Director of Major Gifts & Donor Relations

Kentucky State University; Frankfort (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kentucky State University in Frankfort, KY seeks a Director of Philanthropy to lead major gifts, oversee donor engagement, and drive the University’s Capital Campaign.

Reporting to the VP of Institutional Advancement, this role supervises the Development Services & Stewardship Coordinator and the Annual Giving Coordinator, collaborates with university leaders, and manages donor relations and prospect research.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• At least two years of experience in higher education or nonprofit fundraising.
• Experience with fundraising databases or donor management software.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects to secure significant donations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with major donors and oversee donor engagement.
• Manage the major giving cycle from prospect identification to gift closure, with reporting.

Skills

Major gift cultivation

Donor relations

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree in philanthropy or related field

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Director of Philanthropy

Frankfort, KY, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 2403

TITLE:Director of Philanthropy

DEPARTMENT:Office of Institutional Advancement

REPORTS TO:VP Institutional Advancement

CLASSIFICATION:Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE:TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS:37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION:Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

Kentucky State University is seeking a dedicated and results-oriented Director of Philanthropy to join our Office of Institutional Advancement team. The Director of Philanthropy will play a key role in securing donations through the major giving donation cycle and serve in a leadership capacity during the University’s Capital Campaign. The successful candidate will be responsible for cultivating relationships with donors, identifying potential major gift prospects, and overseeing the donor engagement process. The Director of Philanthropy will be expected to assist with various tasks as assigned within the Office of Institutional Advancement and will oversee the Coordinator for Development Services & Stewardship as well as the Coordinator for Annual Giving. Additional positions may also report to this position.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Major Giving Donation Cycle:

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects to secure significant donations for Kentucky State University. Alumni, community members, foundations and corporations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with major donors, ensuring consistent communication and stewardship.
• Manage the major giving donation cycle from prospect identification to gift closure, tracking progress and reporting on outcomes.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship:

• Cultivate relationships with existing and potential donors, understanding their philanthropic interests and aligning them with University priorities.
• Implement effective stewardship strategies to recognize and appreciate donors, ensuring their ongoing engagement with the University.

Prospect Research and Analysis:

• Conduct in-depth research on potential major donors to assess their capacity and inclination to give.
• Analyze giving patterns and trends to identify new prospects and inform fundraising strategies.

Collaboration and Coordination:

• Collaborate with colleagues in the Office of Institutional Advancement and other departments to coordinate fundraising efforts and maximize donor engagement opportunities.
• Work closely with University leadership, faculty, and staff to gather relevant information and develop compelling proposals for major gift solicitations.

Data Management and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in the University's database, tracking interactions, proposals, and donations.
• Prepare regular reports on fundraising activities, donor engagement, and progress toward fundraising goals.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Experience with management of a donor database. Raiser’s Edge experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new software programs quickly.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and inspire donors and colleagues.
• A passion for accuracy and sharp attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Valid driver’s license.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

This position does have supervisory responsibility.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Assist with various tasks and projects within the Office of Institutional Advancement as assigned by the Vice President of Institutional Advancement.
• Stay informed about best practices in philanthropy, major giving, and higher education fundraising.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in philanthropy, nonprofit management, business, marketing, or a related field preferred.
• At least two years of experience in higher education or the non-profit sector. Previous experience in fundraising, alumni relations, or marketing is a plus.
• Proficiency in using fundraising databases and software.
• Knowledge and understanding of Kentucky State University's history, mission, and values is an asset.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as required by event schedules.

Licensing and Certifications: NA

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work could involve some exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Requires some standing or walking.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.