Donor Experience Senior Consultant

Department:

Advancement | Development Donor Experience

Position Overview

Reporting to the Director, the senior consultant develops and implements strategies to ensure donors are acknowledged, recognized, and shown the impact of their gifts. The senior consultant oversees central stewardship programs and collaborates across Advancement to ensure donors have positive experiences that build loyalty, engagement and support for Ohio State. With a particular focus on strengthening relationships with donors contributing major gifts, the senior consultant strategically and proactively collaborates with partners in colleges and units. The senior consultant also defines and implements individualized stewardship plans to deepen relationships with specific donors and provides exemplary service to donors and internal constituents.

Reporting to Advancement’s Director of Donor Experience, this position currently supervises two Donor Experience professionals focused on developing, executing and evaluating donor relations programs and projects to help ensure that those who contribute to the university feel appreciated and aware of the impact of their gifts. A hybrid work schedule (determined in conjunction with the AVP) is available and encouraged.

Excellent written and verbal skills, strong operational and organizational skills, exceptional interpersonal and managerial skills, and the ability to interact with diverse internal and external constituents at all levels are a must. Exceptional customer service skills are a must have, including the ability to think critically and independently solving complex problems. All of this in an environment that demands discretion and diplomacy.

All members of Advancement are part of creating an inclusive culture that inspires an exceptionally diverse and talented team and are measured on their adherence to the following core competencies: Leadership, Continuous Improvement, teamwork and Collaboration, and Communication/Interpersonal Effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities

50% – With a particular focus on strengthening relationships with donors contributing major gifts, the senior consultant oversees and implements university-wide stewardship guidelines, programs, and events to express appreciation and show the impact of philanthropic support. Proactively partners with colleagues in the colleges and units to share best practices, identify opportunities for collaboration or shared resources, ensure efforts are aligned with university guidelines, and deliver consistent experiences to donors. Advises and consults on a range of donor relations and stewardship matters. Coordinates with various members of the university community to involve them in implementing stewardship activity. Prepares budgets and monitors expenses for specific stewardship initiatives or events. Evaluates and continuously improves programs and experiences. Tracks data and prepares summaries of stewardship activity and accomplishments.

20% – Responsible for defining, implementing, and monitoring individualized plans to provide personalized stewardship and deepen relationships with specific donors; facilitates strategy sessions and consults and collaborates with partners in central services and colleges/units about stewardship for individual donors. Provides excellent donor relationship services as a primary contact for donors and internal partners.

20% – Supervises staff; establishes and monitors goals, provides performance feedback and coaching, and supports professional development; completes annual performance management procedures; manages performance issues; is responsible for using independent, consistent and fair judgement in exercising authority; develops procedures, assigns and prioritizes work, and ensures that the resources needed to accomplish work are provided.

10% – Researches and responds to donor relations matters, exercises discretion and independent judgment to resolve complex issues. Leads, manages or participates in other projects and events as assigned

Performance Objectives

First month

• Become familiar with the overall structure, resources, and processes of university development.
• Develop an understanding of Donor Experience priorities for Ohio State.
• Build relationships with college, unit, and central advancement partners including Donor Experience, Advancement Communications, and Donor Loyalty.

First 2-3 months

• Begin to actively lead projects influencing the donor experience at Ohio State.
• Deepen relationships with college, unit and central advancement partners.
• Recommend professional development opportunities and focuses for the donor experience community.
• With support, plan and implement a donor experience community event.

First 12 months

• Lead and develop projects influencing the donor experience at Ohio State.
• Lead professional development opportunities and establish priorities for the donor experience community.
• Participate in professional development to continue learning best practices and strategies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Six (6) years of relevant experience.
• Able to work a flexible schedule to include occasional evenings, weekends and travel.

Desired Qualifications (We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly)

• Master’s degree.
• Eight (8) years  of relevant experience.
• Experience in donor relations or similar field.
• Experience in higher education advancement, particularly donor relations or stewardship.
• Demonstrated success in building partnerships in a complex environment.
• Experience in planning and managing programs and building relationships.

The Office of Advancement is committed to providing tools and resources for you to learn our business, proprietary databases, university-specific processes, and advancement practices.

To learn more and apply, please visit: https://osujoblinks.com/cg07

Commitment to Inclusion

The Office of Advancement is committed to active allyship in addressing and dismantling the inequities created by systemic racism and implicit, long-held bias. We pledge to act with kindness, respect, and integrity at all times; trust ourselves and our colleagues and empower their whole identities; and hear and see our colleagues’ ideas, voices, and perspectives, acknowledging that we are better together.

You Need to Know

Aside from the unparalleled benefits of working for The Ohio State University and working in the diverse, smart, enjoyable, and growing city of Columbus, Ohio, this opportunity will provide exceptional rewards that arise from working for an institution doing worldwide life-changing teaching and research. Learn more here:  https://hr.osu.edu/careers/.

The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, protected veteran status, or any other basis under the law.