Open Searches

Ohio University welcomes applications and nominations for the position of Associate Vice President of Donor Experience.

Ohio University (OHIO) strives to be the best student-centered, transformative learning community in America. Now into its third century, OHIO has become one of the nation’s premiere regional universities, educating nearly 30,000 students annually from more than 120 countries around the world. OHIO is proud to offer something for everyone with more than 250 majors, minors, and certificate programs within 11 colleges on multiple campuses, including a robust residential program and a growing eCampus. OHIO is committed to fostering, embracing, and celebrating diversity in all its forms. The University’s Athens campus offers students a residential learning experience in one of the nation’s most picturesque academic settings. Additional campuses and centers serve students across the state, and online programs further advance the University’s commitment to providing educational access and opportunity.

The Division of University Advancement builds and strengthens relationships that inspire investments in the University and its mission. The Division engages alumni and friends in the life of the University and secures private support that advances the University’s strategic initiatives. University Advancement shares OHIO’s story and furthers its mission and vision across the globe. The Division of University Advancement is committed to excellent customer service, fostering collaborative work environments, and celebrating a culture of diversity and inclusion. University Advancement is comprised of the Ohio University Alumni Association, the Office of Development, the Office of Data Analytics and Strategy, the Office of Donor Experience, Foundation Accounting, and The Ohio University Foundation. Collectively this units are responsible for alumni and constituent engagement and outreach; fundraising; and the data and systems that support the strategic engagement and fundraising that advances Ohio University and its mission. These units value their team member’s unique experiences and collaborate daily to support each other, Ohio University, and the division’s strategic plan.

The Associate Vice President will serve as the lead strategist for donor engagement, stewardship, and experience, designing and executing a comprehensive plan that cultivates meaningful relationships from initial contact through major and planned gifts. This work will center on fostering lifelong connections and demonstrating the impact of philanthropic involvement. In partnership with the AVP of Development, this role will drive collaborative strategies across major giving, principal giving, and stewardship programs to enhance the overall donor experience and strengthen engagement. Additionally, the AVP will act as a key liaison to university leadership and volunteer boards, offering strategic counsel and advancing initiatives that support the mission and vision of University Advancement.

This position provides oversight and integration of the Advancement Events, Stewardship and Gift Administration, and Donor Relations and Volunteer Experience teams. The Advancement Events team will lead the creation of high-quality, multi-purpose events across in-person, hybrid, and online formats. Stewardship and Gift Administration will manage acknowledgment, reporting, and fund accountability, while Donor Relations will focus on deepening engagement with top-tier donors and volunteers. The AVP will evaluate priorities across these teams to align with university goals, build internal collaboration with university partners, and ensure the consistent delivery of strategic and personalized donor experiences.

Ohio University Advancement is searching for a candidate who possesses a Master’s degree, fifteen years experience in Advancement, Donor Relations/Stewardship, and nine years of management experience. We recognize the skills to perform in this position may be obtained through experiences other than those listed, so an equivalent combination of education and related experience will also be considered.

More information about Ohio University and the AVP search can be found in the institutional profile available at the link above.

How to Apply

Applications should consist of a cover letter addressing how the position aligns with your career trajectory and a demonstrated commitment to working in higher education, a resume, and a list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information. No references will be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted electronically, and in confidence, to:

OUAVPDonorexperience@academicsearch.org

The position is open until filled but only applications received by Monday, September 22, 2025, can be assured full consideration. The University is being assisted by Academic Search. Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting consultant Chris Butler at Chris.Butler@academicsearch.org. Further information about Ohio University is available at https://www.ohio.edu/.

Ohio University is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio university is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.