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Careers at WOSU

IMPORTANT: All WOSU positions must be applied for at jobsatosu.com.Please do not email the stations directly.

Director of Development 
Application Deadline: January 30, 2016

Position Summary
WOSU Public Media has a nearly 100 year history of enriching lives through content and experiences that engage, inform, and inspire. Supported by over 23,000 loyal members, our resources are focused on providing quality local journalism, being the foremost connection to the arts, music, and culture in our community, and igniting change in young people’s lives.

We are seeking a seasoned fundraiser with a strong community relations background who can drive growth in community philanthropy (through individuals, corporations, foundations) with a desire to make an immediate impact. Fundraising experience in planning and executing a capital campaign, knowledge of the central Ohio community, and a deep appreciation of public media will be a few of the keys to success.

The job title (Associate Director, Director or Senior Director) will be determined upon selecting the best candidate for this position, commensurate with his/her experience. This position reports to the General Manager of WOSU and currently supervises one full-time position. This position also has a dotted reporting line to University Advancement for access to best practices in prospect strategy, portfolio management and other resources needed to achieve fundraising results for WOSU.

WOSU Overview

  • Serves a metro population of 2.8 million people
  • 89.7 NPR News has been voted Best News Operation 5 years in a row by the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists and has a growing listening audience of over 140,000 weekly.
  • WOSU TV includes the best in PBS programming plus stellar local programming such as Columbus Neighborhoods and Broad & High.
  • Classical 101 continues to grow its audience with talented local hosts vitally involved in the local performing arts.
  • WOSU Digital includes a new WOSU mobile app and a strong website to deepen the experience of a viewer or listener.
  • Lifelong learning is a key focus on the organization from the effective pre-school Ready to Learn program to the Next Avenue project for those reaching retirement age.

Performance Goals
1. During the first 3-6 months:

  • Build trusting relationships with colleagues and WOSU stakeholders including: WOSU advisory board, community leadership, prospects, donors and volunteers.
  • Become immersed in the products and goals of WOSU and contribute as a strategic partner with the General Manager.
  • Meet with Central Advancement’s Prospect Development team for portfolio assessment and discovery pool information.
  • Research, establish and implement a clear fundraising strategy for WOSU.

2. During the first 6-12 months:

  • Leverage tools and resources to elevate visibility of WOSU among prospects, donors and volunteers in order to advance its goals and mission.
  • Set goals related to fundraising and community engagement.
  • Complete feasibility study on the possibility of a capital campaign.

The Right Candidate
The position requires drive, passion and creativity. Candidates who are highly motivated, strategic, innovative and aggressive while collaborative are encouraged to apply. Applicants have a unique opportunity to be a part of the larger Ohio State Advancement team. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of fundraising and community engagement. Minimum of three years of experience in fundraising is preferred.

Applicants must be strong relationship-builders with interpersonal savvy and the ability to navigate a dynamic and complex environment. Strategic planning in a rapidly changing environment is preferred. Flexibility in scheduling is a must in order to attend evening and weekend events. Based upon candidate qualifications, this position may be revised to an Associate Director or Senior Director classification. 

Closing Statement
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.

How to Apply
Please visit jobsatosu.com and search for job opening number 67713. You must apply online at the Ohio State jobs site to be considered for this position -- jobsatosu.com/postings/67713.