Columbus, Ohio, United States
Hybrid
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Position Overview
The Assistant Director of Development and Affinity Engagement advances The Ohio State University’s philanthropic priorities by managing leadership annual giving relationships and using alumni and affinity engagement as a strategic pathway for donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and pipeline development. This hybrid position is primarily focused on cultivating and soliciting leadership annual gifts of $3,000 to $99,999, while also strengthening alumni and constituent relationships through engagement strategies that support fundraising outcomes and Advancement priorities. As a member of the Connections team within the Ohio State University Alumni Association (OSUAA), the Assistant Director proactively manages an assigned portfolio of leadership annual giving donors and prospects through in-person visits, virtual outreach, engagement opportunities, and targeted cultivation activity. The role emphasizes discovery, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors, identification and referral of future major gift prospects, and collaboration with volunteers and alumni leaders to advance fundraising and engagement strategies. The primary audiences for the Assistant Director include OSUAA affinity groups and Buckeye Connected Communities, with engagement activity intentionally focused on strengthening donor relationships, identifying prospective philanthropic support, and advancing leadership annual giving outcomes.
In addition to direct fundraising responsibilities, the Assistant Director serves as a liaison to select affinity groups and Buckeye Connected Communities to support engagement strategies that deepen constituent relationships and create opportunities for donor cultivation, stewardship, and pipeline development. The position also contributes to the development, execution, and evaluation of engagement programs and communications within assigned audiences or regions, ensuring those activities support Advancement priorities, donor engagement, and leadership annual giving objectives. This role requires frequent travel, including approximately two overnight trips per month, evening and weekend work, and the ability to monitor and administer an allocated budget in alignment with Advancement policies and fiscal guidelines. Success is measured through established fundraising and engagement metrics, including donor meetings, qualifications, solicitations, dollars raised, major gift referrals, first-time event attendees, and increased volunteer participation.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Buckeye Connected Communities, the Assistant Director operates with independence and professional judgment in managing assigned donor portfolios and engagement activities within established Advancement strategies, fundraising goals, policies, and performance expectations. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills are essential, along with the ability to manage donor relationships, interpret engagement and fundraising opportunities, adapt to shifting priorities, and collaborate across Advancement and university departments.
All members of External Affairs are part of creating a culture that inspires an exceptionally multifaceted and talented team and are expected to exhibit The Ohio State University’s Shared Values. The Office of External Affairs is committed to acting with kindness, respect, and integrity at all times and welcoming our colleagues’ ideas, voices, and perspectives, acknowledging that we are better together.
Duties and Responsibilities
70% Meets established activity, qualification, solicitation, stewardship, and revenue goals by planning, managing, and maintaining a strategic travel and outreach schedule. Manages an assigned portfolio of leadership annual giving donors and prospects, with primary responsibility for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individuals capable of making leadership annual gifts of $3,000 to $99,999 in support of university and Alumni Association priorities, including Buckeye Connected Communities. Conducts in-person visits, virtual meetings, targeted outreach, and donor engagement activities with a target of approximately 150 meetings per year. Evaluates donor readiness, capacity, and philanthropic interest, documents cultivation progress and visit outcomes, and communicates relevant information to appropriate Advancement colleagues. Identifies future major gift prospects and provides background and referral information to support assignment to major gift portfolios. Conducts stewardship activity and maintains ongoing contact with assigned donors to strengthen relationships, promote positive donor relations, and support continued philanthropic engagement with The Ohio State University.
25% Develops and coordinates engagement and cultivation strategies for OSUAA affinity groups and Buckeye Connected Communities that support donor identification, leadership annual giving cultivation, stewardship, and Advancement priorities. Ensures relevant constituent, donor, volunteer, and engagement data is accurately captured in the proprietary database to support relationship management, reporting, and future cultivation strategies.
5% Creates and maintains working relationships with colleagues across Advancement, the university, and Wexner Medical Center to support coordinated fundraising, engagement, stewardship, and donor pipeline activity. Works in tandem with Connections teammates to provide central support to colleges, units, and healthcare service lines by sharing relevant donor, prospect, and engagement information. Serves as a liaison between prospective major gift donors and appropriate development officers to support timely referral and continued cultivation. Contributes to Advancement by fostering teamwork, participating on internal committees or workgroups as appropriate, and performing 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 across the institution and can be counted as ‘Secondary’ on a gift in the solicitation, commitment and dollars raised phases of the development cycle. A secondary fundraiser can be considered when a team is working on a multi-unit gift, the fundraiser is a subject matter expert in an area critical to the solicitation or a fundraiser has a pre-existing, meaningful relationship with the donor and their participation helps move the gift forward.
Required Qualifications
Desired Qualifications (We’re committed to building a team that reflects a variety of skills and experiences and encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly)
The Office of External Affairs is committed to providing tools and resources for you to learn our business, proprietary databases, university-specific processes, and advancement practices.
You Need to Know
Aside from the unparalleled benefits of working for The Ohio State University and working in the vibrant, 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: Careers at Ohio State.
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 External Affairs, please visit Advancement Careers.
The budget for this position is up to $59,500.00. The offer for this position will be based on internal equity and the candidate's qualifications.
Function: Development and Engagement
Sub-function: Development
Career Band: Individual Contributor – Specialized
Career Level: S2
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.
Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.
The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
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