College Philanthropy Director

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky seeks a Director of Philanthropy – Dentistry to lead philanthropic growth for the College of Dentistry, joining the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement and the College of Dentistry.

The role focuses on major gift conversations with donors of $25,000+, identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors, and may supervise staff, providing mentorship and fundraising strategy to achieve portfolio and yield metrics.

Qualifications

• Professional fundraising experience, including experience as a major gift officer, with evidence of success and at least 2 years in managing fundraising work plans and staff.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors and prospects (giving capacity of $25,000+).
• Provide counsel on philanthropy activities to the Dean and College leadership.
• Lead fundraising strategy, portfolio management, and yield/proposal metrics; mentor and supervise staff as needed.

Skills

Major gift fundraising

Donor relations

Strategic planning

Persuasive writing

Job description

Job Summary

Lead Philanthropic Growth and Donor Engagement for the College of Dentistry

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Director of Philanthropy – Dentistry to join the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement and the College of Dentistry.

With a primary focus on major gift fundraising at high giving levels, the incumbent will engage in progressively more sophisticated philanthropic giving conversations with major gift donors and prospects of greater capacity.

The Director will be responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift donors and prospects with a giving capacity of $25,000 or more. This position will be a member of the Dean’s senior leadership team and provide counsel to the Dean regarding philanthropy activities. They must be an active participant in all philanthropic activities of the College of Dentistry, and connect with associate deans, college administration, department heads, faculty, and staff on philanthropic initiatives in their respective units. This position will manage the volunteer philanthropy leadership council, and may supervise and manage other philanthropy staff in the college, providing mentorship, guidance, fundraising strategy (including prospect strategies and next steps), and ensuring that they are meeting their portfolio, visit, proposal, and yield metrics.

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

By applying for a position within UK PAE , you are indicating your commitment and expressing your agreement to our six values. It is important you share these values in order to be part of our committed team!

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

The ideal candidate will be a strong, collaborative leader with a proven record of success in building and sustaining relationships that foster major gift giving. This position requires an individual who understands person-to-person relationships and has the ability to convincingly articulate the vision and priorities of the College and University and match them to the interests of prospective donors. Familiarity with planned giving, charitable gift arrangements as well as demonstrated experience in marketing, philanthropic messaging and persuasive writing is also desirable. This person will have experience managing and developing a fundraising team in the environment in which accountability-based metrics are used as benchmarks for performance.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

No

Preferred Education/Experience

Professional fund raising experience, including experience as a major gift officer, expertise in planned giving, a demonstrated record of success and a minimum of 2 years in successful management of fundraising work plan and staff. Experience at a Land-grant, or similar higher education institution and an understanding of the Land-grant mission is preferred.

Deadline to Apply

10/09/2026

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.

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Long periods of sitting and/or standing. Travel required through out the state and U.S. for donor visits. Lifting, pushing and/or pulling of objects up to 25 pounds.

Shift

Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. primarily; and some evenings and/or weekends as required.