Development Professional and Team Lead, School of Engineering

Development Professional and Team Lead, School of Engineering
Department: Development
Reports to: Assistant Vice President
FLSA Status:  Exempt
 
Who we are and what we’re about:
KU Endowment is an independent, nonprofit organization and the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas.  We partner with donors in providing philanthropic support to build a greater KU.

As an employee of KU Endowment, you’ll witness firsthand the power of our donors’ generosity.  You will join a talented and fun group of people who are inspired to help KU through the support of loyal alumni and friends.  This support fuels excellence, enabling students and faculty to develop innovative programs and research that distinguish the university.  We connect the philanthropic passions of donors with the needs of students, faculty and programs – and everyone benefits.

People are engaged. Purpose is ignited.  Lives are changed.
 
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging:
At KU Endowment, we recognize that we best achieve our mission of building a greater University of Kansas by embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to cultivating a people-centered environment that is welcoming to the spectrum of differences among us in an atmosphere of respect and fairness. Accordingly, our staff, Board of Trustees, volunteers and donors will work together to create a more representative, equitable and inclusive KU Endowment.
 
What we are looking for:
Full-time professional fundraising position responsible for the organization, implementation, and direction of a comprehensive development program for raising private gifts to the KU Endowment Association in support of the School of Engineering and the University of Kansas.
 
The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – passion for KU, partnership with donors, perpetual support for KU and a people-centered approach – and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities.
 
What’s a typical day look like?

• Directs programs for prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for current and prospective major gift donors to the School of Engineering and the University of Kansas, working with the dean, department chairs, faculty, KU Endowment staff, university administrators, and key volunteers.

 

• Solicits major gifts ($50,000 and greater), both outright and deferred, in support of the stated needs of the School of Engineering and the University of Kansas.
   
• Manages, monitors, and mentors a fundraising team of two professional fundraisers focused on strategic identification of prospects, and strategic and thoughtful movement through management stages (qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship). Leads team by example in all aspects of development work by embracing KU Endowment best practices, policies, and demonstrating a strong personal work ethic.

 

• Develops and implements a strategic operational plan including both annual and long-range goals, objectives, and strategies to maximize private support for the School of Engineering, consistent with the plan of KU Endowment.

 

• Coordinates preparation and development of major gift proposals to Engineering prospects for presentation by the university chancellor, the Dean of Engineering, KU administrators, KU Endowment staff and key volunteers.

 

• Develops and implements an ongoing program of communication with donors that celebrates past and current gifts and builds case for continued investment, in partnership with KU Endowment’s Donor Relations team.

 

• Supervises the shared development assistant who provides administrative support for this constituent area.

 

• Position requires an extensive amount of time out of the office traveling to meet development goals.

 

• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.

 

• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

 
What’s required to be considered:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

 
What separates the best from the rest?

• Established professional with five or more years of previously successful, professional experience in fundraising and major gift experience preferred.  Candidates with seven to ten years of previously successful professional work experience in an area that has strong similarities to development work, such as business development, sales, or higher education will also be considered.

 

• Five or more years of management experience, preferably with demonstrated success mentoring individual members towards professional growth and job satisfaction.

 

• Excellent written, oral, and communication skills and the ability to work well as part of a team are essential. Must possess the ability to independently initiate, organize and follow through with fundraising strategies. Must be able to work with minimal supervision and exercise excellent judgement.

 
Physical Requirements:

• Valid motor vehicle license
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including working on weekends/evenings, overnight stays, and travel on a regular basis throughout Kansas and other regions to cultivate and solicit donor prospects. 

 
We’ve got you covered:
KU Endowment offers a competitive salary with an excellent benefit package including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) matching program
• Pension plan
• Section 125 flexible benefits
• Generous paid leave including holidays, personal and sick leave
• Volunteer and community engagement opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Legal & ID Theft protection
• Critical Illness
• Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance
• KU education assistance
• Free parking

 
Sounds good, right?  What’s next?
Application Instructions:
Please go to website to apply, and attach your resume and cover letter when applying for this position.

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled.  Because of the sensitive nature of KU Endowment business and the importance of our reputation with donors, KU Endowment conducts a comprehensive review of applicants.  By submitting your application, you authorize us to conduct reference checks and a review of available public information.  Employment is contingent upon background and reference checks that KU Endowment finds acceptable.