Description

The Senior Director of Development, Major Giving serves as the lead major gifts officer for assigned colleges or units at Ohio University, working within University Advancement to build and manage a robust portfolio of prospective major donors. This role is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting individual, corporate, and foundation prospects; developing strategic development plans; coordinating donor stewardship efforts; and collaborating with internal teams such as Gift Planning, Annual Giving, and Corporate and Foundation Relations. The Senior Director also manages development travel, organizes key events, and fosters alumni engagement to advance unit-specific and university-wide philanthropic goals.

In addition to direct fundraising, the Senior Director acts as a strategic advisor and liaison between academic/unit leadership and potential supporters. This includes aligning development priorities with university and unit strategic plans, coordinating proposal development and cultivation activities, and overseeing relationships with faculty, staff, and external relations personnel. The role emphasizes collaboration, strategic planning, and proactive engagement to build sustainable donor pipelines and secure significant financial commitments in support of Ohio University’s mission.

Requirements

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 10 or more years of related professional experience, or equivalent education and experience.