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University of Kentucky

Philanthropy Ofcr Assoc Sr/Major Gifts

🇺🇸 Lexington, KY 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $57K - $94K 💻 Development & Advancement 🗓️ February 11th, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

University of Kentucky is hiring a Philanthropy Officer Associate Senior to manage and advance major gift partnerships for the Pigman College of Engineering. The role involves handling a portfolio of 100-125 donors, conducting substantial donor visits, creating tailored solicitation plans, and raising $1M-$2M annually through direct fundraising efforts.

Highlights
  • Manage a donor portfolio with an estimated giving capacity of $25,000+.
  • Conduct at least 125 substantive, in-person donor visits annually.
  • Develop customized cultivation and solicitation plans to strengthen donor relations.
  • Generate new qualified opportunities, including planned gift leads.
  • Raise between $1 million and $2 million per year through direct portfolio work.
  • Collaborate closely with Prospect Research, PAE colleagues, and College leadership.
  • Build productive relationships with faculty, administrators, and volunteers.
  • Preferred Bachelor's degree with minimum six years in professional fundraising and three years managing fundraising plans.
  • Experience in higher education and understanding of the Land-grant mission preferred.
  • Salary range: $57,158 to $94,286 per year.

Philanthropy Ofcr Assoc Sr/Major Gifts Full Description

Philanthropy Ofcr Assoc Sr/Major Gifts
 Posting Details 
Job Title  | Philanthropy Ofcr Assoc Sr/Major Gifts
Requisition Number  | RE53218
Working Title  |
Department Name  | 8H050:Engineering Alumni - Development
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 at a computer workstation for extended periods of time. Repetitive motion tasks. Effectively communicating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varied professional levels. Job-related travel as needed.
Shift  | Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Evenings and weekends as required.

Job Summary  | The University of Kentucky Pigman College of Engineering seeks a Senior Associate Philanthropy Officer to build and advance major gift partnerships that accelerate the College’s priorities. As part of the UK Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement (PAE), this role manages a portfolio of approximately 100–125 donors and prospects with an estimated giving capacity of $25,000+, maintains a healthy pipeline across all stages, and drives disciplined relationship strategy from discovery through stewardship. The incumbent conducts a minimum of 125 substantive, in-person donor visits annually, develops tailored cultivation and solicitation plans, and generates new qualified opportunities (including planned gift leads) that strengthen the long-term pipeline.

This position is accountable for delivering strong fundraising results through consistent proposal activity and thoughtful donor engagement raising $1M–$2M per year through direct portfolio work. In close partnership with Prospect Research, colleagues across PAE, and College leadership, the officer helps align donor interests with institutional needs, builds productive relationships with faculty and administrators, and contributes to college-wide initiatives and volunteer engagement.

The culture within the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement 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!
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities  | Driver’s License 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  | 03/06/2026

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
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
  1. * Please describe your experience in engaging academic leadership in the prospect management process? 
    (Open Ended Question)
  2. * Please describe the two largest majors gifts you identified, cultivated and successfully secured. Include the amounts and the steps taken to successfully secure them. 
    (Open Ended Question)
  3. * How many years of paid work experience do you have developing and managing a portfolio of major gift prospects? 
    • None
    • More than 0, up through 1 year 
    • More than 1 year, up through 3 years 
    • More than 3 years, up through 5 years 
    • More than 5 years, up through 10 years
    • More than 10 years 
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
Optional Documents
  1. Cover Letter
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