College Philanthropy Director Senior

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky Office of the Vice President for Research in partnership with the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement seeks to hire a Senior Director of Philanthropy to lead the fundraising efforts for the Office of the VP for Research (UKVPR’s Office).

The Senior Director will be responsible for managing and actively participating in all philanthropic initiatives related to the UKVPR’s Office including donor portfolio management inclusive of the broadest constituency of philanthropic relationships to include individuals, foundations and corporations.

The incumbent will lead the UK Office of Vice President’s vision for sustained and future growth underwritten, in part, by philanthropic giving and will develop and implement plans to reach and sustain that vision.

This position will co-report to the Vice President for Research and the AVP Philanthropy, Executive Director UKREF, Inc., working closely and in partnership with the UK Research executive team and senior staff to meet ambitious fundraising goals and activate support in pursuit of those goals.

Responsibilities

• Create, tailor, and activate short- and long-term strategies for giving, with emphasis on developing and expanding an individual major and principal gift effort.
• Identify and secure new support for the key initiatives.
• Develop a robust donor portfolio.
• Oversee donor stewardship activities, recognition efforts for existing donors, preparation of all aspects of proposals, and reporting.

Requirements

• Sit at computer desk for extended periods of time.
• Travel across the U.S. to meet with college donors and alumni.
• Shift 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday with evenings and weekends as needed.

Qualifications

• MA

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• A strong, collaborative leader with a proven record of success with foundations and corporations in addition to building and sustaining relationships that foster major/principal gift giving.
• An individual who understands person-to-person relationships and has the ability to convincingly articulate the vision and priorities of the Research areas and University and match them to the interests of prospective donors.
• Familiarity with charitable gift arrangements as well as demonstrated experience in marketing, philanthropic messaging and persuasive writing.

Preferred Education/Experience

• Experience should be comprised of professional fundraising such as being a major gift officer, expertise in planned giving, and a demonstrated record of developing and leading a fundraising strategy.