Senior Director of Development - Major Giving - College of Arts and Sciences

Senior Director of Development
- Major Giving
- College of Arts and Sciences

The Senior Director of Development, Major Giving serves as the lead major gifts officer for assigned colleges or units at Ohio University, working within University Advancement to build and manage a robust portfolio of prospective major donors. This role is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting individual, corporate, and foundation prospects; developing strategic development plans; coordinating donor stewardship efforts; and collaborating with internal teams such as Gift Planning, Annual Giving, and Corporate and Foundation Relations.

The Senior Director also manages development travel, organizes key events, and fosters alumni engagement to advance unit-specific and university-wide philanthropic goals. In addition to direct fundraising, the Senior Director acts as a strategic advisor and liaison between academic/unit leadership and potential supporters. This includes aligning development priorities with university and unit strategic plans, coordinating proposal development and cultivation activities, and overseeing relationships with faculty, staff, and external relations personnel.

The role emphasizes collaboration, strategic planning, and proactive engagement to build sustainable donor pipelines and secure significant financial commitments in support of Ohio University's mission.

Works collaboratively to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward principal gifts from critical, high profile prospects/donors that will enhance university-wide priorities. Designs and implements strategic fundraising plans through collaboration for academic units, regional campuses and complex markets. Manages constituency programs. Cultivates relationships with alumni, donors, foundations, and corporations to support the University's mission. Ensures the University has the resources necessary for growth and engages the community to advance its long-term goals.

Leads significant programs or functions with a high level of strategic importance. Works as a technical leader to address highly challenging processes with broad and significant implications for the University. Collaborates closely with senior management to deliver impactful business results and long-term strategies.

Provides subject matter expertise to internal and external stakeholders. May have a limited number of direct reports.

May manage budget in work area or multiple project budgets.

Resolves highly complex problems, often with no clear precedent.

Self-directed with minimal supervision and high decision-making autonomy.

Leads major collaborations and represents the University at higher levels.

This role is primarily desk-based and involves extensive use of desktop computers. Occasionally, the job may require travel to attend meetings and programs.

Requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 10 or more years of related professional experience, or equivalent education and experience.