Director of Foundation Relations
Oregon State University Foundation
Corvallis, Oregon
The Opportunity
The Oregon State University Foundation (OSUF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the mission of Oregon State University (OSU). As OSU aspires to become even more instrumental to the well-being of Oregon and the nation by offering cutting- edge research and more scientific programs, the Foundation aspires to develop into one of the premier public University fundraising programs. As such, it seeks to capitalize on past successes, an engaged and committed alumni body and the talents and experiences of its senior leadership. The Presidents and Vice Presidents of the University and the Foundation are fostering an environment of innovation and excitement and are attracting the top talent university-wide.
The Foundation is now seeking an experienced fundraiser for the position of Director of Foundation Relations. The Director of Foundation Relations is responsible for developing a comprehensive Foundation Relations program to build a broad base of philanthropic support from local, regional, and national foundations for the priorities of Oregon State University. The following pages will inform prospective applicants about the position, the mission and strengths of the University, the nature of the fundraising program and an overview of the current campaign.
Director of Foundation Relations
Reporting to the Vice President for Central Development Programs and Associate Campaign Director, the Director of Foundation Relations is responsible for providing exceptional cultivation and stewardship of donors and private foundation grants received by the OSU Foundation and the OSU research office. This is a front-line fundraising position dedicated to significantly increasing private support for the University. This position is necessary as OSU looks to target both local and national foundations more aggressively.
Specifically, the Director will:
> Design and implement a comprehensive strategy for the University for foundation support of institutional and academic priorities;
> Manage a portfolio of state, regional and national foundation prospects; research, identify, evaluate, cultivate and solicit foundations and corporate foundation prospects; manage and coordinate travel and correspondence with foundation staff and program officers, site visits or phone calls as appropriate; coordinate the involvement of faculty, staff, and development directors;
> Develop funding ideas, write proposals and concept papers, and maintain reporting requirements on current awards; identify opportunities and prepare requests for external funding from foundation sources;
> Develop, edit and present proposals, correspondence, stewardship reports, strategy statements and briefing materials for meetings and solicitations; plan and schedule visits by faculty and administrative officers as appropriate;
> Initiate and conduct research on prospective donors and funding searches for priority projects, and initiate contact with foundations;
> Work closely with administrative and academic leadership to help faculty identify opportunities and prepare requests for external funding from private sources; provide support to faculty and administrative staff regarding funding opportunities from private sources, providing assistance with individual projects as well as planning and presenting workshops;
> Design and implement a stewardship program and activities to recognize foundation support to the University, thereby creating opportunities for continuous involvement;
> Develop and implement strategies to ensure proper cultivation and solicitation of prospects for priority areas of the University;
> Maintain electronic and paper records on contacts with foundation prospects and donors;
> Exercise supervisory responsibilities over assigned staff; make appropriate hiring decisions, establish work plans and accountabilities, ensure required training is received, conduct performance evaluations, effectively manage behavioral and conduct issues; and
> Perform other duties as assigned.
The Director of Foundation Relations will have the privilege and opportunity to develop, lead, and grow the Foundation's fundraising program in this area. He or she will join a dedicated and experienced advancement team working for the long-term benefit of OSU with the potential to have a significant impact on the state of Oregon and world-wide.
Oregon State University
OSU started as an academy incorporated as Corvallis College in 1858 just prior to being provided Land Grant status in the late 1860s. The second Morrill Act of 1890 and the Smith-Lever Act of 1914 further provided for the teaching function of the institution and for programs of research and extension. Today, as Oregon's land grant institution, Oregon State University has crafted a mission for the 21st century that puts the needs of Oregon and the nation first and foremost. Oregon State is also one of only two universities in the United States with land, sea, space and sun grant designations, and accordingly, was selected by the federal government to be a nexus of teaching and research that benefits the country and the world. At the same time, OSU has become even more instrumental to the well-being of Oregon itself. As higher education, breakthrough ideas, and new knowledge become increasingly important to our economy and society, OSU has provided the accessible education and practical research that Oregonians and Oregon businesses need to thrive in changing times.
