Development Officer

Position: Development Officer

Status: Full time, permanent

Location: Ohio History Connection (Columbus, OH)

Salary: $55,000 - 65,000 per year

Benefits: Full Benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance, paid time off and holiday, public retirement pension

As a key member of the team, the Development Officer - World Heritage Program develops, cultivates, and solicits specifically for Ohio History Connection's World Heritage program. In September 2023, the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks (www.hopewellearthworks.org) in Ohio were inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list after many years of continuous work. This position reports directly to the Chief Development Officer and works with the Executive Team, Historic Sites Team, Board of Trustees and staff to define and realize the program's direction and philanthropic direction. This position also works with the entire Development Division who jointly pursue teamwork and the sharing of authority and responsibility

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages a personal portfolio of individual donors and prospects, as well as actively builds the major donor pipeline for the World Heritage program. This is achieved through personal visits and correspondence. Travel within Ohio and beyond is required.
• Works with prospective donors to determine interests that align with the World Heritage program priorities - soliciting and closing outright and planned gifts. Focus is on programming, unrestricted support, research and capital projects.
• Initiate, schedule and support donor meetings involving the CEO, CDO, and others based on donor relationships and purpose of solicitation.
• Move major gift prospects, including corporations, foundations, and organizations, through a donor pipeline, continually tracking "touches/actions" in fundraising database and collaborating with other departments.
• Creates and implements personalized cultivation/stewardship plans in order to increase engagement with the program, move donors up the giving ladder, and maximize donor retention.
• Develops a recognition program celebrating donors to the program.
• Manage volunteer World Heritage fundraising group and sets their strategy and tactics. Also acts as a liaison to other stakeholder groups, specifically in Licking, Ross, and Warren counties.
• Collaborates with Marketing Division to create fundraising collateral, including a case for support.
• Becomes immersed in the key strategies and initiatives of the Ohio History Connection's World Heritage program in order to best represent the program and organization to current and future philanthropic supporters.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree with three to five years development experience, with minimum of two years successful experience in fundraising is ideal. Must have superior interpersonal skills with the ability to develop deep, valued relationships.

Required Competencies:

• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills are essential, particularly the ability to work diplomatically and effectively with colleagues, volunteers and donors.
• Ability to set, track and analyze metrics.
• Familiarity with fundraising databases; prior use of Blackbaud Raiser's Edge or Altru is a plus. Proficiency with personal computer and Microsoft Office particularly Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word required. Aptitude, willingness and commitment to continue to learn.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills are required; ability to exercise initiative and sound independent judgement; ability to apply information, policies, procedures to everyday situations.

Application Instructions

Submit Resume/CV and professional cover letter through Ohio History Connection careers website: https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/ohiohistory/jobs. For questions or accommodations requests, please email applicant@ohiohistory.org or call 614-297-2500.

Ohio History Connection is an equal opportunity employer.

All prospective employees are required to undergo a fingerprint background check processed by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation & Identification (BCI) in accordance with the Volunteer Children's Act. Additionally, prospective employees will also submit to a drug test. Both will occur after the offer of employment is accepted. The results of the background check and drug test are not immediate disqualifiers to employment and are reviewed in accordance with Ohio History Connection policies and procedures. Inquiries must be directed to the Human Resources Director at 614-297-2390 or via email at applicant@ohiohistory.org.