College Philanthropy Officer Senior

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky is recruiting two College Philanthropy Officer Senior positions for major gifts fundraising. Each role manages a 75–100 donor portfolio and aims to raise $1.5–$3 million annually, with 100–125 visits, 20–30 proposals, and 15–20 major gifts closed yearly.

Strong communication and a proven fundraising track record are essential. These positions offer opportunities to engage with alumni, donors, and corporate partners to

Qualifications

• Philanthropic fundraising and/or graduate degree preferred.
• 5+ years of direct fundraising experience, preferably in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Manage an active portfolio of 75–100 donors and prospects.
• Raise $1.5 million to $3 million annually.
• Conduct 100–125 face-to-face visits, deliver 20–30 proposals, and close 15–20 major gifts ($25,000+ capacity) per year.
• Generate at least five planned giving leads.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Donor relations

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

BA

Job description

Working Title College Philanthropy Officer Senior - Major Gifts

Department Name

Department Name 8F004:B&E Development & Advance

Work Location

Work Location Lexington, KY

Grade Level 48

Salary Range

Salary Range $64,210-105,914/year

Type of Position

Type of Position Staff

Position Time Status

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education

BA

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Lifting, pushing and/or pulling of objects up to 10 lbs.; Sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time; Performing repetitive motion tasks; Effectively communicating with individuals from varying backgrounds and professional levels; Extensive travel.

Shift

Typically Monday – Friday; 8:00am – 5:00pm; nights and weekends as needed for work and travel.

Job Summary

The Gatton College of Business and Economics is recruiting two College Philanthropy Officer Senior positions for fundraising of major gifts. Each position is responsible for managing an active portfolio of 75–100 donors and prospects and raise $1.5 million to $3 million annually. Reporting to the College Philanthropy Director Senior, the successful candidate will conduct 100–125 face-to-face visits, deliver 20–30 proposals, and close 15–20 major gifts ($25,000+ capacity) per year while generating at least five planned giving leads. This results-driven role requires a professional with a proven fundraising track record and exceptional communication skills.

The Gatton College of Business and Economics offers a unique opportunity for fundraising professionals to create transformational impact while building relationships with an extraordinary network of alumni, donors, and corporate leaders. Fundraisers work with passionate and highly successful Gatton graduates, including executives, entrepreneurs, and industry innovators who are committed to investing in the next generation of business leaders.

The role also provides meaningful engagement with prominent Kentucky and nationally recognized companies that partner with Gatton to advance student success, workforce development, experiential learning, and research. Every philanthropic investment directly impacts students by expanding access to scholarships, supporting hands‑on learning opportunities, enhancing global experiences, and attracting world‑class faculty.

The Gatton College of Business and Economics just celebrated its 100th anniversary. Over that time, we have been preparing principled leaders for the global economy, producing high quality, influential research, and supporting economic growth in Kentucky and beyond. Accredited by the AACSB , Gatton proudly offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional business and economics degrees and certificates in both a face to face an online format. We are housed in a 220,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility where the college accommodates the fastest growing student enrollment on UK’s campus, reaching over 4,000 students in Fall 2022. Through teaching, research, and outreach, the Gatton College has a direct, tangible influence on the lives of Kentucky’s citizens and people around the world. We are looking for professionals who embody the College’s tagline of “Blue Means Business”.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Philanthropic fundraising and/or graduate degree preferred. 5+ years of direct fundraising experience, preferably in higher education.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 09/02/2026

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.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How many years of fundraising/sales or related experience do you have?
  • None
  • More than 0 years, up to 2 years
  • More than 2 years, up to 4 years
  • More than 4 years, up to 6 years
  • More than 6 years
• * Please describe the two largest major gifts you identified, cultivated and successfully secured. Include the amounts and the steps taken to successfully secure them.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * How many years of paid work experience do you have developing and managing a portfolio of major gift prospects?

  (Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

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