Director of Development, College of Veterinary Medicine - The Ohio State University

Columbus, OH

Position Overview

The Director of Development will understand the mission, needs and value proposition of the university and the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Veterinary Health System and build relationships with prospective donors to increase philanthropic support. Donors such as alumni, friends, and/or grateful clients 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 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 dollars raised, qualifications, number of monthly meetings and number of gift commitments. 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 the Executive Director of Development 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, genuine collaboration with colleagues across the college, Advancement, 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 and offers a flexible schedule including remote work as agreed upon with the Executive Director of Development.

 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 Shared Values. 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

The College of Veterinary Medicine aims to Be The Model® comprehensive college of veterinary medicine in the world, impacting animal and human health through innovation, collaboration and excellence. The college is part of a land-grant university rooted in the foundational principles of health and well-being, community and respect, advancing partnerships and resource stewardship. Celebrating 140 years of leadership and innovation in veterinary education and groundbreaking research advancing animal and human health, we are training the next generation of veterinarians who will lead the field of veterinary medicine and alongside over 10,000 alumni who are practicing in all 50 states and 40 countries. Our Veterinary Health System delivers cutting-edge care to more than 80,000 canine, feline, equine and farm animal patients each year from world-renowned experts in the field of veterinary medicine.

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 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

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent combination education/experience

• Four (4) years of relevant experience with at least two (2) 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(2)  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 (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)

• At least four (4) 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 (4) 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, door communications and/or alumni relations

• General knowledge of the veterinary medicine field

Learn more and apply here.