Project Coordinator, Development

Project Coordinator, Development
Department: Development Administration
Reports to: Project Manager, Development
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
 
The anticipated salary for this position starts at $46,600+. The final pay will be determined based on several factors, including qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry, with a strong emphasis on maintaining internal equity.
 
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.
 
What we are looking for:
The Project Coordinator, Development provides critical support to ensure the successful implementation of strategic and operational initiatives within Development-related departments. Working under the direction of the Project Manager for Development, the key responsibilities include supporting the planning and execution of projects.
 
This role contributes to fundraising effectiveness by coordinating project tasks from initiation to closure. They will maintain project timelines, manage documentation, facilitate clear stakeholder communication, prep meeting materials, see deliverables through to fruition, and assist with project reporting and data gathering. Additionally, they ensure smooth workflows, support change management activities, and identify opportunities for process improvements.
 
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and organized, with strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset. They enjoy supporting team success and using technology to streamline operations and improve overall efficiency. They are eager to expand and further develop a growing project management team.
 
The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – collaboration, curiosity, empowerment, and excellence – and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities.
 
Hybrid Work Environment: 
Following the initial training period, this position offers a hybrid work schedule, with the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week. However, the role requires multiple days per week on-site at our Lawrence, KS office to ensure effective collaboration, team engagement, and alignment with organizational goals. 
 
What’s a typical day look like?

• Assist the Project Manager, Development in complex projects that span across campus, such as capital project planning and special fundraising initiatives tied to strategic institutional priorities.
• Coordinate quarterly donor portfolio matrix meetings for assigned major gift units, including collecting and organizing pre-meeting data, taking notes and assigning action items, and providing follow-up; coordinate other major gift projects and tasks as assigned.
• Capture and document details of assigned projects (e.g. key outcomes, stakeholders, etc.) while ensuring compliance with quality standards. This includes conducting research to support decision-making such as analyzing data from various KUE databases, facilitating discovery meetings, etc.
• Utilize appropriate project management tools (i.e. Asana) to document all project-related work (e.g. assigned tasks, milestones, etc.) and drive project progress.
• Execute communication cadences to stakeholders and updates to leadership. This includes conducting effective in-person, hybrid, and virtual meetings; sending invitations, reminders, and pre-work beforehand; preparing and distributing materials during; and providing follow-up and action items to participants afterwards.
• Facilitate development, documentation, and implementation of process improvements, functional workflows, reporting procedures, and associated policies, leveraging technologies to streamline processes across the organization.
• Use software to generate and analyze comprehensive reports on donor metrics (e.g. retention rates, giving trends, segmentation, etc.) to aid in strategic decision-making, identify trends and areas for improvement, etc.
• Other duties may include collaborating with faculty, staff, and students at the University of Kansas for the purpose of identifying and coordinating donor engagement opportunities; coordinating with the various constituent development support units; and assisting with donor-centered events.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

• Bachelor's degree OR a minimum of three years proven experience as project coordinator or similar role.
• Proficiency in Customer Relationship Management systems (e.g., Salesforce).
• Proficiency in Project Management software (Asana, etc.)
• Experience with project management frameworks and a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting competing deadlines preferred.
• General knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices, with a strong preference for experience in a higher education environment.

• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, anticipatory, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently within a team inside and outside KU Endowment, as well as the ability to work autonomously. Demonstrated discretion in handling sensitive donor information with integrity.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365 project collaboration tools, such as Microsoft (MS) SharePoint, MS Teams, MS Excel, MS Forms, MS Project, and MS Planner.
• Adept technological/computer skills and a willingness to learn new technologies and strategies.
• Ability to interpret data management processes.
• Exhibits a positive and productive demeanor and interacts collegially with others.

• 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, light-up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional travel requirements can include the following, evenings, weekends, and out of town overnights as a regular part of the job.

• 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