Jera Oliver

About Jera Oliver

I am a senior institutional leader and advancement strategist with 15+ years of experience partnering with presidents, executive directors, cabinet members, department chairs, and boards to strengthen organizational sustainability, governance alignment, and long-term, mission-driven impact.My work spans executive leadership, enterprise fundraising, external relations, and risk-aware decision-making. I have secured and stewarded more than $29M in philanthropic revenue across annual, major, principal, planned, and corporate giving, and have served as a trusted advisor to senior leadership navigating growth, transition, and heightened regulatory and public scrutiny.Currently, I serve as Director of Major Gifts at Antioch College, where I help advance institutional strategy through philanthropy, national engagement, and revenue-generating partnerships. I play a leadership role in a $17.5M anniversary campaign, support donor strategy and communications in collaboration with the presidential cabinet, and translate complex institutional priorities into clear, fundable cases for diverse stakeholders. Earlier, as Senior Director of Development for The Ohio State University’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion, I led revenue, partnerships, and compliance for a multi-campus, university-wide enterprise—securing $18.25M and cultivating a transformational $9–11M principal gift.I am known for my ability to operate at both the strategic and tactical levels—building infrastructure, strengthening teams, and aligning mission, governance, and resources. My leadership is grounded in equity-centered practice, systems thinking, and a belief that financial sustainability and institutional integrity are inseparable.In addition to my institutional roles, I serve in board and civic leadership capacities and engage in social entrepreneurship. I hold a JD and MPA and am currently pursuing a PhD focused on community leadership and systems change.I am energized by leadership work that demands clarity, stewardship, and trust—and by institutions committed to enduring public impact.

Experience

1. Director of Major Gifts

   Antioch College

   Jun 2024 — Present · Yellow Springs, OH, US

Education

• Kent State University

  MPA, Public Policy

• The Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology

  Grad Non-Degree, Higher Education and Student Affairs

  2022

• Duke University

  AEA Summer Program/Master's Level Coursework, Economics

  2007 — 2007

• The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business

  Coursework toward an MBA (in good standing), Leadership

  2015 — 2017

• Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership

• Washington University in St. Louis School of Law

  JD, Law

• Kent State University

  BA, Economics, Political Science

• Fort Hayes Arts and Academic High School

  College Prep HS Diploma

  1999 — 2003