Executive Director, Foundation Relations

Executive Director, Foundation Relations

Executive Director, Foundation Relations 150 150 julieb
The Ohio State University
Published
January 14, 2022
Location
Columbus
Job Type
Contact Name (not public)
Julie Bettker
Main Phone
9378471100

Description

Position Overview

The Ohio State University’s Office of Development seeks an Executive Director, Foundation Relations to elevate the central service of foundation relations across an institution consisting of a rare mix of 30+ colleges, units, and a research medical center.

The research environment at Ohio State has transformed into an innovation and entrepreneurship enterprise where we collaboratively teach students to be entrepreneurial leaders, creators, and visionaries. The Executive Director is responsible for understanding and communicating the rich opportunities for support that now exist at the nexus of cross-disciplinary academic and research areas. The role will lead a foundation relations team fundraising within Time and Change: The Ohio State Campaign, the most ambitious, inclusive community-building and fundraising endeavor in the university’s 150 years. The campaign strives to engage one million supporters, an unprecedented level in higher education. Time and Change has a financial goal of $4.5 billion – also the largest in Ohio State’s history – with three core areas of focus: student success; discovery; and healthy, vibrant communities.

The Executive Director leads a team of approximately eight, including five fundraisers plus stewardship and grant writing professionals. The team is tasked with increasing fundraising amounts by 8-10% year-over-year. The position reports to the Vice President of Development.

Performance Objectives

First 1-3 months

  • Build positive relationships with key internal leadership, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
  • Understand philanthropic priorities and how they align with current and potential Foundation funders.
  • Assess the overall structure, resources, capabilities, and bandwidth of the team and internal partners.
  • Understand both central and Advancement’s various services and existing partnerships and resources and how they can be deployed.
  • Oversee and manage current annual fundraising goals within the Foundation Relations office.

First 3-6 months

  • Continue to build internal understanding of priorities, partnerships, and opportunities for philanthropic support.
  • Begin to actively secure foundation gifts.

First 12 months

1)  Positively lead the team while building a trusting and collaborative culture.

2)  Continue the fundraising growth of the foundation relations team by 8-10% annually.

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
  • Hear and see our colleagues’ ideas, voices, and perspectives, acknowledging that we are better together

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Minimum of six (6) years of experience in higher education fundraising or signature initiatives work (or equivalent combination of related foundation, nonprofit or consulting experience)
  • Proven track record of securing partnerships with local and national foundations

Desired Qualifications:

  • Master's degree
  • Minimum of ten (10) experience working in a complex, performance-driven environment, preferably in higher education advancement.
  • Successful grant-writing experience
  • Knowledge of central Ohio foundations and The Ohio State University is a strong plus.

You Need to Know

Aside from the unparalleled benefits of working for The Ohio State University and working in the diverse, smart, fun, and growing city of Columbus, Ohio, this opportunity will provide exceptional rewards that arise from working for a land grant institution where you will truly feel the impact of your work. Learn more here:  https://hr.osu.edu/careers/.

Closing Statement

The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status.

 

 

How To Apply

How to Apply

Please visit advancement.osu.edu to find out more about University Advancement and apply online.

https://osujoblinks.com/zz9a. Questions may be directed to Steph Mizer, Talent Acquisition Manager at mizer.43@osu.edu.