Development Professional, Corporate and Foundation Development*

Development Professional, Corporate and Foundation Development
 
Department: Information Systems & Services
Reports to: Director, Cybersecurity and Technical Services
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:
As a full-time member of the KU Endowment’s Corporate & Foundation Development team, you will seek philanthropic support from companies and foundations for the University of Kansas Medical Center.  Philanthropy at a world class academic medical center is critical work, seeking support for the health professionals and medical breakthroughs of the future.  In this excellent career opportunity, you will partner with Medical Center and community leaders, internationally renowned researchers, outstanding students, and talented development professionals. 
 
You will focus exclusively on building relationships with corporate and foundation leaders and moving these engagements toward securing major gifts, most in the six-figure range, with some seven-figure opportunities.  Most efforts will focus on institutional priorities, such as capital, research, student, and faculty support.  Success will require networking, creativity, research, collaboration, persistence, and follow-through, as well as passion for our mission.  We conduct conversations one-on-one with donors; the ability to identify key decision-makers and obtain meetings is essential.  Previous Corporate and Foundation Development experience is preferred, however candidates with the above characteristics may also have professional experience in business development and sales.   
 
*Note: This position will be filled at the Development Officer, Associate Development Director, or Development Director level, commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications. 
 
What’s a typical day look like?

In this role, you will: 
 

• Develop significant expertise in corporate and foundation and academic medical center development.   
• Engage with prospects including regional and national companies and foundations, as well as individuals in limited numbers.   
• Have the opportunity to be entrepreneurial and creative in identifying donor prospects to expand the base of private philanthropic support.  
• Provide critical advice to senior administration, faculty, and other stakeholders in selecting appropriate projects and preparing persuasive proposals, written and in-person, for donor prospects.   
• In keeping with our high ethical standards, guide conversations toward the best interests of the Medical Center and donors, advocating for both.   
• With some projects, partner with KU Endowment development colleagues and affiliated organizations. 
• Pursue clear and attainable goals.   

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of corporate and foundation development experience in higher education.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of multiple teams is essential.
• Must possess the ability to initiate, organize, and follow through with fundraising strategies.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision and exercise excellent judgment.

• Knowledge of the University of Kansas and prior experience at academic medical centers is desirable.  

• A valid driver’s license.
• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple locations for training, donor meetings, networking, events and/or work-related activities.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to directions and safety hazards.

• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office productivity machinery such as computers, keyboards and a mouse, laptops, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to move files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.

• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• The person in this position frequently communicates with donors, colleagues, students, and general public. Must be able to communicate with others effectively.

• Physical effort/lifting, up to 50 pounds.

• Occasional local, regional, and national travel approximately 4-5 times per year.

• 100% employer-paid pension plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) matching program
• 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