Senior Director of Philanthropy - Research

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.

The Senior Director of Philanthropy will be responsible for creating, tailoring and activating short- and long-term strategies for giving, with emphasis on: developing and expanding of an individual major and principal gift effort, identifying and securing new support for the key initiatives, developing a robust donor portfolio. Additionally, they will oversee donor stewardship activities, recognition efforts for existing donors, preparation of all aspects of proposals, and reporting.

The Office of the VP for Research strives to create and nurture a culture of giving among our stakeholders, strengthen relationships with donors and prospective donors, and think creatively about new funding opportunities. We are looking for candidates with significant experience relevant to the above who can share strategic fundraising knowledge with a capable, engaged staff and leadership team, and help shape fundraising strategy well into the future.

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.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Yes

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.

Deadline to Apply

07/28/2026

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.

Applicant Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter