College Philanthropy Officer Senior

Job Title
College Philanthropy Officer Senior

Requisition Number
RE53154

Working Title
College Philanthropy Officer

Department Name
81016:Office of Philanthropy and Alumni

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
48

Salary Range
$62,941-103,834/year

Type of Position
Staff

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Required Education

BA

Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience

7 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Extended periods of sitting and standing; repetitive motion tasks; standing and/or walking with up to 10 lbs. This position may require traveling around the city and region for donor meetings.

Shift

Primarily Monday through Friday; 8:00am – 5:00pm with occasional evenings and weekends per departmental needs.

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is seeking a College Philanthropy Officer who will play a pivotal role in advancing the land-grant mission. Under the direction of the Senior Director, the Philanthropy Officer will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, cultivating long-term relationships that lead to significant philanthropic support.

Working in close collaboration with faculty leaders, department chairs, and colleagues across UK, the Officer will:

• Develop and execute strategic fundraising plans to achieve annual and long-term goals.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects (typically $25,000+).
• Conduct high-impact donor visits and prepare customized proposals.
• Partner with faculty, leadership, and administrative colleagues to align philanthropic priorities with institutional needs.
• Represent the college as an ambassador for agriculture.

We’re seeking a mission-driven relationship builder who brings:

• A proven record of success in major gift fundraising, preferably in higher education, agriculture, or complex nonprofit environments.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills with the ability to inspire donors around life-changing programs and research.
• Strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, and professional integrity.
• A collaborative approach that thrives within a values-based culture.

The culture within the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) is built on our shared core values CoMMIT– Collaboration, Communication, Mission Driven, Mutual Respect, Innovation and Transparency.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Microsoft Office Suite. The candidate must have strong oral and written communication skills, attention to detail, and professional expertise to communicate effectively within the university environment, with stakeholders, and with Kentucky citizens.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

Bachelor’s Degree and at least 7 years of philanthropic experience preferred.

Deadline to Apply
03/06/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.