Philanthropy Officer Senior-Major Gifts

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky’s Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) is seeking a Director of Philanthropy frontline fundraiser who will play a pivotal role in advancing one of the nation’s leading academic health systems. This position offers the opportunity to make a measurable impact on patient care, medical research, and education by securing major philanthropic investments. The Director of Philanthropy will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, cultivating long-term relationships that lead to significant philanthropic support. Working in close collaboration with faculty leaders, department chairs, and colleagues across UK HealthCare and PAE, the Director will translate complex medical and research priorities into compelling cases for support.

This individual will:

• Develop and execute strategic fundraising plans to achieve annual and long-term goals.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects (typically $25,000+).
• Conduct high-impact donor visits and prepare customized proposals.
• Partner with medical faculty, leadership, and administrative colleagues to align philanthropic priorities with institutional needs.
• Represent the University of Kentucky as an ambassador for innovation, compassion, and discovery in health care.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

The ability to work within a complex healthcare environment, navigating a matrix of relationships to engage donors in the mission of UK HealthCare and our various programs; outstanding written and oral communication skills; superior interpersonal skills with the demonstrated ability to work effectively and cooperatively with volunteers, administration, physicians, staff, and donors; self-motivation with enormous energy and a capacity for hard work in a goal-oriented environment; demonstrated ability to leverage effectively the time of physicians and others in contact with donors. This includes strong preparation and good judgement; maturity and unquestioned integrity, particularly as it relates to patient medical information; must comply with HIPPA privacy law; the ability to travel to meet with current and prospective donors of UK HealthCare; a commitment to the values and mission of the University of Kentucky and UK HelathCare.

Values

The culture within the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) is built on our shared core values CoMMIT– Collaboration, Communication, Mission Driven, Mutual Respect, Innovation and Transparency. By applying for a position within UK PAE, you are indicating your commitment and expressing your agreement to our six values. It is important you share these values in order to be part of our committed team!

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus. The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status. Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

• The Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) recognizes a set of values that guide us in our daily interactions. These values are collaboration, communication, mission driven, mutual respect, innovation and transparency. Please choose one of the PAE values and give a specific example when you exhibited this quality in your professional experience.

• What are the three attributes/skills you deem most useful in developing strong alumni/donor relationships?

Applicant Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter