Director of Development

About the role

The Director of Development serves as a senior fundraising professional and major gift officer for Ohio University and designated colleges, units, regional campuses, and/or strategic initiatives. The Director provides leadership for designated projects, programs, or initiatives and is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors capable of making gifts of $25,000 or more.

Through strategic outreach, travel, and personalized engagement, the Director develops and maintains strong relationships with alumni, parents, friends, foundations, corporations, and other key stakeholders to secure vital resources that support Ohio University’s mission, strategic priorities, and long-term growth.

Working collaboratively with academic leadership, advancement colleagues, and campus partners, the Director designs and implements comprehensive fundraising strategies for assigned units, programs, markets, and university-wide initiatives. The position partners closely with Major Giving, Gift Planning, Annual Giving, Corporate and Foundation Relations, and other Advancement teams to align donor interests with institutional priorities and maximize philanthropic impact.

The Director serves as a trusted advisor and fundraising strategist and helps identify, develop, and advance philanthropic opportunities that support both unit-specific needs and broader university priorities, contributing to Ohio University’s overall fundraising success.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, developing and executing individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans to advance donors through the giving cycle.
• Prepare compelling proposals, coordinate engagement strategies, and lead efforts to secure transformational support.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and strategic partner on complex fundraising initiatives, frequently collaborating across the university, influencing decision-making, and representing Advancement with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute significantly to fundraising performance by securing gifts of $25,000 or more.