Associate Director of Development, College of Arts and Sciences

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 Arts and Sciences 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 OSU and the College of Arts and Sciences by securing major gifts through personalized donor engagement and fundraising strategies.


KEY AREAS OF FOCUS:
Major Gift Fundraising and Portfolio Management (40%)

• Solicit and secure major gifts to the OSU Foundation with a focus on gifts of $50,000
• Manage a portfolio of 60-80 major gift prospects affinity for OSU
• Secure 150 donor visits annually
• Complete 10 major gift solicitations annually (goal to close a minimum of 60% of solicitations at MG $50K )
• Responsible for annual production goal of $750k
• Maintain accurate donor records and uphold data best practices in the OSU Foundation CRM

Donor Engagement and Stewardship (30%)

• Participate with strategic assistance for college or unit specific donor stewardship or key engagement events
• Develop and execute established stewardship strategies in partnership with Constituent Relations Associate

Campus Engagement (15%)

• Assume liaison responsibilities with assigned college department heads, center directors, key campus leadership to develop fundraising initiatives and provide relevant program updates to OSU Foundation team members
• Collaborate with campus partners and program leaders to engage donors

Team and Organizational Contribution (15%)

• Actively participate in team meetings, strategy sessions, and professional development opportunities
• Support cross-campus collaboration by sharing best practices and coordinating donor strategies
• Contribute to achieving team and campaign goals, ensuring alignment with the University’s mission and strategic priorities
• Participate as a member of an OSU Foundation Agile Team for top priorities
• Collaborate effectively with other colleges and units to increase donor support
• Serve as OSU Foundation Liaison to assigned College departments

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 

Experience-

• Minimum of 4-5 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: Proactively ensures effective communication throughout the organization; makes relevant contributions to discussions and meetings, giving clear and concise explanations and sticking to the point; chooses language and communication method to suit the audience, reframes and articulates to help others understand; asks questions to check understanding when disseminating information.
• Execution & Initiative: Motivates self and others to achieve the best results, displaying energy, drive and a desire to succeed; enlists the support of others as necessary to overcome resistance; supervises cross-functional project team execution on tasks to meet stated objectives; helps other employees’ gain the skills and experience they need to contribute; proactively outlines milestones, outcomes and deliverables and effectively communicates them to internal and external stakeholders.
• Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills: Develops and nurtures formal & informal relationships with a wide circle of people beyond those involved in current activities, including potential donors, stakeholders, and information links; encourages collaboration among colleagues, departments and entire organization to achieve results; compromises, handles conflicts, seeks common ground, articulates own and others goals; stays focused on positive win-win outcomes; seeks input on how to leverage existing processes to improve the donor experience; translates ideas into action.
• Problem Solving/Judgment: Gains understanding of how to apply approved policies and procedures; when and why escalation of issues is needed and to whom and communicates decisions and desired outcomes to others; anticipates the outcome of a single decision; recognizes problems in advance, systematically gathers information to define the root cause, breaks down complex information into component parts, develops alternatives, seeks input from others, selects and recommends the best solution.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Embraces complex or first-time problems as opportunities to learn and incorporate new skills; flexes style based on immediate needs; accepts responsibility for implementing change; evaluates and manages resources needed to implement change; personally supports (in words and actions) organizational direction and change agenda.
• Courage & Conviction: Takes responsibility for individual & project outcomes regardless of success and learns from all results; encourages candid responses, feedback, new ideas and conflicting opinions.
• Donor Centered: Takes time to actively learn about the stated needs by asking questions, exploring how to unite the donors and university’s passions and priorities; anticipates customer needs and proactively makes recommendations.

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.