Senior Director of Philanthropy

Otterbein University is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Director of Philanthropy to drive fundraising success and advance the University’s mission through impactful philanthropic engagement. This position is responsible for developing and executing fundraising strategies that engage alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and other key stakeholders. In close collaboration with the Executive Director of Philanthropy & Planned Giving and the Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, the Senior Director provides input into the institution’s overall fundraising strategy while leading efforts to secure transformational gifts aligned with institutional priorities. This role plays a critical leadership function in building a culture of philanthropy and strengthening the University’s development programs. This is a full-time, exempt position working 40hours per week, 12 months per year. Strategic Philanthropy & Institutional Engagement Assist in enhancing the University’s image and visibility by communicating a strong and consistent message to key constituencies. Strengthen internal and external partnerships to benefit Otterbein and participate in campaign and giving initiatives. Collaborate with the Executive Director and Vice President to contribute to institutional fundraising strategy and priority-setting. Represent the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement and serve as a key leader within the division. Portfolio Management & Major Gifts Manage a portfolio of 75–100 principal and major gift prospects through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Solicit major gifts of $50,000 or more, with an emphasis on six‑and‑seven‑figure gifts to support endowment, capital, or program needs. Proactively identify opportunities to generate new proposals based on donor interests and institutional priorities. Write proposals for assigned prospects and assist with the preparation of other proposals. Monitor and report on donor engagement activity and fundraising progress. Donor Strategy & Collaboration Work closely with campus leaders to develop donor strategies focused on securing major and principal gifts. Participate in strategy sessions, prospect identification, qualification, and rating processes. Assess and manage the major gift prospect pool and tracking procedures. Assist in directing the planned giving program, including promotion of planned giving opportunities. Develop deep knowledge of the University’s mission, academic programs, and fundraising priorities to effectively engage donors. Leadership, Mentorship & Team Development Provide leadership and mentoring to colleagues across the philanthropy division related to fundraising best practices. Support supervision and development of the Philanthropic Associate in partnership with the Executive Director. Foster a collaborative, high‑performing team culture with clear goals and accountability measures. Donor Relations & Engagement Activities Support relationships with the Board of Trustees and key individual donors, including providing input on board service. Travel to meet with prospects and donors, including coordinating campus visits and engagement opportunities. Collaborate on preparation of proposals, talking points, briefings, and donor stewardship materials. Document all substantive donor interactions in the database. Lead and manage giving opportunities associated with special initiatives such as reunion classes, recognition societies, leadership annual giving, and peer‑to‑peer volunteer programs. Campus Collaboration & Representation Build effective working relationships with departments across campus including Admissions/Enrollment, Academic Affairs, MBA Program, STEAM Innovation Center, Business Office, and Student Affairs. Engage faculty, senior leaders, and volunteers in fundraising efforts and donor engagement. Staff senior leaders, including the president, provost, and deans, in their interactions with major and principal gift donors. Innovation & Continuous Improvement Offer creative solutions for complex solicitations, including deferred giving strategies. Contribute to development of a comprehensive, campus‑wide donor relations plan and cultivation strategies. Ensure accurate documentation of donor engagement and maintain strong data practices. Must project a positive image and contribute to a collaborative, engaging work environment. Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Philanthropy & Planned Giving. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Provide mentorship and leadership to assigned professional and administrative staff across functional areas. May supervise the Philanthropic Associate in partnership with the Executive Director. Responsibilities include setting clear goals, implementing best practices, and fostering accountability and staff development. Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. At least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in development with a proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gifts. Experience engaging individuals to secure significant financial commitments. Additional experience in volunteer management and comprehensive donor relations preferred. Skills & Competencies Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding six‑ and seven‑figure gifts. Strong understanding of fundraising best practices and campaign strategy. Ability to motivate colleagues and foster a collaborative team culture. Deep understanding of the philanthropic process and donor behavior. Knowledge of planned giving, financial, and estate planning concepts. Ability to articulate institutional priorities and inspire donor support. Experience supporting complex donor cultivation, recognition, and engagement strategies. High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity, with the ability to manage confidential information. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across all levels of an organization. Ability to manage multiple complex fundraising activities simultaneously with attention to detail. Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Certifications & Licenses Valid driver’s license required. Communication Skills Professional‑level oral and written communication skills. Ability to effectively interact with diverse internal and external audiences. Experience presenting in both small and large group settings. Technical & Analytical Skills Competency in general math. Proficiency with general office equipment and customer relationship management systems. Willingness and ability to learn and apply new technologies. Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities. Reasoning Ability Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment in complex or new situations. Ability to adapt in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment. Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills. PHYSICAL DEMANDS This role requires frequent sitting, talking, hearing, reaching, and repetitive hand movements. Occasional standing, walking, stooping, and bending are required. The position requires regular and predictable attendance and the ability to travel both in‑state and out‑of‑state using various modes of transportation, including commercial airlines. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed primarily in an environmentally controlled office setting. Occasional travel, as well as evening and weekend work, is expected. At Otterbein, our comprehensive benefits package helps you thrive both professionally and personally, offering: tuition benefits for you, your spouse or domestic partner, and your dependents Four weeks of paid vacation to relax, recharge, and explore 10 days of paid sick time to prioritize your health 12 paid holidays plus bonus days throughout the year medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family Life insurance for added peace of mind A defined contribution retirement plan to help you plan for the future Wellness initiatives And even more ways Otterbein supports your success. This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty. Otterbein University’s achievement of academic excellence depends on its commitment to inclusion and belonging. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Otterbein University is an EEO Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr