University of Kentucky
Philanthropy Ofcr Assoc Sr/Major Gifts
🇺🇸 Lexington, KY
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $57K - $94K
💻 Development & Advancement
🗓️ September 29th, 2025
Edtech.com's Summary
- Build and manage a portfolio of alumni and supporters.
- Identify, qualify, and engage prospects for leadership-level gifts.
- Partner with faculty and staff to advance college priorities.
- Collaborate across the college and university to expand philanthropic impact.
- Represent the College at events, meetings, and through personal outreach.
- Salary range: $57,158 to $94,286 per year.
- Requires a Bachelor's degree and at least 6 years of professional fundraising experience.
- Preferred experience includes 3 years of managing fundraising work plans and familiarity with higher education fund raising.
- Must demonstrate skills in relationship building, persuasive communication, marketing, and philanthropic messaging.
- The role reports to the Senior Director of Philanthropy and requires frequent travel.
Philanthropy Ofcr Assoc Sr/Major Gifts Full Description
Requisition Number | RE51809
Working Title | Assistant Director of Philanthropy
Department Name | 8E000:College of Arts & Sciences
Work Location | Lexington, KY
Grade Level | 47
Salary Range | $57,158-94,286/year
Type of Position | Staff
Position Time Status | Full-Time
Required Education | BA
Click here for more information about equivalencies: | https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience | 6 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification | None
Physical Requirements | Sitting/standing for extended periods of time at workstation; walking to/from meetings; extensive travel.
Shift | Monday-Friday; 8:00am-5:00pm; evenings and weekends.
Job Summary | The College of Arts and Sciences is seeking an Assistant Director of Philanthropy to strengthen donor relationships and expand connections among alumni and constituents, increasing philanthropic and fundraising support for students, faculty, and programs across the college. The ideal candidate values the mission of the University of Kentucky, enjoys building authentic connections, and is passionate about the transformative power of higher education. This role is central to cultivating the next generation of donors, with a focus on discovery, engagement, and meaningful stewardship.
Key Responsibilities: Build and manage a portfolio of alumni and supporters Identify, qualify, and engage prospects for Circle of Giving and leadership-level gifts Partner with faculty and staff to advance college priorities Collaborate across the college and university to expand philanthropic impact Represent the College at events, meetings, and through personal outreach
The Assistant Director reports to the Senior Director of Philanthropy and works closely with deans, department chairs, alumni, and events staff to share the College’s story in compelling ways. Goals for this position are set in collaboration with the Senior Director and aligned with fundraising priorities established by the Dean and Vice President of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement.
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. We are seeking someone for this position who shows an active commitment to and expresses agreement to the UK Office of PAE’s six values. These values are integral to being a part of our team!
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities | The ideal candidate will be a strong, collaborative leader with a proven record of success
in building and sustaining relationships that foster major gift giving. This position requires
an individual who understands person-to-person relationships and has the ability to
convincingly articulate the vision and priorities of the University and match them to the
interests of prospective donors. Familiarity with planned giving, charitable gift
arrangements as well as demonstrated experience in marketing, philanthropic
messaging and persuasive writing is also desirable.
A willingness and ability to travel frequently are strongly preferred.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? | No
Preferred Education/Experience | Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of six years of professional fund raising experience, a
demonstrated record of success and a minimum of 3 years in successful management of
fundraising work planning. Experience at a higher education institution and an
understanding of the Land-grant mission is preferred.
Deadline to Apply | 10/26/2025
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.
- * Describe your experience managing fundraising initiatives at an institution of higher learning.
(Open Ended Question) - * 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.
(Open Ended Question)
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