Philanthropy Officer Senior-Major Gifts

Edtech.com's Summary

University of Kentucky is hiring a Philanthropy Officer Senior-Major Gifts, also known as Director of Philanthropy - Cancer Programs. The role involves managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, developing strategic fundraising plans, conducting donor visits, and partnering with medical and administrative colleagues to secure philanthropic investments for the Markey Cancer Center.

Highlights

Manage major gift prospects and donors, typically gifts of $25,000 or more.

Develop and execute strategic fundraising plans to meet annual and long-term goals.

Conduct high-impact donor visits and prepare customized proposals.

Collaborate closely with faculty leaders, department chairs, and UK HealthCare colleagues.

Represent the University as an ambassador in health care philanthropy.

Required skills include exceptional communication, storytelling, strategic thinking, and integrity.

Must have the ability to navigate complex healthcare environments and comply with HIPAA privacy laws.

Minimum qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 7 years of related experience in major gift fundraising.

Salary range: $62,941 to $103,834 per year.

Position is full-time, staff role within the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement.

Philanthropy Officer Senior-Major Gifts Full Description

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Posting Details

Job Title	Philanthropy Officer Senior-Major Gifts
Requisition Number	RE53703
Working Title	Director of Philanthropy - Cancer Programs
Department Name	14000:Office Of Philanthropy
Work Location	Lexington KY
Grade Level	48
Salary Range	$62,941-103,834/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	7 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification	None.
Physical Requirements	Sitting at computer workstation for extended periods. Repetitive motion. Standing or walking with objects up to 10lbs.
Shift	Monday – Friday; (40 hrs/week); and with some evenings and weekends as required.
Job Summary	The University of Kentucky’s Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) is seeking a Director of Philanthropy – Cancer Programs, a 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 that directly support the Markey Cancer Center. 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. We’re seeking a mission-driven relationship builder who brings: A proven record of success in major gift fundraising, preferably in healthcare, higher education, or complex nonprofit environments. Exceptional communication and storytelling skills with the ability to inspire donors around life-changing programs and research. Strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, and professional integrity. A collaborative approach that thrives within a values-based culture. Why UK? UK HealthCare is home to cutting-edge medical innovation, world-class faculty, and nationally recognized clinical programs. As part of our philanthropy team, you’ll help advance the work of experts ensuring that Kentucky families have access to leading-edge care close to home. 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!
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 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 laws.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?	No
Preferred Education/Experience
Deadline to Apply	04/12/2026
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 (*).

* Describe the most challenging major gift you have secured. How did you identify the prospect, build trust, navigate internal partnerships, and ultimately close the gift?
(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)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Resume
Cover Letter

Optional Documents

805 Las Cimas Parkway Suite 400 Austin, Texas, 78746

© University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky 40506
An Equal Opportunity University
Accreditation
Directory
Email
Privacy Policy

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Original Job Description

Toggle navigation

Applicant Support

Philanthropy Officer Senior-Major Gifts Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job

Posting Details

Job Title	Philanthropy Officer Senior-Major Gifts
Requisition Number	RE53703
Working Title	Director of Philanthropy - Cancer Programs
Department Name	14000:Office Of Philanthropy
Work Location	Lexington KY
Grade Level	48
Salary Range	$62,941-103,834/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	7 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification	None.
Physical Requirements	Sitting at computer workstation for extended periods. Repetitive motion. Standing or walking with objects up to 10lbs.
Shift	Monday – Friday; (40 hrs/week); and with some evenings and weekends as required.
Job Summary	The University of Kentucky’s Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) is seeking a Director of Philanthropy – Cancer Programs, a 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 that directly support the Markey Cancer Center. 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. We’re seeking a mission-driven relationship builder who brings: A proven record of success in major gift fundraising, preferably in healthcare, higher education, or complex nonprofit environments. Exceptional communication and storytelling skills with the ability to inspire donors around life-changing programs and research. Strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, and professional integrity. A collaborative approach that thrives within a values-based culture. Why UK? UK HealthCare is home to cutting-edge medical innovation, world-class faculty, and nationally recognized clinical programs. As part of our philanthropy team, you’ll help advance the work of experts ensuring that Kentucky families have access to leading-edge care close to home. 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!
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 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 laws.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?	No
Preferred Education/Experience
Deadline to Apply	04/12/2026
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 (*).

* Describe the most challenging major gift you have secured. How did you identify the prospect, build trust, navigate internal partnerships, and ultimately close the gift?
(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)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Resume
Cover Letter

Optional Documents

805 Las Cimas Parkway Suite 400 Austin, Texas, 78746

Lexington, Kentucky 40506
An Equal Opportunity University
Accreditation
Directory
Email
Privacy Policy

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.

Any data not saved will be lost.

Click 'OK' to keep your session active.

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Philanthropy Officer Senior-Major Gifts

Edtech.com's Summary

Philanthropy Officer Senior-Major Gifts Full Description

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