Marcus Haskett
Hilliard,OH
Summary
Results-driven Fundraising Professional with 8+ years in collegiate athletics development. Proven expertise in securing major gifts, having raised over $7.7M. Skilled in leading teams, adapting to donor trends, and fostering strong relationships within university athletics.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director of Development
The Ohio State University: Department of Athletics
Columbus, Ohio
10.2025 - Current
- Secured over $2.5M in philanthropic gifts, surpassing the metric goal of $2M.
- Secured major gifts of $1M, $700K, and $250K, significantly enhancing fundraising efforts.
- Raised two gifts of $100K to support organizational initiatives.
- Acquired multiple contributions of $150K, $125K, and $110K.
- Oversaw a portfolio of 75-100 prospects, facilitating major and principal gifts to support organizational goals.
- Provide strategic leadership, coach, and mentor two Assistant Directors of Development responsible for securing gifts of $25K and above.
- Contributed to External Fundraising Leadership team in implementing fundraising strategy for capital projects, sports-specific support, and unrestricted funds.
- Partner with head coaches for men's tennis and wrestling, alongside sport administrator, to enhance donor cultivation and solicitation initiatives.
Director of Development
The Ohio State University: Department of Athletics
Columbus, Ohio
01.2025 - 10.2025
- Secured over $4M, in total, philanthropic gifts, surpassing the goal (FY23-FY25) of $1.5M.
- Secured major gift contributions totaling $1M from multiple donors, enhancing overall fundraising efforts.
- Secured increased commitments from eight inherited prospects and identified new major gift prospects, expanding donor base.
- Cultivated relationships with first-time major gift prospects through effective solicitation and stewardship.
- Developed initial portfolio of 8 donors, expanding to a full portfolio of 75.
- Partnered with university fundraising affiliates to develop donor engagement strategies that maximized impact across university units.
- Partner with head coaches for men's and women's tennis, men's and women's track and field, along with men's and women's cross country, to enhance donor cultivation and solicitation initiatives.
Associate Director of Major Gifts
Virginia Tech: Hokie Club
Blacksburg, Virginia
06.2021 - 12.2022
- Secured over $1.2M in philanthropic gifts.
- Secured $366K in gifts, including $200K, $100K, and several $50K contributions, to support key initiatives.
- Managed portfolio of 100-125 major gift prospects, cultivating relationships to drive significant funding.
- Collaborated with head coaches for softball and men's and women's swimming and diving to strengthen donor cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Assistant Director of Development
Pennsylvania State University: Nittany Lion Club
State College, Pennsylvania
09.2018 - 06.2021
- Secured over $150K in philanthropic gifts, enhancing overall fundraising efforts.
- Prepared targeted solicitations for gifts ranging from $2,500 to $50K, increasing donor engagement.
- Supported Annual Fund in achieving $20M raised, contributing to overall financial goals.
- Led Student Nittany Lion Club Executive Board meetings to coordinate activities and strategies.
Annual Fund Program Assistant
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
01.2018 - 08.2018
- Contributed to Annual Fund achieving $17.2M fundraising benchmark.
- Secured over $20k in donations for Hokie Scholarship Fund.
- Prepared solicitations for gifts ranging from $100 to $10K.
Education
Master of Arts - Sports Industry Management
Georgetown University
Washington, District of Columbia, DC12-2017
Bachelor of Science - Human Development
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA12-2014
Skills
- Major gift fundraising
- Donor stewardship
- Relationship management
- Fundraising strategy
- Portfolio management
- Strategic leadership
- Coaching and mentoring
Accomplishments
NAADD Bobby Purcell Mentorship Class of 2022
Timeline
Senior Director of Development
The Ohio State University: Department of Athletics
10.2025 - Current
Director of Development
The Ohio State University: Department of Athletics
01.2025 - 10.2025
Associate Director of Major Gifts
Virginia Tech: Hokie Club
06.2021 - 12.2022
Assistant Director of Development
Pennsylvania State University: Nittany Lion Club
09.2018 - 06.2021
Annual Fund Program Assistant
Virginia Tech
01.2018 - 08.2018
Master of Arts - Sports Industry Management
Georgetown University
Bachelor of Science - Human Development
Virginia Tech