The Organization
Ohio State, ranked 16th among the nation’s public universities by US News & World Report, is known for its comprehensive scale, disciplinary breadth, distinction in research and teaching and service to society, in keeping with its land grant roots. With 7,000 faculty and 25,000 administrative and professional staff, Ohio State serves over 66,000 undergraduate and graduate students. With 15 academic colleges and a wealth of disciplines, Ohio State University has astonishing intellectual range. The Ohio State University boasts 570,000 living alumni; its endowment now exceeds $3.5 billion. Annual research expenditures are approximately $850 million.
Position Overview
The Ohio State University seeks an experienced, strategic and collaborative fundraising leader to serve as its next chief development and alumni relations officer for the College of Arts and Sciences.
Coinciding with the celebration of the university’s 150th birthday in 2020, The Ohio State University recently launched the public phase of Time and Change: The Ohio State Campaign, the most ambitious, inclusive community-building and fundraising endeavor in the university’s 150 years of making history. The campaign strives to engage 1 million supporters, an unprecedented level in higher education. Time and Change has a financial goal of $4.5 billion – also the largest in Ohio State’s history – with three core areas of focus: student success; discovery; and healthy, vibrant communities.
The CDARO serves as the head fundraiser for the college, leading all development, alumni relations and donor experience activities. The CDARO will formulate and implement a unit strategic plan, including appropriate staffing levels and overall operational goals to complement the strategic plans of the college and the university. The position leads a team of approximately 25 fundraising, stewardship and alumni engagement professionals within the college. The CDARO will be charged with growing the college’s annual level of fund raising – with a $55 million goal in FY20 – to help fulfill strategic needs and goals of the college. The CDARO reports both to the assistant vice president of development and the vice provost for the arts and sciences and executive dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in contemporary development and alumni best practices in a complex environment characterized by collaboration with a broad array of academic disciplines and stakeholders. At least ten years of fundraising and alumni relations experience is required, as is five years of management experience, preferably within the context of higher education. Additionally, experience overseeing other advancement functions such as alumni relations, donor relations, stewardship and communications is also preferred.
All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
How To Apply
Application materials, nominations and inquiries should be directed to Suzanne Teer and Andrew Bowen at OhioStateCDARO@wittkieffer.com. A detailed leadership profile is available at www.wittkieffer.com.
The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status.