Philanthropy Special Projects Coord

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky seeks an Assistant Director of Donor Relations for Student Success to provide strategic coordination and operational support for philanthropy initiatives across the Office for Student Success.

This role manages stewardship, gift and fund administration, donor communications, events, and cross-functional partnerships to ensure a high-quality donor experience and alignment with donor intent and institutional priorities.

Responsibilities

• The Assistant Director coordinates donor relations across the Office for Student Success.
• Manages stewardship, gift and fund administration, donor communications and events.
• Collaborates with Student Success, Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement and university partners to strengthen donor engagement.

Skills

Gift administration

Fund management

Project management

Process coordination

Written communication

Attention to detail

Customer service

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Sitting for long periods of time; lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 25 lbs.

Shift

Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; and some nights and weekends.

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Donor Relations for Student Success, reporting to the Director of Philanthropy for Student Success, provides strategic coordination and operational support for philanthropy initiatives across the Office for Student Success. The role manages stewardship, gift and fund administration, donor communications, events, and cross-functional partnerships to ensure a high-quality donor experience and alignment with donor intent and institutional priorities. Serving as a trusted partner and subject-matter resource, the Assistant Director collaborates with Student Success, Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement, and university partners to strengthen donor engagement, advance philanthropic priorities, and support the effective administration of gifts and funds. Student Success will, from the time of early college outreach to graduation and beyond, support students in living a life of meaning and purpose. From a student-centered framework, our practice will be grounded in peer-reviewed literature, national best practices, and data-informed decision making. Collaborating with the campus and community, Student Success will work through a holistic lens to support a community of learners in achieving success.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Gift administration and fund management; Project management and process coordination; written communication; attention to detail; customer service

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 11/03/2026

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 (*).