalleled benefits of working for The Ohio State University and working in the diverse, smart, enjoyable, and growing city of Columbus, Ohio, this opportunity will provide exceptional rewards that arise from working for an institution doing worldwide life-changing teaching and research. Learn more here: https://hr.osu.edu/careers/.

In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17 this position has been designated as a standby position.

To learn more about the Office of Advancement, please visit advancement.osu.edu.

The pay range for this job profile is $53,800 - $71,700 (min - mid). The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications.

Salary Range: $53,800 - $71,700

Function: Development and Engagement

Sub-function: Development

Career Band: Individual Contributor - Specialized

Career Level: S2