Development Director and Team Lead, University Development & Scholarships

KU Endowment•Lawrence, KS

2d•$120,700 - $132,800•Hybrid

About The Position

The Development Director and Team Leader—University Development & Scholarships is responsible for the direction, organization, and implementation of comprehensive development program for raising private gifts to the KU Endowment Association in support of general scholarships and university needs, including but not limited to, undergraduate and graduate scholarships that are not specific to academic programs or professional schools, university-wide initiatives, and other funding priorities for the University of Kansas. This position leads a team of donor-centric fundraisers who engage with donors from diverse backgrounds and wide-ranging philanthropic interests, connecting them to meaningful giving opportunities across the university. 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Four years of major gift experience, with professional experience in higher education fundraising preferred
Prior management experience preferred
Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships inside and outside KU Endowment.
Ability to adapt to new procedures and technology.
Demonstrates a deep understanding of team dynamics, excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for cultivating a positive and cohesive culture within our development department.
Ability to collaborate effectively with other departments within the organization and support and mentor colleagues.
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communications skills, and the ability to work independently and 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 judgment.
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

Solicits leadership and major gifts in support of the stated need for university directed priorities including, but not limited to undergraduate and graduate scholarships that are not specific to academic programs or professional schools, university-wide initiatives, and other funding priorities for the University of Kansas.
Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards leadership and major gift donors and prospects in support of general scholarships and university wide initiatives, working with KU Endowment staff, University administrators, and volunteers.
Crafts and deploys a strategic operational plan that develops and implements both annual and long-range goals, objectives, and strategies to meet the private support needs of general scholarships consistent with the plan of KU Endowment.
Coordinates preparation and development of leadership and major gift proposals to general scholarship prospects for presentation by the University Chancellor, KU administrators, KU Endowment staff, and volunteers.
Manages, monitors, and mentors three other professional fundraisers focused on strategic identification of prospects and timely and consistent movement through management stages (qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship).
Acts as KU Endowment liaison for selected KU departments and programs, assisting in the identification of prospects, articulation of giving opportunities, communication with alumni, and engaging with key donors.
Personally solicits gifts of $50,0 or more for assigned areas with the goal of increasing annual gifts and donors.
Position requires an extensive amount of time out of the office traveling to meet development goals.
Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
Performs other duties as assigned.