Senior Associate Vice President of Central Development

Kansas State University Foundation • Manhattan, KS

71d • $215,000 - $225,000 • Onsite

About The Position

At the Kansas State University Foundation, purpose-driven work meets innovative strategy to create careers that matter. As K-State’s strategic partner in philanthropy, we connect passionate alumni and donors to bold opportunities that transform lives. We’re seeking a strategic, results-oriented leader to be our next Senior Associate Vice President of Central Development. Lead major gift activity, cultivates high-impact donor relationships, and oversees universitywide, corporate development and foundation relations, and gift planning programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, business administration, or related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in higher education fundraising or similar complex nonprofit environments
• 7+ years of leadership experience managing leaders of people across various departments, and the ability to inspire teams, while providing and receiving constructive feedback
• Proven success cultivating, soliciting, and closing six- and seven-figure gifts and meeting fundraising goals
• Communicate effectively with leadership across complex organizational structures, while analyzing multifaceted situations to develop strategic, tailored solutions

Nice To Haves

• Industry related certification (i.e. CFRE)
• Experience in gift planning, corporate development and foundation relations
• High energy and a passion for the mission of the KSU Foundation

Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level leadership and strategic oversight to assigned units.
• Collaborate with leadership to design and refine fundraising strategies, driving engagement, accountability, and recognition.
• Lead special initiatives, bringing together cross-campus teams, to support interdisciplinary fundraising or innovation-focused projects.
• Manage and/or support donor relationships within a portfolio of high-capacity prospects, based on needs and campaign priorities.
• Serve as a strategic lead for the Principal Gift Workgroup (PGW), guiding the cultivation and solicitation of major and principal gifts, while supporting donor strategy development.
• Directly manage leaders of leaders and people leaders for Universitywide, Gift Planning, and Corporate and Foundation Relations units.
• Serve as a strategic liaison for the KSU Vice President of Research.
• Demonstrate strategic thinking and a growth mindset by coaching performance, empowering employees, and encouraging accountability to achieve bold philanthropic goals.
• Build organizational commitment and foster collaboration through adaptable leadership, approachability, and effective change management.

Benefits

• Competitive health, dental, life insurance, plus voluntary benefits including company paid HSA contributions
• 403(b) retirement plan with 10% company contribution
• Paid leave for holidays, vacation, wellness, personal, parental, and volunteer
• Tuition/certification assistance and a $300 annual reimbursement wellness program
• A work environment that embraces flexibility inside of a framework
• Mission-driven work that changes the lives of people around the world

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees