Director of Development, Spears School of Business

About the Role

The Spears School of Business contributes to the mission of Oklahoma State University by securing philanthropic support through meaningful donor engagement and strategic fundraising partnerships. This role focuses on building long-term philanthropic partnerships that advance the mission and strategic initiatives of OSU and the Spears School of Business by securing major gifts through personalized donor engagement and fundraising strategies.

Responsibilities

• Major Gift Fundraising and Portfolio Management (60%)
  • Solicit and secure major gifts to OSUF, focusing on gifts of $50,000+ with an emphasis on qualifying and disqualifying prospects.
  • Manage a portfolio of 60+ major gift prospects with the capability to give major gifts to OSU Foundation.
  • Conduct a minimum of 150 personal visits with donors and prospective donors annually, focusing on qualifying new major gift prospects.
  • Complete 15+ major gift solicitations annually, closing a minimum of 60% of solicitations at the major gift level of $50,000+.
  • Responsible for an annual production goal of $1M+.
  • Report and track fundraising progress using contact reports, prospect management, and other communication tools to ensure efficient and effective communication.
  • Maintain accurate donor records and uphold data best practices in Ascend.
• Campus Engagement (20%)
  • Serve as a liaison to assigned department heads, center directors, faculty, staff, and campus leadership, collaborating on fundraising initiatives, donor engagement strategies, and program priorities.
  • Provide relevant updates to OSU Foundation team members.
• Donor Engagement and Stewardship (10%)
  • Provide strategic leadership and support for Spears School of Business donor stewardship initiatives and key constituent engagement events.
  • Develop and execute established donor engagement strategies in partnership with OSUF stewardship managers for your portfolio.
• Team and Organizational Contribution (10%)
  • Advance OSU priorities by partnering across colleges, units, and development teams to identify and maximize philanthropic opportunities.
  • Contribute to cross-functional initiatives as needed.
  • Foster a welcoming culture through mentorship and onboarding support for new employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education & Certifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing and communications, nonprofit management, humanities, or related fields required.
• Experience
  • Minimum of 5-7 years in fundraising, development, major gifts, or relevant professional experience required.
  • Experience in a higher education setting preferred.
  • Fundraising and donor management software experience desired.
• Organizational Competencies
  • Effective Communication: Listens well and diffuses conflict before it starts; highly persuasive in communications; presents ideas in a manner that actively engages people; takes action to reduce communication barriers and ensure effective communication across and within the organization; successfully carries out crucial conversations and encourages others to do the same.
  • Execution & Initiative: Holds staff accountable for achieving standards of excellence and results; seeks understanding of donor needs and internal processes; continuously pursues improvement of organizational performance; takes charge in a crisis and makes tough decisions in a timely manner.
  • Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates commitment to employee engagement; builds relationships internally and externally; coaches others while maintaining confidentiality; excels in complex and political environments.
  • Problem Solving/Judgment: Builds team understanding of policies and procedures; identifies opportunities and proactively solves problems; challenges assumptions and bases decisions on data analysis, wisdom, and experience.
  • Adaptability/Flexibility: Partners with colleagues to explore shifting dynamics; communicates change efforts and rationale; leads with confidence during times of change; drives implementation and acceptance of change.
  • Courage & Conviction: Takes responsibility for team outcomes; creates an environment where failure is seen as a learning opportunity; practices ethical decision-making and encourages the same in others.
  • Donor Centered: Ensures team understands the importance of donor-centered service; explains difficult information while focusing on the donor’s perspective and level of knowledge.
• Proven sense of humor and ability to have fun!

Physical Requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via video conferencing.
• Requires frequent repetitive motions when operating computers, telephones, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer, attending meetings, or participating in events.
• Includes traveling locally, regionally, and occasionally nationally for donor visits, meetings, and university events, which may involve walking on campus and navigating varied environments.
• Requires a valid driver's license.
• Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support fundraising events and donor engagement activities.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials weighing up to approximately 20 pounds.