Oregon State University is a comprehensive public research university and a member of the Oregon University System. The University has programs and faculty located in every county of the state. OSU views the state of Oregon as its campus, and works in partnership with Oregon community colleges and other OSU institutions to provide access to educational programs. Departmental strengths include forestry, sciences including nanotechnology, oceanography/tsunami research, engineering, marine biology, agricultural sciences, and nutrition (the famed Linus Pauling Institute). OSU's sports teams compete in the PAC 10. Recent large scale construction projects funded by donations include a new football stadium which seats 43,000, a $20 million engineering center, a renovation of Valley Library and Weatherford Hall, and a brand new state-of-the-art home for the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Mission and Goals of OSU
Oregon State University aspires to stimulate a lasting attitude of inquiry, openness and social responsibility. To meet these aspirations, the University is committed to providing excellent academic programs, educational experiences and creative scholarship.
OSU's strategic plan outlines its goals, including its aspiration to become one of the top 10 land grant universities in the United States. Three strategic objectives guide Oregon State University in meeting its mission:
(1) Statewide Campus. Oregon State University has a historic and unique role in Oregon. As a land-grant university, its heritage is articulated in the statement "the state of Oregon is the campus of Oregon State University." OSU emphasizes the importance of extending the University into every community in Oregon. The University will provide learning opportunities for Oregonians, and will create and apply knowledge that contributes to the prosperity of the state and its quality of life.
(2) Compelling Learning Experience. Oregon State University is committed to creating an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity, academic freedom, diversity, and personal empowerment. This compelling learning experience celebrates knowledge, encourages personal growth and awareness, acknowledges the benefits of diverse experiences, world views, learning styles, and values, and engenders personal and societal values that benefit the individual and society. OSU will develop curricula based on sound disciplinary knowledge and input from practitioners. Students will acquire skills and knowledge for a lifetime of learning, and will be involved in scholarly and creative pursuits.
(3) Top-Tier University. Oregon State University aspires to be a top-tier university. It is a Carnegie Doctoral/Research-Extensive University, a sea-grant institution and space-grant program, in addition to being a land-grant institution. OSU will measure its success by the caliber of entering students, the accomplishments of students and alumni, the quality of the faculty, the quality of instructional and research facilities, the effectiveness and productivity of engagement with businesses and constituents, and the support for research and scholarship.
Outstanding programs, people, and location make Oregon State an exciting and vibrant university - one that is internationally renowned. OSU's student body is comprised of over 19,000 students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. The average high school GPA of entering students is 3.46 and the Honors College currently houses 469 students.
For more information on OSU and the strategic plan, see www.oregonstate.edu.
Oregon State University Foundation
The OSU Foundation is the non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing Oregon State University. The Foundation achieves this mission by raising and managing private gifts that transform OSU's programs beyond what is possible through the state-funded higher education budget. While public funds and tuition maintain the University, private gifts provide an additional margin of excellence through donor-funded scholarships, professorships, program and endowments and other opportunities that provide depth and richness to the OSU experience.
Legally independent from the University, the Foundation is led by a Board of Trustees. It enjoys the involvement and commitment of forty-eight volunteers who assist in development activities. As of FY 08, the Foundation has 124 positions, with over 100 staff in Corvallis and others in offices in Portland and Bend, Oregon. Over the next three years, the Foundation plans to add several assistant and associate level positions in constituent and central development, which will provide the resources necessary to increase fundraising levels and accomplish campaign goals. At the close of FY07, the Foundation had total assets of more than $570 million and the composite endowment was valued at more than $430 million. The Foundation raised $76.9M in FY07, one of the best years in its history. The Foundation's primary office complex in Corvallis is a contemporary structure just blocks from the main campus and its buildings and activities.
