Development Professional, Journalism and Mass Communications

KU Endowment•Lawrence, KS

1h•$70,000 - $112,800•Hybrid

About The Position

Full-time professional fundraising position responsible for the organization, implementation, and direction of a comprehensive development program for raising private gifts to the KU Endowment Association in support of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications and the University of Kansas. 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. Note: This position will be filled at the Development Officer, Associate Development Director or Development Director level, commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications. Hybrid Work Environment: Following the initial training period, this position offers a hybrid work schedule, with the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week. However, the role requires multiple days per week on-site at our Lawrence, KS office to ensure effective collaboration, team engagement, and alignment with organizational goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree is required.
Minimum requirement of one year of previously successful professional work experience in an area with strong similarities to development work, such as business development, sales, or higher education (one to three years of higher education fundraising and major gift experience preferred).
Able to work with a high degree of flexibility in a highly-collaborative, fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
Adept at using social media, text, phone, and video conferencing.
A high degree of grit, resilience, and desire to make a difference.
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.
Robust oral and written communication skills.
Excellent collaboration and 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.
Development Officer – At least one year of professional experience in an area with strong similarities to development work. This may be substituted for a graduate degree.
Associate Development Director – At least two years of professional experience in higher education/healthcare fundraising. This may be substituted for five or more years of professional experience in an area with strong similarities to development work. Major gift experience preferred.
Development Director – At least five years of professional experience in higher education/healthcare fundraising. This may be substituted for seven or more years or professional experience in an area with strong similarities to development work. Major gift experience required. Must have success managing a diverse portfolio.
Sr. Development Director - At least ten years of professional experience in higher education/healthcare fundraising. This may be substituted for ten or more years of professional experience in an area with strong similarities to development work. Major gift experience required. Must have success managing a diverse portfolio.
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 prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship for current and prospective major gift donors to the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications and the University of Kansas, working with the dean, department chairs, KU Endowment staff, university administrators, faculty and key volunteers.
Solicits major gifts ($50,000 and greater), both outright and deferred, in support of the stated needs of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Solicits annual gifts of $1,000 or more recognized in the school’s Deans Club with the goal of increasing annual support.
Coordinates preparation and development of leadership and major gift proposals to School of Journalism prospects for presentation by the university chancellor, dean of the school, KU administrators, KU Endowment staff and key volunteers.
Develops and implements an ongoing program of communication with donors that recognizes past and current commitments and fosters support for future efforts, in collaboration with Donor Relations.
Position requires an extensive amount of time traveling to meet development goals.
Supervises the shared Development Associate who provides administrative support for this constituent area.
Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
Performs other duties as may be assigned.