Director of Development, College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology

Director of Development, College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology

Job Category: College of Engineering, Architecture and Tech

Requisition Number: DIREC

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• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

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Vision, Mission, & Purpose

VISION: Transform the university through the power of generosity.

MISSION: Unite donor passions with university priorities to elevate the impact of Oklahoma State University.

DEPARTMENT PURPOSE: The College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology contributes to the mission to secure philanthropic support for Oklahoma State University through meaningful donor engagement and strategic fundraising partnerships.

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Build long‑term philanthropic partnerships that advance the mission and strategic initiatives of the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology and other OSU colleges and initiatives by securing major gifts through personalized donor engagement, fundraising, and stewardship strategies.

Key Areas of Focus

• Major Gift Fundraising and Portfolio Management (60%)
  
  • Solicit and secure major gifts to OSU Foundation with a focus on gifts of $50,000+ and on qualifying and disqualifying prospects.
  • Manage a portfolio of 60+ major‑gift prospects with giving capability for major gifts to OSU Foundation.
  • Conduct a minimum of 150 personal visits with donors and prospective donors annually, with a focus on qualifying new major‑gift prospects.
  • Complete 15+ major‑gift solicitations annually, closing a minimum of 60% of solicitations at a major‑gift level of $50,000+.
  • Responsible for annual production goal of $1M+.
  • Report and track fundraising progress through the use of 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%)
  
  • Assume liaison responsibilities with assigned college department heads, center directors, and key campus leadership to provide relevant program updates to OSU Foundation team members.
  • Collaborate with campus partners and program leaders to engage donors.
  • Assist with onboarding of new academic leaders as appropriate.
• Donor Engagement and Stewardship (10%)
  
  • Provide strategic assistance and leadership for the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology in donor stewardship and key engagement events.
  • Develop and execute established donor engagement strategies in partnership with College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology team members.
• Team and Organizational Contribution (10%)
  
  • Humble: A habit of sharing successes, putting the team first, and working for the good of the team. Observe and employ the Golden Rule.
  • Hungry: Exhibit a strong work ethic, drive, and willingness to take initiative.
  • People Smart: The virtue of being interpersonally smart about interactions and relationships with those you encounter. Participate and contribute to internal team and campus team meetings.
  • Positive Attitude: Exhibit by focusing on opportunities, not problems, and consistently incorporating a growth mindset.
  • Sense of Urgency: How we act and respond.

Job Competencies and Experience

• Minimum of 5–7 years in fundraising, development, major gifts, or relevant professional experience.
• Experience in a higher education setting preferred.
• Fundraising and donor‑management software experience desirable.
• Proven sense of humor and ability to have fun.
• Effective Communication: Listens well and diffuses conflict before it starts; highly persuasive in communications; presents ideas in a manner that actively engages people; reduces communication barriers and ensures arrangements for effective communication across and within the organization; carries out crucial conversations and coaches others to resolve conflict.
• Execution & Initiative: Holds staff accountable for standards of excellence and results; seeks understanding of donor needs and internal processes; pursues improvement of organizational performance by enhancing business processes, systems, teams, facilities, or equipment; takes charge in a crisis and manages complex situations timely.
• Teamwork / Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates commitment to employee engagement; leverages programs and tools to build business plans and monitor progress; uses recognition programs to celebrate success; creates cross‑functional teams; retains employees by building trust and developing skills; builds relationships internally and externally; coaches others while maintaining confidentiality; excels in complex, political environments.
• Problem Solving & Judgment: Applies approved policies and procedures to ensure compliance; identifies opportunities across multiple lines of business; solves problems and implements solutions; challenges assumptions and bases decisions on data analysis and experience.
• Adaptability / Flexibility: Partners with colleagues to explore implications of shifting dynamics; communicates to engage team members and partners in change efforts; leads with confidence during times of change; drives implementation and acceptance of change with innovative solutions.
• Courage & Conviction: Takes responsibility for outcomes; creates learning from failures; practices ethical decision making and encourages others; holds others accountable for actions and decisions.
• Donor Centered: Ensures team understands donor‑centered service in accordance with OSU standards; explains difficult information while focusing on the donor’s perspective and knowledge level.

Physical Requirements

• None specified.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.