Director of Development, College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology

VISION: Transform the university through the power of generosity.

MISSION: Unite donor passions with university priorities to elevate the impact of Oklahoma State University.

DEPARTMENT PURPOSE: The College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology contributes to the mission to secure philanthropic support for Oklahoma State University through meaningful donor engagement and strategic fundraising partnerships.

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Build long-term philanthropic partnerships that advance the mission and strategic initiatives of the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology and other OSU colleges and initiatives by securing major gifts through personalized donor engagement, fundraising and stewardship strategies.

Key Areas Of Focus

Major Gift Fundraising and Portfolio Management (60%)

• Solicit and secure major gifts to OSU Foundation with a focus on gifts of $50,000 with a particular focus on qualifying and disqualifying prospects.
• Manage a portfolio of 60 major gift prospects with giving capability for major gifts to OSU Foundation.
• Conduct a minimum of 150 personal visits with donors and prospective donors annually, with a focus on qualifying new major gift prospects.
• Complete 15 major gift solicitations annually, closing a minimum of 60% of solicitations at major gift level of $50,000 ).
• Responsible for annual production goal of $1M .
• Report and track fundraising progress through the use of contact reports, prospect management and other communication tools to ensure efficient and effective communication.  Maintain accurate donor records and uphold data best practices in ascend.
  
  

Campus Engagement (20%)

• Assume liaison responsibilities with assigned college department heads, center directors, key campus leadership to provide relevant program updates to OSU Foundation team members.
• Collaborate with campus partners and program leaders to engage donors.
• As appropriate, assist with onboarding of new academic leaders.
  
  

Donor Engagement and Stewardship (10%)

• Provide strategic assistance and leadership for the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology, specific donor stewardship or key engagement events.
• Develop and execute established donor engagement strategies in partnership with College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology team members.
  
  

Team and Organizational Contribution (10%)

• Humble: A habit of sharing successes, putting the team first, and working for the good of the team. Observe and employ the Golden Rule. Hungry: Exhibit a strong work ethic, drive, and willingness to take initiative. People Smart: The virtue of being interpersonally smart about the interactions and relationships of those you encounter. Participate and contribute at internal team and campus team meetings. Positive Attitude: Exhibited by focusing on opportunities, not problems and consistently incorporating a growth mindset. Sense of Urgency: How we react and respond.
  
  

Other Duties As Assigned.

JOB COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE:

Education & Certifications- 

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing and communications, nonprofit management, humanities, or related fields required. 
  
  

Experience-  

• Minimum of 5-7 years in fundraising, development, major gifts, or relevant professional experience required.
• Experience in a higher education setting preferred.
• Fundraising and donor management software experience desired. 
• Proven sense of humor and ability to have fun! 
  
  

Organizational Competencies-

• Effective Communication: Listens well and diffuses conflict before it starts; highly persuasive in communications; presents ideas in a manner which actively engages people; takes action to reduce communication barriers and ensure arrangements are in place for effective communication across and within the organization; successfully carries out crucial conversations and encourages and coaches others to have crucial conversations to resolve conflict.
• Execution & Initiative: Holds staff accountable for achieving standards of excellence and results for the organization; seeks out understanding of both donor needs and internal processes; continuously pursues improvement of the organization’s performance by enhancing business processes, systems, teams, facilities or equipment; takes charge in a crisis and effectively maneuvers through complex situations and makes tough decisions in a timely manner.
• Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates commitment to employee engagement and leverages programs and tools to build business plans and monitor progress; utilizes employee recognition and reward programs to celebrate individual and team success; looks for opportunities to create cross-functional teams that leverage employee strengths; proactively takes steps to retain employees by building trust and developing their skills; builds relationships internally and externally and uses relationships to build consensus and create results; coaches others and is able to message appropriately, maintaining confidentiality; excels in maneuvering in a complex and political environment.
• Problem Solving/Judgment: Builds teams understanding of how to apply approved policies and procedures to ensure compliance; looks more broadly across multiple lines of business to identify opportunities and proactively solve problems and implement solutions; challenges assumptions, bases decisions on the right mixture of data analysis as well as wisdom and experience.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Partners with other colleagues to explore implications of shifting dynamics; communicates in an effort to engage team members and partners in change efforts, explaining the rationale, impacts and benefits of change both vertically and horizontally; involves others in planning and implementing change, keeping them informed of progress; leads with confidence during times of change; drives the implementation and acceptance of change in the workplace, including innovative solutions and alternative approaches for changing circumstances.
• Courage & Conviction: Takes responsibility for team outcomes regardless of success and learns from all results; creates an environment where failure is seen as an opportunity for learning; practices ethical decision making and encourages the same in others; has the courage to hold others accountable for their actions and decisions.
• Donor Centered: Ensures team understands the importance of donor centered service in accordance with OSUF standards; explains difficult information while focused on the donor’s perspective and level of knowledge.
  
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via video conferencing. Requires frequent repetitive motions when operating computers, telephones, and standard office equipment. Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer, attending meetings, or participating in events. This role includes traveling locally, regionally, and occasionally nationally for donor visits, meetings, and university events, which may include walking on campus and navigating varied environments.  Requires a valid driver's license. Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support fundraising events and donor engagement activities. Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials weighing up to approximately 20 pounds.