Senior Director of Philanthropy

Otterbein University is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Director of Philanthropy to drive fundraising success and advance the University’s mission through impactful philanthropic engagement. This position is responsible for developing and executing fundraising strategies that engage alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and other key stakeholders.

In close collaboration with the Executive Director of Philanthropy & Planned Giving and the Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, the Senior Director provides input into the institution’s overall fundraising strategy while leading efforts to secure transformational gifts aligned with institutional priorities. This role plays a critical leadership function in building a culture of philanthropy and strengthening the University’s development programs.

This is a full-time, exempt position working 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.

• Assist in enhancing the University’s image and visibility by communicating a strong and consistent message to key constituencies.
• Strengthen internal and external partnerships to benefit Otterbein and participate in campaign and giving initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Vice President to contribute to institutional fundraising strategy and priority-setting.
• Represent the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement and serve as a key leader within the division.

• Manage a portfolio of 75–100 principal and major gift prospects through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Solicit major gifts of $50,000 or more, with an emphasis on six‑and‑seven‑figure gifts to support endowment, capital, or program needs.
• Proactively identify opportunities to generate new proposals based on donor interests and institutional priorities.
• Write proposals for assigned prospects and assist with the preparation of other proposals.
• Monitor and report on donor engagement activity and fundraising progress.

• Work closely with campus leaders to develop donor strategies focused on securing major and principal gifts.
• Participate in strategy sessions, prospect identification, qualification, and rating processes.
• Assess and manage the major gift prospect pool and tracking procedures.
• Assist in directing the planned giving program, including promotion of planned giving opportunities.
• Develop deep knowledge of the University’s mission, academic programs, and fundraising priorities to effectively engage donors.

• Provide leadership and mentoring to colleagues across the philanthropy division related to fundraising best practices.
• Support supervision and development of the Philanthropic Associate in partnership with the Executive Director.
• Foster a collaborative, high‑performing team culture with clear goals and accountability measures.

• Support relationships with the Board of Trustees and key individual donors, including providing input on board service.
• Travel to meet with prospects and donors, including coordinating campus visits and engagement opportunities.
• Collaborate on preparation of proposals, talking points, briefings, and donor stewardship materials.
• Document all substantive donor interactions in the database.
• Lead and manage giving opportunities associated with special initiatives such as reunion classes, recognition societies, leadership annual giving, and peer‑to‑peer volunteer programs.

• Build effective working relationships with departments across campus including Admissions/Enrollment, Academic Affairs, MBA Program, STEAM Innovation Center, Business Office, and Student Affairs.
• Engage faculty, senior leaders, and volunteers in fundraising efforts and donor engagement.
• Staff senior leaders, including the president, provost, and deans, in their interactions with major and principal gift donors.

• Offer creative solutions for complex solicitations, including deferred giving strategies.
• Contribute to development of a comprehensive,…