Executive Director, Oregon 4-H Foundation, Director of Development I

Recognized as a leader nationally, The Oregon 4-H Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Oregon 4-H program. Supported by a dynamic and engaged board of trustees gifts to 4-H support endowed faculty positions, scholarship funds for youth participation, as well as innovative program development across the State of Oregon.

Reporting to the OSU Foundation’s Senior Director of Development II, for Scholarships & University Initiatives, the incumbent in this position will spend approximately 70% of work time devoted to fundraising activities with the remaining 30% devoted to fulfilling the role of the Executive Director of the Oregon 4-H Foundation. The Executive Director will work cooperatively with 4-H Extension staff members on matters of mutual concern, interfacing between Programs and the Foundation, and with members of the staff of the National 4-H Council on all matters concerning Oregon donor relations.

Work Location

The work location for this position is the Foundation’s Corvallis, Oregon office.

The Foundation offers a program called Core Work Days, a hybrid approach combining remote and in office work days. Unless traveling for work, Foundation employees are in office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and work remotely, if preferred, on Monday and Friday.

Key Partners

• President of the Oregon 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees and Board members
• State 4-H Program Leader
• State Program & County based 4-H Agents, Faculty & Staff
• Vice Provost for Extension & Engagement, Director of OSU Extension

Measures of Success

• Meet annual fundraising goals
• Ensure the mission of Oregon 4-H and the Oregon 4-H Foundation Carried out and fulfilled
• Demonstrate leadership for sustaining a cohesive and thriving Oregon 4-H Foundation Board
• Ensure that the endowment and scholarship programs are administered

Position Accountabilities

• Manage a prospect portfolio of 75-94 major gift rated prospects
• Raise $750,000 - $1,875,000 per year, including 8-11 gifts at $50,000 and above
• Open 15-30 new proposals at the $50,000 level per year
• Conduct 75-105 face-to-face visits per year
• Travel five to seven days per month making three to five visits per travel day
• Perform related administrative duties for the assigned areas including writing contact reports, budget management, case statement development, and events development
• Develop and support clearly-defined and strategic fundraising priorities and articulate compelling cases for support going forward to advance them
• Bring the foundation’s organizational values to life by modeling them at all times

Major Duties

Fundraising

Working closely with the OSU Foundation’s Senior Director of Development for Scholarships & University Initiatives and with OSU’s State 4-H Program Leader to advance the 4-H philanthropic priorities.

Work with the OSU Foundation Annual Giving Team to fulfill Oregon 4-H annual giving program.

Continue the work of Oregon Counties’ volunteer leadership to raise county-specific funds for endowments.

Build partnerships with other units at OSU Foundation to further 4-H fundraising success.

Leadership and Management

Conduct the affairs of the Foundation within its bylaws and policies including, but not limited to writing contact reports, preparing the annual operating budget and monitoring expenditures, develop case statements, help plan and development major gift events, etc.

Supervise, lead, develop and mentor assigned staff; provide regular performance feedback and coaching, develop annual plans with measurable outcomes and accountabilities, conduct performance reviews.

Identify, recruit and assist in the training, development, and support of board members.

Develop an annual work plan to achieve development goals.

Meet regularly with the Board of Trustees to report on operational issues.

Ensure that accurate records are developed and retained regarding the business activities of the 4-H Foundation Board.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of:

• the development and solicitation process
• financial management, including budget preparation, cash flow management, and analysis of financial reports
• 4-H Positive Youth Development programs

Proven skill in:

• major gift fundraising
• annual giving fundraising
• written and verbal communication
• planning and organizing
• developing succinct data and reports documenting development activities and accountability for work time

Demonstrated ability to:

• work effectively and diplomatically with a variety of publics, including donors, Board of Trustees, 4-H youth staff, professional organizations, community groups, government agencies, etc.
• work as a self-starter and self-motivator and to work independently and yet collaboratively with multiple individuals involved the development process
• work independently with self-discipline and self-motivation constructively integrate as a member of the OSU Foundation team
• apply sound judgment and conduct oneself with integrity
• behave in a manner that ensures the confidentiality of the information and data available.
• work constructively, to stay focused and productive, and to multi-task while performing development activities
• see in a larger, more strategic manner how a donor or potential donor would best benefit OSU, and to relinquish ownership of a donor situation for the betterment of the opportunity
• identify and cultivate prospects and to develop solicitation strategies consistent with campus goals
• cultivate and utilize volunteers and campus leaders to assist with donor relationship development
• be aware of, control, and express one's emotions appropriately, and to handle interpersonal relationships maturely, thoughtfully and empathetically, including the ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and at least three to five years of development work experience or related work experience with emphasis on major gift fundraising. Comprehensive campaign experience in a higher education setting is preferred. Knowledge of and personal commitment to 4-H and youth development programs and non-profit board management experience are preferred. Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and must be able to travel extensively and by varying modes of transportation. Education and experience equivalencies will be considered.

Core Values

We strive to be one of the best places to work in the country. We know that our success depends in large part on the people who carry out our mission. It is what we do –and how we do it -- that makes the difference. Our core values reflect our approach to work and to each other, and we are committed to conduct consistent with these values.