Philanthropy Dir Sr/Prospect Dev

University of Kentucky; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement seeks a strategic, data‑fluent leader to serve as Senior Director of Prospect Development. This role will direct UK’s prospect development function, shaping vision and strategy for portfolio assignment, pipeline management, and research to accelerate fundraising.

A major focus is expanding HealthCare’s grateful patient fundraising by building a sophisticated, data‑driven pipeline and partnering with fundraisers,

Qualifications

• Masters’ degree with at least 7 years of prospect development experience.
• Minimum 4 years in management of fundraising work plans and staff.
• Experience at a Land-grant or similar higher education institution preferred.
• Ability to translate complex donor data into strategic guidance.
• Leadership in analytics, KPI tracking and proactive systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead UK’s prospect development function and strategy.
• Partner with gift officers, deans and senior leadership to advance opportunities.
• Develop a data-informed prospect pipeline and actionable fundraising strategies.
• Lead a high‑performing team and promote analytics and emerging technologies.

Skills

Prospect development leadership

Data-driven fundraising

Portfolio management

Relationship building

Education

MA or equivalent

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title

Philanthropy Dir Sr/Prospect Dev

Requisition Number

RE56063

Working Title

Sr. Director of Prospect Development

Department Name

14000:Office Of Philanthropy

Work Location

Lexington, KY

Grade Level

51

Salary Range

$95,826-162,947/year

Type of Position

Staff

Position Time Status

Full-Time

Required Education

MA

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience

7 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

The essential job functions of this position require you to: communicate and build working relationships with staff, and other individuals from diverse backgrounds; abide by University guidelines; maintain confidentiality; prioritize and manage work effectively; positively represent the university; report to meetings at different locations both on campus and off campus as well as work successfully in a team as well as independently. There will be minimal travel throughout the United States.

Shift

Typically Monday through Friday; 8:00am – 5:00pm; evenings as required

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement ( PAE ) is seeking a strategic, data-fluent advancement leader to serve as Senior Director of Prospect Development.

This position will lead UK’s prospect development function, providing vision and strategy for all aspects of prospect development. As a key partner to fundraising and university leaders, the Senior Director will strengthen how UK identifies, prioritizes, and advances its most promising philanthropic opportunities. A significant focus will be expanding UK HealthCare’s grateful patient fundraising program by building a sophisticated, data-informed prospect pipeline and partnering with fundraisers, physicians, and clinical leaders to translate insights into actionable philanthropic strategies. The role will also support other institutional fundraising priorities. This is an opportunity to lead the continued evolution of prospect development into a proactive, strategic intelligence function strengthening systems and practices, developing a high-performing team, and advancing the use of analytics, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies to drive fundraising success.

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

The ideal candidate will build strong relationships and a sense of confidence and partnership with gift officers, deans, and senior leadership across a large, decentralized fundraising organization. They will lead the continued development of a growing prospect management and research function — establishing modern, proactive systems for portfolio assignment, pipeline management, and prospect identification that increase the efficiency and productivity of frontline fundraisers. This person will have experience managing and developing a team in an environment where accountability-based metrics and KPIs are used as benchmarks for performance, and will be comfortable translating complex donor data into strategic guidance that shapes decision-making at every level of the organization.

This is an in-person and on-site position located in Lexington, Kentucky.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

Masters’ degree with a minimum of 7 years of professional prospect development experience, and a minimum of 4 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

11/11/2026

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.

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