Director of Development (WOSU)
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Job Title:
Director of Development (WOSU) Department:
Administration and Planning | WOSU Public Media Position Overview
The Director of Development will understand the mission, needs and value proposition of the university and Department of WOSU 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 major gifts of $100,000 and above. 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 and manage an allocated budget.
The Director reports to Chief Advancement Officer 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, collaboration with colleagues across Advancement and the university and Wexner Medical Center, diplomacy, and discretion. 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 a culture that inspires an exceptionally multifaceted and talented team and are expected to exhibit The Ohio State University’s . The Office of Advancement 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.
Department Overview
For a more than a century, WOSU Public Media has engaged, informed, and inspired the diverse community of Central Ohio. WOSU is a public service media organization that distinguishes itself through a commitment to collaboration, community engagement and distinctive noncommercial mission-driven programming. WOSU reaches nearly 2 million people across 20 counties throughout the state of Ohio.
As one of the first educational radio stations on the air across America in 1922, WOSU was developed to bolster the commitment of The Ohio State University’s land-grant mission to educate all Ohioans. To honor that commitment and meet the evolving needs of the citizenry, WOSU has grown over the years to include multiple broadcast and digital distribution platforms focused on distinctive areas of content: arts, culture, history, lifelong learning, and quality journalism. Our current platforms include:
WOSU TV –
89.7 NPR News –
Classical 101 –
WOSU Digital –
WOSU Classroom –
Having successfully completed a capital campaign for a new headquarters, WOSU now looks to a bright new future redefining public media for and in central Ohio. It’s an exciting time to be part of the WOSU Development team – moving public media into the next century of service in Central Ohio.
Duties and Responsibilities
95% - Fundraising
Identifies, qualifies, and cultivates a portfolio of prospective major 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. Maximizes opportunities to steward donors to further enhance relationships.
Hires, trains and develops, and provides daily management to assigned staff (if applicable).
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 ensure 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
Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent combination education/experience.
Four years of relevant experience with at least two years of professional fundraising experience (building relationships towards philanthropic end through making calls, conducting face-to-face appointments, creating and presenting proposals, closing gifts) and two years of related experience in marketing, sales, public relations, financial advisement, account management or related field with emphasis on donor cultivation, solicitation and relationship cultivation of individuals/businesses.
Desired Qualifications
At least four years of professional fundraising experience raising the highest level of philanthropic gifts at an organization (preferably five or six figures and above)
At least four 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.
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: .
In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17 this position has been designated as a standby position.
Explore our extensive benefits .
Work-life: Flexible and remote work arrangement opportunities where applicable, childcare program, and access to educational, athletic and cultural events. Retirement: State pension and alternative options with competitive employer contributions, as well as optional supplemental plans. Health: Medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, life insurance, flexible spending accounts and wellness programming. Time off: Paid vacation and sick time, parental and medical leave plus 11 paid holidays. Short and long-term disability options also available. Financial: Tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, adoption assistance and discounts with preferred vendors and university partners. Wellness: Lifestyle spending account, employee assistance program, health reimbursement account, and employee wellness program.
- Location:
- Columbus