The Foundation is committed to bringing the most talented professionals to Oregon to work for the benefit of Oregon State University and participate in the University's first comprehensive campaign. It needs successful strategic planners, fundraisers, development services professionals and managers to help ensure its success in this exciting endeavor. The Foundation management seeks a Director of Foundation Relations who is eager to be part of its entrepreneurial team and who views a challenge as an opportunity to build something great.
For more information on the Foundation, go to www.osufoundation.org.
The Campaign
Oregon State University officially launched "The Campaign for OSU," a $625-million fundraising effort and the university's first ever comprehensive capital campaign, in October 2007. As part of the event, OSU President Ed Ray also announced $77 million in private and public commitments toward a major campaign initiative: the Linus Pauling Science Center and its associated research and education programs.
Beginning with a planning phase in 2004, the campaign has already received strong support, including $52 million toward a $100 million goal for scholarships and fellowships. More than 62 donors have given gifts of $1 million or more to the campaign to date. Participation has been broad, with more than 400 donors contributing $100,000 or more; 45 percent of these donors live outside of the state. Of the dollars raised, 25-35% will go toward the University's endowment, 15-25% toward facilities and the remaining toward current use. Campaign priorities were established based on the goals of the University's strategic plan, the needs of the different colleges and programs and in collaboration and consultation with University leadership. As of this writing, the campaign has achieved $386.1 million toward its $625 million goal.
Alumni Base and Notable Alumni
Oregon State has over 148,000 living alumni. Feasibility studies have indicated that there are 13,000 alumni prospects with the capacity to give $25,000. Approximately 4,000 alumni live in the wealthiest zip codes in the country, and nearly 40,000 OSU alumni live in the greater Portland metropolitan area. The University enjoys a 16% annual fund participation rate, which is in the upper tier of participation for state universities.
Seventy percent of the alumni live in Oregon with many of the others residing in San Francisco Bay Area, Southern California, and Seattle. Notable alumni include Linus Pauling, the only person to ever win two unshared Nobel Prizes; the first Americans to climb Mt. Everest; Bernie Newcomb, co-founder of E*Trade; two Oregon governors; Donald Bower the first President and CEO of Standard Oil of California; all four founders of CH2M Hill, a leading engineering consulting firm; Doug Engelbart, the inventor of the computer mouse; Lowell Edwards, the inventor of the artificial heart valve; John Young, the former CEO of Hewlett-Packard; the world's tallest basketball player; and Terry Baker, the Pacific Northwest's only Heisman Trophy winner.
Management Team
The Director of Foundation Relations is a critical member of OSUF's senior fundraising team and reports directly to the Vice President for Central Development Programs and Associate Campaign Director, Mary Ellen McGillan. Mary Ellen assumed this position in January 2006 after serving as Assistant Vice President for Development and Director of National Programs at the University of Notre Dame. At Notre Dame, she created the National Programs unit to support the University's $1.5 billion campaign and provided leadership and oversight to the full range of advancement services. Prior to her tenure at Notre Dame, Mary Ellen served as Assistant Vice President of Development at Santa Clara University. Her broad experience also includes major gifts and annual giving in higher education and other non-profit organizations.
Mary Ellen is a member of the Foundation's senior management team which includes Senior Vice President of Development, Shawn Scoville, Kevin Heaney, Vice President for Constituent Programs and Michael Goodwin (Mike), the Foundation's President. Shawn was most recently the Associate Vice President of Development for the Main Campus at Georgetown University, where he spent 16 years and led the effort to raise more than $700 million in a $1 billion campaign. Mike also came from Georgetown University, where he oversaw all development and fundraising operations. Under Mike's leadership and direction of 200 staff, Georgetown closed its first $1 billion campaign, the Third Century Campaign, in 2004. Mike is considered one of the top fundraising executives in the United States and has successfully led three campaigns for private and public universities. He is well known for his outstanding management talent and development and fundraising skills.
