Assistant Vice President, Development

KU Endowment•Lawrence, KS

1d•$175,000

About The Position

Reporting to the Vice President for Lawrence Development, the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Lawrence Development serves in a key leadership role in advancing KU Endowment’s mission by fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and donor-centered development team. This position oversees a portfolio of units and is responsible for mentoring directors, cultivating a strong team culture, and driving strategic fundraising initiatives aligned with university priorities. The AVP translates vision into systems that enhance consistency, accountability, and campaign readiness, while serving as a trusted partner to academic leaders across campus. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in a people-centered environment and is energized by building the conditions for others to succeed. As a critical connector between KU Endowment and the university, the AVP ensures that philanthropic strategy is aligned, impactful, and responsive to institutional needs. The AVP plays a central role in equipping the development team to meet the demands of the next campaign.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in fundraising, advancement, or development, preferably within higher education or a complex nonprofit environment.
Demonstrated success in soliciting and closing major and principal gifts, including gifts of $1 million or more.
Proven experience supervising and mentoring high-performing teams, including frontline fundraisers.
Strong track record of building strategic partnerships with academic leaders or senior stakeholders.
Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships inside and outside KU Endowment.
Ability to adapt to new procedures and technology.
Strong leadership and coaching skills, with a commitment to building high-performing, collaborative teams.
Strategic thinking and operational acumen, with the ability to translate vision into systems that drive consistency and accountability.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust-based relationships across diverse stakeholders.
Strong emotional intelligence and diplomacy in managing complex relationships.
Deep understanding of donor strategy, major gift fundraising, and philanthropic advising.
Ability to manage complexity, align cross-functional efforts, and support campaign readiness.
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.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a relevant field.
Experience leading or contributing to a comprehensive campaign.
Familiarity with university advancement structures, donor strategy, and campaign readiness.
Experience working across multiple units or schools within a university setting.
Self-Motivated: You’re a go-getter who takes initiative and drives projects forward with enthusiasm and determination.
Collaborative: You shine in a team setting. Whether with your colleagues, prospective donors, or campus partners, you’re always finding ways to combine efforts and maximize outcomes.
Master Communicator: You have a knack for articulating compelling stories and connecting with donors on a deep level.
Resilient: You stay positive and persistent, turning challenges into opportunities and never losing sight of the mission.
Unwavering Integrity: You build trust through honesty, transparency, and the highest ethical standards.
Growth Mindset: You embrace challenges, see setbacks as learning opportunities and consistently strive to grow in personal and professional endeavors.