Posting Details

Posting Details

Job Title
Philanthropy Officer Senior-Major Gifts

Requisition Number
RE55580

Working Title
Director of Philanthropy

Department Name
14000:Office Of Philanthropy

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
48

Salary Range
$64,210-105,914/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

Extended periods of sitting and standing; repetitive motion tasks; standing and/or walking with up to 10 lbs. This position may require traveling around the city and region for donor meetings.

Shift

Primarily Monday through Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm with occasional evenings and weekends per departmental needs.

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky's Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) is seeking a Director of Philanthropy - Departments, Centers and Institutes , 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 Sanders-Brown Center on Aging. 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.

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 law; the ability to travel to meet with current and prospective donors; a commitment to the values and mission of the University of Kentucky.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

Bachelor's Degree and at least 7 years of philanthropic experience preferred.

Deadline to Apply
09/02/2026

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.