First 12 Months and Anticipated Challenges
The first 12 months will be filled with opportunities and challenges. The priorities for this time period are to: (1) maintain stewardship relationships with the existing top 5-10 foundations; (2) develop a strategic plan for the foundation relations program through the end of the campaign; (3) proactively and strategically build relationships with key program officers at additional foundations to expand support; (4) build relationships across campus with Directors of Development, faculty and staff, particularly in the Office of Sponsored Projects and the Office of Research; and (5) hire an Assistant Director.
The Director of Foundation Relations should expect some challenges. He or she will need to be strategic and set priorities in order to grow the program. The Director will need to balance the multiple demands of stewardship, research and generating new proposals. With good systems and infrastructure already in place, and the strong leadership of OSU President Ed Ray and Foundation President Michael Goodwin, the Director of Foundation Relations will be in an excellent position to accomplish the stated priorities.
Qualifications and Requirements
Applicants must possess a Bachelor's degree and at least seven years of experience in foundation relations (or a related field) requiring the use of advanced writing and editing skills. Education and experience equivalencies will be considered. The successful candidate will have comprehensive knowledge of research methods, private foundations associated with higher education, and effective and sound supervisory practices. He or she will also have proven skill in computer literacy and a high comfort level in learning new programs, systems and on-line services. In addition, the Director of Foundation Relations must have excellent editing and writing skills. The successful candidate must be able to express ideas well and communicate clearly and will possess superb organizational and time management abilities. He or she must have a demonstrated ability to work independently and as a self starter in a team-oriented environment, work congenially with staff, administration, faculty, volunteers and others, organize complex materials, manage more than one project at a time, and communicate comfortably in an academic setting. The Director must work with a high degree of flexibility, accuracy and attention to detail in fast-paced environment with numerous deadlines and pressures. Occasional travel is required, at times requiring overnight stays, and by various modes of transportation.
Personality Traits and Compatibility Profile
The successful candidate will be a seasoned, creative and intelligent fundraiser who excels at building relationships with a wide variety of individuals. He or she must be intellectually curious and interested in sciences. The highest standard of professionalism is required as is the ability to work independently but within a collaborative, team environment. The appointed Director must apply sound judgment, maintain the confidentiality of proprietary data, develop and sustain long-term donor relationships and act with integrity, honesty and focus at all times. All members of the Foundation staff are expected to operate as part of a team without the promotion of personal agendas and to exhibit a commitment to the profession and the University. The Foundation aims to attract candidates with a long term interest in working for OSU.
Benefits, Compensation and Community Information
The OSU Foundation offers nationally competitive salaries and excellent benefits. Compensation will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the finalist. For more information about benefits go to: www.osufoundation.org/employment/benefitsoverview.
Corvallis is a college town with 50,000 residents, 18,000 of which are from the student body. Hewlett Packard is the largest corporate employer in the area. The University and Corvallis are located alongside the vineyard region, 90 miles south of Portland, and a similar distance from both the Oregon coastline and ski resorts in the Cascades. The area is known for offering unlimited hiking, biking, camping and other outdoor activities. For information on Corvallis, Oregon, go to www.welcometocorvallis.com. A slideshow of Oregon is available at the Foundation's website at www.osufoundation.org under Job Opportunities.
Search Process and To Apply
The OSUF has retained Higher Talent, Inc. to manage the search process. Interested candidates should direct inquiries, resumes, cover letters and compensation history to anyone on our team:
Diane Charness, President at 301-320-9007 or dc@highertalentinc.com
Mindy Suissa, Vice President at 301-915-0906 or ms@highertalentinc.com
Susan Fine, Associate Director at 301-915-0910 or sf@highertalentinc.com
Higher Talent Inc.
4938 Hampden Lane, #470
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 301-320-9007
Fax: 301-320-7209
OSUF makes hiring decisions on the basis of merit and ability and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.
