Executive Director, Principal Prospects Strategy

Executive Director, Principal Prospects Strategy

The Executive Director, Principal Prospects Strategy reporting to the AVP of Development will serve as chief strategist and pipeline manager for principal giving and will develop and implement a sophisticated and programmatic approach to principal giving at Ohio. The Executive Director, Principal Prospects Strategy is responsible for working with some of the university's highest rated prospects and donors. This position will be responsible for securing and stewarding restricted and unrestricted gifts from individuals and families believed capable of making $1 million and above gifts in support of Ohio University's institutional priorities and to work with university leadership to further develop prospect relationships with Ohio University. This individual will create connections and support the development of new and established relationships with top-tier prospects/donors. The incumbent will synthesize research and information to present persuasive rationale for cultivation/solicitation strategies; and oversee proposal preparation, projects, and programs for securing principal gifts throughout the Advancement enterprise. This position will be responsible for:

• Managing a portfolio of high potential individual prospects through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship cycles.
• Forging relationships with a diverse population that will lead to seven-figure gift solicitations and secured gifts.
• Creating and implementing thoughtful, multi-step plans that deepen relationships with principal level prospects and donors for the next comprehensive campaign.
• Traveling to visit prospects is necessary, and often in tandem with the University President, Vice President for Advancement, other Advancement/University Leadership as needed.
• Acting as fundraising advisor to Ohio University stakeholders (University leadership, faculty and staff, Advancement staff, board members, and key volunteers) as defined by the supervisor to create alignment and consensus among key those stakeholders regarding solicitation strategies

Position Profile - Identifies sources of funding. Directs the management of individual giving programs, trusts, estates, gift planning, corporate and foundation relations, prospect research and donor relations and stewardship. Cultivates relationships with alumni, donors, foundations, and corporations to support the University's mission. Ensures the University has the resources necessary for growth and engages the community to advance its long-term goals.

Level Summary - Regularly serves as a technical leader, expert, or program manager for complex functions or initiatives that require deep subject-matter knowledge. Significantly impacts the department by directly contributing to its performance and success.

Supervisory Responsibilities - Provides leadership to projects or initiatives. May have a limited number of direct reports.

Fiscal Responsibilities - May be responsible for budget for projects or initiatives.

Problem Solving - Leads problem-solving efforts across various challenges.

Independence of Action - Operates with high autonomy and is trusted to make decisions.

Communication and Collaboration - Frequently collaborates cross-functionally and represents the team in meetings with internal and external stakeholders. Influences decision-making.

Physical Requirements - This role is primarily desk-based and involves extensive use of desktop computers. Occasionally, the job may require travel to attend meetings and programs.

Minimum Qualifications - Requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 8 or more years of related professional experience, or equivalent education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications - Minimum of 8 years of experience in higher education advancement, development, or fundraising. Demonstrated experience working with higher education leadership to meet fundraising goals. Demonstrated ability and willingness to travel as needed.

Pay Rate - Target hiring range for this role is $95,101 to $128,385 and the final offer will be commensurate with the candidate's education and experience in relation to the minimum qualifications for the position.

Pay Grade - 21

Pay Range - $95,101.00-$163,086.00

FLSA Status - Exempt

Job Category - Administrative at-will appointment

Employment Type - full-time regular

Job Family - Development & Inst. Advancement

Job Sub Family - Development

Job Level - IC4

Job Open Date - 05/26/2026

Posting End Date - 06/10/2026

Planning Unit - Vice President for University Advancement

Work Schedule - Standard working hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00A – 5:00P, May be based in either the Dublin or Athens office, with the expectation of being on the Athens campus on a regular basis and as needed and as requested by the supervisor.

Months - 12 month

Campus - Athens, Dublin

Expected hours worked per week - 40.0

Expected duration of assignment - indefinite

Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position. - Bo Richardson, View email address on click.appcast.io View phone number on click.appcast.io

Non-Discrimination Statement - Ohio university is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio university is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.

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