Assistant Director of Development (Libraries)

Posted: 06-May-23

Location: Nationwide

Salary: Open

Internal Number: R77360

Position Overview

The Assistant Director of Development will understand the mission, needs and value proposition of the university and the University Libraries 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 gifts of up to $99,000 and to build a pipeline of major gift donors for the future. Preparation for the ask will include creative and strategic utilization of resources to determine the prospective donors 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.

The Assistant Director reports to the Senior 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, frequent collaboration with colleagues across the college, Advancement and the university and Wexner Medical Center, diplomacy and discretion. A curious person who is not afraid to pick up the phone and be entrepreneurial will do well as an Assistant Director. This role does require monthly travel and occasional evening and weekend work but also offers a flexible schedule including remote work as agreed upon with the Senior Director.

All members of Advancement are part of creating an inclusive culture that inspires an exceptionally diverse and talented team and are measured on their adherence to the following core competencies:  leadership, continuous improvement, teamwork and collaboration and communication/interpersonal effectiveness.

Department Overview

University Libraries is excited to be searching for a new Assistant Director to help fulfill its strategic plan. The Ohio State University Libraries aspires to be the leading library advancing the educational, research and engagement missions of a national flagship public university. The University Libraries promotes innovative research and creative expression, advances effective teaching, curates and preserves information essential for scholarship and learning at Ohio State and shares knowledge and culture with the people of Ohio, the nation and the world. The University Libraries development team works closely together to implement and expand fundraising efforts in support of University Libraries strategic directions (https://library.osu.edu/strategic-directions), fundraising focus areas and embracing and advancing the Libraries inclusive culture. Join a development team with a fundraiser leader who has a passion for developing fundraising advancement professionals.

Responsibilities

85% - Fundraising

Identifies, qualifies and cultivates a portfolio of prospective 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.

10% - Other

Maximizes opportunities to steward donors to further enhance relationships. Attends college and/or university events to engage with prospects and donors.

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 individuals 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 throughout the University, Medical Center and within University Libraries. Collaboration efforts can include but are not limited to: working with another academic unit or the Medical Center to collaborate on a gift from a donor, collaborating internally with the research office, faculty members and leadership to learn and discuss priorities.

Performance Objectives

First month

• Become familiar with the overall structure, resources and processes of university development.

• Develop an understanding of University Libraries priorities for Ohio State.

• Build relationships with college unit and central advancement partners including prospect development, estate and gift planning, corporate relations, donor relations, foundation relations, development communications and annual giving.

First 2-3 months

• Begin to actively fundraise by meeting with existing and prospective donors. You will inherit a cultivated pool of donors, some of whom are ready for gift conversations.

• Implement lead generation (including cold calling) and cultivation strategies, engaging appropriate partners as necessary.

• Incorporate best practice solicitation strategies for portfolio assignments.

First 12 months

• Continue building a portfolio of qualified prospects.

• Move the prospects through the donor engagement process.

• Continue working towards meeting team and individual performance goals/metrics by soliciting and closing gifts.

• Participate in professional development to continue learning best practices and strategies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education/experience

• At least two years of professional fundraising experience or professional transferable experience (i.e. managing relationships with required measurable output, making calls, conducting face-to-face appointments, creating and presenting proposals and other fundamental elements of client relationship or sales-related activities)

Desired Qualifications: (We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly)

• At least two years of professional fundraising experience raising the highest level of philanthropic gifts at an organization

• At least two 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.

Commitment to Inclusion

The Office of Advancement is committed to active allyship in addressing and dismantling the inequities created by systemic racism and implicit, long-held bias. We pledge to act with kindness, respect and integrity at all times; trust ourselves and our colleagues and empower their whole identities; and hear and see our colleagues ideas, voices and perspectives, acknowledging that we are better together.

You Need to Know

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: 

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About The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University is a dynamic community of diverse resources, where opportunity thrives and where individuals transform themselves and the world. Founded in 1870, Ohio State is a world-class public research university and the leading comprehensive teaching and research institution in the state of Ohio. With more than 63,000 students (including 57,000 in Columbus), the Wexner Medical Center, 14 colleges, 80 centers and 175 majors, the university offers its students tremendous breadth and depth of opportunity in the liberal arts, the sciences and the professions.
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