Posting DetailsPosting Details
Job Title College Philanthropy Director Senior
Requisition Number RE55024
Working Title Senior Director of Philanthropy - Research
Department Name 14000:Office Of Philanthropy
Work Location Lexington, KY
Grade Level 51
Salary Range $95,826-162,947/year
Type of Position Staff
Position Time Status Full-Time
Required Education MA
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 Sit at computer desk for extended periods of time. Travel across the U.S. to meet with college donors and alumni.
Shift 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday -Friday with evenings and weekends as needed.
Job Summary The University of Kentucky Office of the Vice President for Research in partnership with the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement seeks to hire a Senior Director of Philanthropy to lead the fundraising efforts for the Office of the VP for Research (UKVPR's Office). The Senior Director will be responsible for managing and actively participating in all philanthropic initiatives related to the UKVPR's Office including donor portfolio management inclusive of the broadest constituency of philanthropic relationships to include individuals, foundations and corporations. The incumbent will lead the UK Office of Vice President's vision for sustained and future growth underwritten, in part, by philanthropic giving and will develop and implement plans to reach and sustain that vision. This position will co-report to the Vice President for Research and the AVP Philanthropy, Executive Director UKREF, Inc., working closely and in partnership with the UK Research executive team and senior staff to meet ambitious fundraising goals and activate support in pursuit of those goals.
The Senior Director of Philanthropy will be responsible for creating, tailoring and activating short- and long-term strategies for giving, with emphasis on:
- developing and expanding of an individual major and principal gift effort
- identifying and securing new support for the key initiatives
- developing a robust donor portfolio.
Additionally, they will oversee donor stewardship activities, recognition efforts for existing donors, preparation of all aspects of proposals, and reporting.
The Office of the VP for Research strives to create and nurture a culture of giving among our stakeholders, strengthen relationships with donors and prospective donors, and think creatively about new funding opportunities. We are looking for candidates with significant experience relevant to the above who can share strategic fundraising knowledge with a capable, engaged staff and leadership team, and help shape fundraising strategy well into the future.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities The ideal candidate will be a strong, collaborative leader with a proven record of success with foundations and corporations in addition to building and sustaining relationships that foster major/principal gift giving. This position requires an individual who understands person-to-person relationships and has the ability to convincingly articulate the vision and priorities of the Research areas and University and match them to the interests of prospective donors. Familiarity with charitable gift arrangements as well as demonstrated experience in marketing, philanthropic messaging and persuasive writing is also desirable.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience Experience should be comprised of professional fundraising such as being a major gift officer, expertise in planned giving, and a demonstrated record of developing and leading a fundraising strategy.
Deadline to Apply 07/28/2026
