Director of Development - Oglebay Institute

Oglebay Institute fosters appreciation, expression, and discovery by engaging people of all ages and abilities through exceptional programming in performing and visual arts, dance, history, and nature.

Oglebay Institute is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Development to lead our fundraising and resource development efforts. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record in fundraising, relationship management, and program development. This individual will work closely with our leadership team to establish and implement a comprehensive development strategy that aligns with Oglebay Institute’s mission and goals.

Position:  Full-time, Exempt

Hours:  Typically, 9-5 Monday – Friday. Evenings and weekends are sometimes required.

Report to:  President

Comprehensive Benefit Package includes but is not limited to PTO, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.  An extra benefit of the role is a Wheeling Park Commission Park Pass Privilege Card* for the employee, spouse, and dependents.

Essential Responsibilities

• Works with the President to develop strategies to initiate and meet fundraising goals.
• Develops and implements, in partnership with program and administrative staff, an annual fundraising plan that includes strategies and deliverables and calendar/timeline for the following priority areas: grants, sponsorship, membership (household and business), individual giving, planned giving, and special events.
• Collaborates with program directors and President to identify and implement department-specific fund development opportunities, including the annual Performing Arts subscription and donation solicitation.
• Research and compiles data on potential individual, corporate and foundation donors.
• Solicits sponsorships and maintains strong relationships within regional business communities.
• Researches, maintains contact with, develops grant proposals, writes, and submits all required reports for funding sources, including state/federal agencies and private/corporate foundations.
• Manages, tracks and reports on development activities. Organizes and implements special fund-raising events for the organization. Collaborates with a committee of the Board of Trustees, the President, and the Executive Assistant to the President to plan and execute the annual Board Benefit, Oglebay Institute’s largest annual fundraiser. Duties include, among others, securing sponsorship, coordinating with external vendors, recruiting volunteers, collaborating with the Marketing Office for promotional needs, and overseeing the overall execution of the event.
• In conjunction with the Executive Assistant to the President, develops and oversees benefit programs and recognition events for members, corporate sponsors, and other donors.
• Collaborates with the Marketing Director on any fundraising-related promotions, coordinates external communications schedules, and recognizes donors through channels managed by the Marketing Department.
• Coordinates all strategies and activities for donor cultivation, solicitation, and relations.
• Represents Oglebay Institute at events and other public functions as needed.
• Oversees data entry and manages all aspects of gift processing and donor acknowledgement and recognition.
• On occasion, other duties may be required to satisfy the pressing needs of Oglebay Institute

Work Environment

Physical Activity Level:

This position is considered having light physical activity performing non-strenuous daily activities of an administrative nature to occasional moderate physical activity performing somewhat strenuous daily activities of an administrative nature, especially for events.

Physical Demands:

The employee may be sitting for extended periods while managing administrative tasks and engaging in computer work. The employee may be occasionally involved in travel arrangements and attendance at events, requiring the ability to move around comfortably and adapt to different settings.

Work Environment

The employee will typically work in indoor environments. These spaces are often well-lit and climate controlled. The work environment can also be dynamic and bustling when preparing for special events.  Occasional out-of-town travel.

Education and Experience:  

Must have a bachelor's degree in a field such as nonprofit management, arts administration, business administration, marketing, communications, or related fields. Must have relevant work experience in fundraising, development, nonprofit management, or arts administration. Must have experience in fundraising roles, with a proven track record of success in securing donations, grants, and sponsorships.  Experience with major and planned giving programs is desirable.

Oglebay Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer