Philanthropy Assoc Specialist - Research

University of Kentucky; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky’s Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement is seeking a Senior Research Analyst to turn research, data, and insight into opportunities that advance philanthropy across the University.

As a senior member of the Prospect Research and Management team, this role identifies major-gift prospects and provides strategic intelligence to build relationships and strengthen the fundraising pipeline.

Qualifications

• BA or higher with 4 years of related experience.
• Experience identifying major-gift prospects and building portfolios.
• Strong writing and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate major-gift prospects and provide strategic intelligence.
• Collaborate with philanthropy officers to inform portfolio development and engagement strategies.
• Translate research findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Serve as a research partner to assigned colleges and units.

Skills

Supervision

Strategic planning

Prospect research

Data analysis

Oral/written communication

Team collaboration

Education

BA

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Wealth Engine

Lexis-Nexis

ResearchPoint

DonorScape

Dun & Bradstreet

Millennium

Reeher Platform

Tableau

Job description

Job Title Philanthropy Assoc Specialist - Research

Requisition Number RE56043

Working Title Senior Research Analyst

Department Name 14000:Office Of Philanthropy

Work Location Lexington, KY

Grade Level 45

Salary Range $48,214-79,560/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 4 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification None

Physical Requirements Sitting for long periods of time at the desk and repetitive motion tasks. Attend meetings on and off campus.

Shift Monday-Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Drive Strategic Philanthropy Through Research, Insight, and Prospect Discovery

The University of Kentucky Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement ( PAE ) is seeking a Senior Research Analyst to turn research, data, and insight into opportunities that advance philanthropy across the University. As a senior member of the Prospect Research and Management team, this position will proactively identify and evaluate major-gift prospects and provide strategic intelligence that helps philanthropy professionals build meaningful relationships and strengthen the University’s fundraising pipeline.

Serving as a trusted research partner to assigned colleges and units, the Senior Research Analyst will collaborate with philanthropy officers, deans, University leaders, and other partners to inform prospect identification, portfolio development, and engagement strategies. The role combines investigative research, analytical thinking, and sound judgment to uncover philanthropic capacity, interests, relationships, and networks—and translate those findings into clear, actionable recommendations.

This is an opportunity for an experienced, self-directed researcher to influence fundraising strategy, contribute to the development of a high-performing prospect development operation, and use their expertise to support the University of Kentucky's mission across the Commonwealth and beyond.

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.

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

• Some supervisory experience or experience providing work direction is preferred.
• Proactive, goal-oriented individual with ability to plan, direct, implement and monitor programs and projects effectively.
• Strategic planning skills with ability to develop fundraising strategies.
• Knowledge of standard industry resources such as Wealth Engine, Lexis-Nexis, ResearchPoint, DonorScape, and Dun & Bradstreet, and proficiency with all MS Office products.
• Utilize appropriate tools for visual data analysis (e.g. Excel, Tableau, Advizor, Visual Analyzer).
• Experience using the database Millennium and the Reeher Platform is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and with people collaboratively. Requires a self-motivator as well as the ability to work as part of a team.
• High degree of integrity, ethical decision-making and sound business judgment; awareness of and adherence to APRA Code of Ethics and AFP Donor Bill of Rights.
• Well-organized, with exceptional attention to detail and follow through.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• High degree of competency in writing and interpersonal communications.

This is an onsite and in-person position in Lexington, KY.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

No

Preferred Education/Experience

Master's degree

Deadline to Apply

10/20/2026

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.