College Philanthropy Officer/Major Gifts

Job Title
College Philanthropy Officer/Major Gifts


Requisition Number
RE51044


Working Title
Assistant Director of Philanthropy


Department Name
8E000:College of Arts & Sciences


Work Location
Lexington, KY


Grade Level
46


Salary Range
$52,021-85,800/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


5 yrs




Required License/Registration/Certification

None.



Physical Requirements

Sitting/standing for extended periods of time at workstation; walking to/from meetings; extensive travel.



Shift

Monday-Friday; 8:00 am-5:00 pm; and evenings and weekends.



Job Summary

The College of Arts and Sciences is seeking an Assistant Director of Philanthropy who will work to strengthen existing donor relationships and build new connections among alumni and other constituents with the goal of increasing fundraising capacity for the College of Arts and Sciences. This position focuses on building strong, authentic connections — with alumni, donors, and friends of the college — to increase support for students, faculty, and programs across the liberal arts and sciences. This position plays a key role in developing our next generation of donors, with an emphasis on discovery, cultivation, and meaningful stewardship.



This position will:



• Build and manage a dynamic portfolio of alumni and supporters



• Identify, qualify, and engage new prospects for Dean’s Circle and leadership-level gifts



• Partner with faculty and staff to lift up the College’s priorities and impact



• Collaborate across the college and university to grow philanthropic support



• Represent the College at events, meetings, and in personal outreach



This position reports to the Senior Director of Philanthropy and works closely with colleagues across the college — from associate deans and department heads to the alumni and events teams — to help tell the story of Arts and Sciences in powerful, compelling ways.



Goals and priorities for this role are developed in collaboration with the Senior Director, aligned with college-wide fundraising goals set by the Dean and Vice President of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement. 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. We are seeking someone for thisposition who shows an active commitment to and expresses agreement to the UK Office of PAE’s six values. These values are integral to being a part of our team!





Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate convincingly the vision and priorities of the College and University are necessary. Demonstrated ability to establish and build strategic relationships. Willingness/ability to learn University’s alumni and donor databases. Must be willing and able to travel frequently for work-related assignments.

Driver’s License preferred.



Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No


Preferred Education/Experience

Demonstrated record of success in sales, marketing, relationship-building or work in a university setting in areas such as student affairs, communications or philanthropy. Must be a results-oriented individual with demonstrated experience working effectively with a diverse group of people. Ability and experience to work with a school, academic unit or nonprofit organization to establish, implement, and evaluate annual goals for contacts to build capacity for successful fundraising and volunteer engagement.



Deadline to Apply
08/17/2025


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.


As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.


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.