Development Director and Team Lead - School of Engineering

Kansas University Endowment Association•Lawrence, KS

24d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. This is a full-time professional fundraising position responsible for the organization, implementation, and direction of a comprehensive development program for raising private gifts to The Kansas University Endowment Association in support of the School of Engineering and the University of Kansas. Provides assistance to appropriate University personnel and KU Endowment staff in the coordination, planning, and implementation of fundraising activities of the School of Engineering. The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – passion for KU, partnership with donors, perpetual support for KU, and a people-centered approach – and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
A minimum of five years of successful professional experience in major gift fundraising is required.
Higher education fundraising experience is preferred.
Prior management experience is also preferred, particularly experience coaching, mentoring, or supporting the professional growth of individual team members in a fundraising environment.
Excellent written, oral, and communication skills and the ability to work independently, as well as part of a team, are essential.
Must possess the ability to independently initiate, organize and follow through with fundraising strategies.
Must be able to work with minimal supervision and exercise excellent judgement.
Adept at using social media, text, phone, and video conferencing.
Strong work ethic with a desire to continue to learn.
Entrepreneurial spirit and fearless approach to portfolio building and relationship development.
Willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone and embrace challenges.
Excellent organizational skills.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and readiness to engage donors and alumni.
Skilled at navigating and using databases, familiarity with CRM systems, and entering contact reports.
Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships inside and outside KU Endowment.
Ability to adapt to new procedures and technology.
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

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.

Responsibilities

Directs programs for identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospective and current major gift donors to the School of Engineering and the University of Kansas working with the dean, department chairs, KU Endowment officers and professional staff, University administrators, faculty, and volunteer leaders.
Solicits major gifts ($50,000+), both outright and deferred, in support of the stated needs of the School of Engineering.
Crafts and deploys a strategic operational plan – develops and implements both annual and long-range goals, objectives, and strategies to maximize private support for the School of Engineering, consistent with the overall plan of KU Endowment.
As a team lead, candidates will demonstrate strong, seasoned, professional experience.
Coordinates preparation and development of major gift proposals to School of Engineering prospects for presentation by the University Chancellor, the Dean of the School, KU Endowment staff, and volunteer leaders.
Supervises the shared development assistant who provides administrative support for this constituent area.
Manages, monitors and mentors two other professional fundraisers supporting the School of Engineering that are focused on strategic identification of prospects and timely and consistent movement through management stages (qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship).
Position requires an extensive amount of time out of the office traveling to meet development goals, as well as attendance at events occurring outside of traditional business hours.
Collaborate with Development Team Leads to identify and implement best practices, align strategies, and support clear communication across the broader Development team.
Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
Performs such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Vice President for Development and other senior development staff.