Development Professional, Journalism and Mass Communications

KU Endowment is an independent, nonprofit organization and the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas. They are seeking a Development Professional to manage a comprehensive development program for raising private gifts to support the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications and the University of Kansas.

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

Skills

• 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
• 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
• 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 50 pounds
• Often, travel requirements can include the following: evenings, weekends, and out-of-town overnights as a regular part of the job
• One to three years of higher education fundraising and major gift experience preferred
• Major gift experience preferred
• At least two years of professional experience in higher education/healthcare fundraising preferred
• At least five years of professional experience in higher education/healthcare fundraising preferred
• At least ten years of professional experience in higher education/healthcare fundraising preferred

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid pension plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) matching program
• Section 125 flexible benefits
• Generous paid leave including holidays, personal and sick leave
• Volunteer and community engagement opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Legal & ID Theft protection
• Critical Illness
• Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance
• KU education assistance
• Free parking

Company Overview