Assistant Director of Development

Assistant Director of Development

Bowling Green State University

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Job Type: Full-Time
Division: V P University Advancement
Opening Date: 12/09/2025
Location: Main Campus (BG), OH
Job Number: BGSU01256
Department: V P University Advancement
Closing:

Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Assistant Director of Development will advance the mission of Bowling Green State University by securing philanthropic gifts of $25,000 or more that are aligned with the University's strategic objectives, programs, and funding initiatives.

This position requires a significant level of self-motivation, goal-orientation, attention to detail, and commitment to identify, establish, and sustain professional relationships with potential major gift donors, alumni, and friends. These relationships will advance the constituent's engagement with the University as a philanthropic supporter. Responsibilities will emphasize development and implementation of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to secure contributions in support of the University's fundraising priorities.

Essential Functions

Fundraising

• Actively manage and engage a portfolio of approx. 120 prospective donors, advancing their relationship with BGSU through the stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gifts of $25,000 or more, with an emphasis on major gift pipeline development.
• Coordinate and lead prospect strategies, using moves management principles and collaborating with other fundraisers and internal stakeholders.
• Work closely with Development leadership to execute a comprehensive short and long-term fundraising plan to advance the fundraising needs of assigned focus area(s). Establish professional relationships with college/unit leaders and faculty, including them in donor strategies and activity, as appropriate.
• Follow an annual individual work plan, created with guidance from Development leadership, to accomplish specific goals that align with Advancement priorities.
• Meet and exceed yearly performance metrics including qualification, visit, solicitation, and dollars raised, as part of the annual work plan.
• Aligned with work plan, travel in-state and to states adjacent to Ohio for multiple trips per month. Overnight national travel for approx. 10 per year for multiple nights.
• Actively participate in University Advancement divisional and other key meetings.

Constituent Engagement

• Engage alumni, volunteers, and friends of the University through strategic personal communication, meetings, and small gatherings.
• Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of the University, its programs, and strategic priorities.
• Host donors and prospects at events that advance cultivation for future philanthropic support, and stewardship. Attend events where donors are present.

Data and Process

• Record visits, emails, and phone calls with prospects and donors, and document and update solicitation proposals in the Advancement database, in a timely manner and in accordance with divisional policies and procedures.
• Follow all established processes and policies as established by University and Advancement leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Development, Assistant Vice President for Development, and Vice President for University Advancement.

Minimum Qualifications

The following Degree is required:

• Bachelor's degree required. Successful candidate must have degree conferred at the time of application.

The following Experience is required:

• 1 year of experience in philanthropy, donor development, fundraising, sales, or related setting

The following Experience is preferred:

• Experience in higher education or nonprofit organization
• Experience cultivating and soliciting gifts of $10,000 or more
• Experience working with donor databases or other CRM's

The following Licensure, Certifications, or Registration is required:
Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and comply with the University's vehicle use policy.

Additional Information

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to promote the university's fundraising priorities by developing professional and strategic relationships with donors, prospects, and other friends of the university.
• Experience using MS Office Suite
• Experience in a fast-paced, multi-faceted, dynamic organization
• Experience in effective communication to develop business relationships
• Solid understanding of donor engagement process
• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to draft proposals, fund agreements, and other documentation in collaboration with supervisor, colleagues, or leadership.
• Ability to think entrepreneurially and strategically regarding the identification and qualification of new prospective donors for the university.
• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and to motivate others, work both independently and as part of a team, and be adaptable to change
• Demonstrated ability to move prospects through the donor cycle from discovery and qualification to cultivation, then to solicitation and stewardship.
• Understanding or willingness to learn industry best practices, CASE guidelines, and BGSU-specific policies, processes, and procedures, with strong attention to detail.
• Willingness to employ all manner of appropriate communication to secure visits with prospective donors. This role will require local, regional, and national travel, with supervisor approval.

Required Documents to Upload to Application: Cover Letter and Resume

Deadline to apply: The search committee will review applications until the position is filled; however, for best consideration, applications should be provided by December 23, 2025.

BGSU does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Bowling Green State University is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. We are committed to ensuring an equal employment opportunity for all applicants and encourage applications from all regardless of sex, race, veteran-status, disability, age, gender identity, genetic information, religion, or sexual orientation. EEOC Know Your Rights Poster:

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Bowling Green State University, please call 419-372-8421 or email [email protected] .

BGSU is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. A list of acceptable documents can be seen here:

To apply, please visit

jeid-1aed442ffbedf644a533c9fc87815d33