Common Ground Foundation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VISION: Transform the university through the power of generosity. 
MISSION: Unite donor passions with university priorities to elevate the impact of Oklahoma State University. 
DEPARTMENT PURPOSE: To secure philanthropic support for Oklahoma State University through meaningful donor engagement and strategic fundraising partnerships with the Spears School of Business. 

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Build long-term philanthropic partnerships that advance the mission and strategic initiatives of OSU and the Spears School of Business by securing major gifts through personalized donor engagement and fundraising strategies. 

KEY AREAS OF FOCUS:  

• Major Gift Fundraising and Portfolio Management (60%) 
• Solicit and secure major gifts to OSUF with a focus on gifts of $50,000+ with a particular focus on qualifying and disqualifying prospects 
• Manage a portfolio of 60+ major gift prospects with giving capability for major gifts to OSU Foundation 
• Conduct a minimum of 150 personal visits with donors and prospective donors annually, with a focus on qualifying new major gift prospects. 
• Complete 10+ major gift solicitations annually (closing a minimum of 60% of solicitations at major gift level of $50,000+) 
• Responsible for annual production goal of $750K+ 
• Report and track fundraising progress through the use of contact reports, prospect management and other communication tools to ensure efficient and effective communication.Maintain accurate donor records and uphold data best practices in ascend
  
• Campus Engagement (20%) 
• Assume liaison responsibilities with assigned college department heads, center directors, key campus leadership to provide relevant program updates to OSUF team members 
• Collaborate with campus partners and program leaders to engage donors 
• As appropriate, assist with onboarding of new academic leaders
  

• Donor Engagement and Stewardship (10%)  

• Provide strategic assistance and leadership for Spears School of Business specific donor stewardship or key engagement events 
• Develop and execute established donor engagement strategies in partnership with SSB Constituent Relations Associate
  

• Team and Organizational Contribution (10%) 
• As appropriate, participate as a member of an OSUF Agile Team for top priorities 
• Collaborate effectively with other colleges and units to increase donor support 

Other duties as assigned. 

JOB COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Education & Certifications- 
•  Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required. Master's degree preferred.
  
• Experience-
• 4-5 years in major gifts or related experience required. Experience in a higher education setting preferred.
  

• Organizational Competencies-   
• Effective Communication: Proactively ensures effective communication throughout the organization; makes relevant contributions to discussions and meetings, giving clear and concise explanations and sticking to the point; chooses language and communication method to suit the audience, reframes and articulates to help others understand; asks questions to check understanding when disseminating information. 
• Execution & Initiative: Motivates self and others to achieve the best results, displaying energy, drive and a desire to succeed; enlists the support of others as necessary to overcome resistance; supervises cross-functional project team execution on tasks to meet stated objectives; helps other employees’ gain the skills and experience they need to contribute; proactively outlines milestones, outcomes and deliverables and effectively communicates them to internal and external stakeholders. 
• Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills: Develops and nurtures formal & informal relationships with a wide circle of people beyond those involved in current activities, including potential donors, stakeholders, and information links; encourages collaboration among colleagues, departments and entire organization to achieve results; compromises, handles conflicts, seeks common ground, articulates own and others goals; stays focused on positive win-win outcomes; seeks input on how to leverage existing processes to improve the donor experience; translates ideas into action. 
• Problem Solving/Judgment: Gains understanding of how to apply approved policies and procedures; when and why escalation of issues is needed and to whom and communicates decisions and desired outcomes to others; anticipates the outcome of a single decision; recognizes problems in advance, systematically gathers information to define the root cause, breaks down complex information into component parts, develops alternatives, seeks input from others, selects and recommends the best solution. 
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Embraces complex or first-time problems as opportunities to learn and incorporate new skills; flexes style based on immediate needs; accepts responsibility for implementing change; evaluates and manages resources needed to implement change; personally supports (in words and actions) organizational direction and change agenda. 
• Courage & Conviction: Takes responsibility for individual & project outcomes regardless of success and learns from all results; encourages candid responses, feedback, new ideas and conflicting opinions. 
• Donor Centered: Takes time to actively learn about the stated needs by asking questions, exploring how to unite the donors and university’s passions and priorities; anticipates customer needs and proactively makes recommendations. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must use a computer terminal and view a computer screen for extended periods of time.  Must talk in person or by phone (frequently and sometimes for extended periods) to people on campus and across the country.  Must constantly use visual acuity to check printed and designed materials of various types.  Must be able to navigate within the OSU Foundation. Typical office working conditions.