Director of Foundation Engagement

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The Director of Development develops and implements short- and long-term plans to secure foundation grants targeted at the $100,000 level and above. This position will work with a variety of colleges and constituent units to proactively assist in identifying new foundation prospects and move them through the fundraising continuum to solicitation and stewardship. Assists with raising the Foundation Engagement profile campus-wide through effective collaboration with the Office of Sponsored Programs and unit-based grant management offices. Engages college and unit leaders in developing and implementing long-term strategies for top foundation donors and prospects. Responsibilities will also include developing fundraising projections and managing personal plans to achieve identified annual goals. This position requires exceptional interpersonal skills and a highly self-motivated individual who enjoys working in a team environment. Some travel is required and this position will work a hybrid-remote schedule.

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.

Foundation Engagement is a resource unit housed jointly within the Office of University Advancement and the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK), that generates and stewards philanthropic support from private foundations for Ohio State. Our team supports all academic units, regional campuses and the medical center. Foundation Engagement officers focus on cultivating and managing relationships with private foundations and aligning innovative research, education, and strategic initiatives to foundations giving priorities.

85% - Fundraising Management

Identifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards portfolio of foundations in order to secure grants in keeping with assigned academic and non-academic unit priorities. Completes work with minimal supervision.

Prospect qualification: Manages a portfolio of prospective foundation prospects. Identifies potential prospects and researches their alignment, capacity, and potential funding levels. Works to cultivate early fundraising interactions and develops useful, early stage briefing materials.

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’ 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 initiative, 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/grant forward.

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four years of relevant experience: at least two years of professional fundraising experience that includes grant seeking and two years of related experience with a significant focus on research, writing, and/or relationship building.
• Demonstrated excellent communication skills with experience in technical/science writing or grant writing.
• Ability to travel and work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends if needed.

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 budget for this position is up to $85,000. 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:                     S3

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.