Development Professional, School of Medicine

KU Endowment•Kansas City, KS

1d•$84,700 - $112,800•Hybrid

About The Position

Full-time professional fundraising position responsible for the organization, implementation, and direction of a comprehensive major gift development program to raise private gifts to The Kansas University Endowment Association that support the School of Medicine and the University of Kansas. 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. Note: This position will be filled at the Associate Development Director, Development Director or Sr. Development Director level, commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Preference given for candidates who have one or more years of professional fundraising experience.
Candidates with experience in business development, sales or higher education will also be considered.
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are essential.
Must possess the ability to initiate, organize, and follow through with fundraising strategies.
Must be able to work with minimal supervision and exercise excellent judgment.
Knowledge of the University of Kansas Medical Center is desirable.
Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships inside and outside KU Endowment.
Ability to adapt to new procedures and technology.
Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
Performs other duties as may be assigned.
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.
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office productivity machinery such as computers, keyboards and a mouse, laptops, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to move files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.
The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
The person in this position frequently communicates with donors, colleagues, students, and general public. Must be able to communicate with others effectively.
Physical effort/lifting, up to 40 pounds.
Occasional travel requirements can include the following; evenings, weekends, and out of town overnights as a regular part of the job.

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

Qualifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards a portfolio of ~100-125 KU School of Medicine alumni and friends, with an emphasis on medical school alumni (MD, Master’s, PhD) as well as resident and fellow “alumni” with the capacity to make multi-year gift commitments of $50,000+.
Travels both nationally and locally to meet with individuals and achieve annual fundraising and engagement targets.
Collaborates with colleagues at KU Endowment to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward KU alumni and friends with an interest in supporting the priorities of KU School of Medicine and KU Medical Center.
With guidance from the Team Leader, works with the Executive Dean, Department Chairs, Division Chiefs, Center and Institute Directors, KU Endowment staff, faculty, and volunteer leaders as needed to meet development goals. Collaborates with University of Kansas Health System Fund Development colleagues when appropriate.
Shares supervision of a Development Administrator who provides administrative support for this constituent area.
Performs other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Team Leader and other KU Endowment leadership.
Upholds the highest level of professionalism, integrity and judgment as a member of the KU Endowment team. Displays intellectual curiosity and professional confidence to navigate a complex organization and garner trust from physician faculty.
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.