Philanthropy Officer

Kentucky State University; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A public university in Frankfort, Kentucky is seeking a Philanthropy Officer to enhance its fundraising efforts. The role involves identifying and cultivating major gift prospects, managing the donation cycle, and collaborating with university leadership. Ideal candidates will possess a bachelor's degree and experience in fundraising or nonprofit sectors. The position requires strong interpersonal and communication skills along with proficiency in donor databases. This role offers the opportunity for impactful engagement within a dedicated team.

Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or the non-profit sector required.
• Previous experience in fundraising is a plus.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Identify and solicit major gift prospects.
• Cultivate relationships with existing and potential donors.
• Maintain accurate donor records and prepare reports.

Skills

Management of a donor database

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree in philanthropy or nonprofit management

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Fundraising databases

Job description

TITLE: Philanthropy Officer

DEPARTMENT: Office of Institutional Advancement and External Relations

REPORTS TO: VP of Institutional Advancement

CLASSIFICATION: Staff -12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

LOCATION: On-Site Main Campus | Frankfort, KY

Job Summary

Kentucky State University is seeking a dedicated and results-oriented Philanthropy Officer to join our Office of Institutional Advancement team. The Philanthropy Officer will play a key role in securing donations through the major giving donation cycle. The successful candidate will be responsible for cultivating relationships with donors, identifying potential major gift prospects, and overseeing the entire donor engagement process. Additionally, the Philanthropy Officer will be expected to assist with various tasks as assigned within the Office of Institutional Advancement.

Essential Job Functions

Major Giving Donation Cycle

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects to secure significant donations for Kentucky State University.
• 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 not 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, 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 IT 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.
• Some travel required.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.