Director of Philanthropy

About the role

The Director of Philanthropy at Kansas City University (KCU) manages a portfolio of major and planned gift donors, developing long-term relationships built on a firm understanding of donors’ interests which match the strategic goals of the university. This position reports to the Senior Director of Philanthropy and plays a critical role in advancing the university's fundraising efforts.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 100 major and planned gift donors and prospects; develop customized donor engagement plans with clear strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Conduct regular face-to-face and virtual meetings, calls, and correspondence with donors to build relationships, understand their philanthropic interests, and secure philanthropic support for KCU
• Metrics include completing 90 substantive visits per year and submitting 20 major gift proposals
• Foster strong relationships with donors, serving as a trusted advisor and resource on philanthropic giving opportunities at KCU
• Collaborate with colleagues across KCU, including academic leaders, faculty, and staff, to identify fundraising priorities and develop compelling cases for support
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of philanthropic principles and ethics, ensuring the highest level of integrity in all interactions with donors, volunteers, and stakeholders
• Embrace and promote a culture of philanthropy; encourage and support a philanthropic mindset among colleagues and donors, fostering a culture of gratitude, giving, and impact
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records and activities in the university's fundraising database (Raiser’s Edge NXT)
• Stay informed about current trends, best practices, and emerging strategies in philanthropy, bringing innovative ideas to enhance KCU's fundraising efforts
• Support other Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement activities and initiatives as needed, including but not limited to Alumni Weekend, Commencement, White Coat ceremonies, campaign events, and other occasional university-wide or PAE Team initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in a related field preferred
• Proven experience in fundraising, donor relations, or related fields, preferably in higher education or healthcare sectors
• Demonstrated success in managing a portfolio of major donors and securing significant gifts
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of individuals, including high-net-worth individuals, community leaders, and volunteers
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling fundraising materials and deliver persuasive presentations
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail
• Capable of setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and achieving goals while managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Able to solve problems, make independent decisions, and exercise good judgment. Able to find needed information, overcome obstacles, and complete work effectively and professionally
• Able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
• Able to work effectively and diplomatically with all constituents: alumni, senior administration and staff, deans and faculty, students, visitors, and donors
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency working within a CRM platform
• Deep understanding of philanthropic culture, principles, and ethics
• Clearly and consistently demonstrates KCU’s mission, vision, and values in words and actions
• Willingness to travel locally and nationally as required

Physical Requirements

• Physical dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate a keyboard and other office equipment, use a telephone, access file cabinets and other items stored at various levels, including overhead
• Ability to speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably with sufficient volume to ensure an accurate exchange of information in normal conversational distance, over the telephone, and in a group setting
• Ability to continuously operate a personal computer for extended periods of time (4 or more hours)
• Mental acuity sufficient to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions