Development Professional, Corporate and Foundation Development*

Department: Development

Reports to: Senior Director, Corporate & Foundation Development

FLSA Status: Exempt

Who we are and what we’re about:

KU Endowment is an independent, nonprofit organization and the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas. We partner with donors in providing philanthropic support to build a greater KU.

As an employee of KU Endowment, you’ll witness firsthand the power of our donors’ generosity. You will join a talented and fun group of people who are inspired to help KU through the support of loyal alumni and friends. This support fuels excellence, enabling students and faculty to develop innovative programs and research that distinguish the university. We connect the philanthropic passions of donors with the needs of students, faculty and programs – and everyone benefits.

People are engaged. Purpose is ignited. Lives are changed.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging:

At KU Endowment, we recognize that we best achieve our mission of building a greater University of Kansas by embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to cultivating a people-centered environment that is welcoming to the spectrum of differences among us in an atmosphere of respect and fairness. Accordingly, our staff, Board of Trustees, volunteers and donors will work together to create a more representative, equitable and inclusive KU Endowment.

What we are looking for:

Full-time professional staff position responsible for securing major corporate, foundation, and individual support for academic programs and projects across the University of Kansas, with an emphasis on academic medical center units. Responsible for coordinating, managing, and soliciting an appropriate prospect portfolio supporting corporate and foundation initiatives for assigned units and campaign priorities throughout the University. 

The Corporate & Foundation Development department, which consists of four members, builds, coordinates, and maintains relationships with regional and national corporations and foundations across all University campuses and units. The department is a central resource, both externally and internally, assisting in identifying philanthropic opportunities, and serving as a liaison between the corporate and foundation staff, and university personnel. This position is based at KU Endowment’s Kansas City office at KU Medical Center. A hybrid work schedule may be possible. 

The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – passion for KU, partnership with donors, perpetual support for KU, and a people-centered approach – and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities.  

*Note: This position will be filled at the Development Officer, Associate Development Director or Development Director level, commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications. 

What’s a typical day look like?

• Under the Senior Director’s supervision, works closely with the KU Medical Center development team, interconnected University units, and other KU partners to identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts from corporations and foundations. 
• Independently develops and implements engagement strategies that will result in philanthropic support for University programs and priority initiatives focusing on education, research, and outreach.  
• In coordination with the Senior Director, independently assesses how best to utilize the chancellor, provost, deans, directors, and faculty in such areas as prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. 
• Evaluates new prospects, documents prospect strategies, and works to cultivate major gift prospects. Ensures timely, accurate completion of proposals, contact reports, grant agreements, and stewardship reports.  
• Contributes to ongoing research and monitoring of foundations and corporations using a variety of tools, including online sites. 
• Position requires an extensive amount of in-person and virtual development visits to meet performance goals. 
• Will organize, write or edit proposals and will provide support for the production of proposal packets or materials for use during initial inquiry or solicitation. 
• Handles special projects and individual donors as assigned. 
• Performs other duties as may be assigned from time to time by Senior Development Staff as prospects and strategies warrant.

What’s required to be considered:

• Bachelors degree and three years of corporate and foundation development experience in higher education. 
• Candidates with experience in business development, sales, or non-profits will also be considered. Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of multiple teams is essential. 
• Must possess the ability to initiate, organize, and follow through with fundraising strategies. 
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision and exercise excellent judgment. 
• Valid motor vehicle license required. 

What separates the best from the rest?

• Knowledge of the University of Kansas and prior experience at academic medical centers is desirable. 

Physical Requirements:

• Valid motor vehicle license 
• Ability to: 
• Speak   
• Hear  
• Sit  
• See  
• Operate office equipment 
• Travel locally
• Travel nationally  
• Lift up to 40 pounds

We’ve got you covered:

KU Endowment offers a competitive salary with an excellent benefit package including: 

• 100% employer-paid pension plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) matching program
• Section 125 flexible benefits 
• Generous paid leave including holidays, personal and sick leave
• Volunteer and community engagement opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Legal & ID Theft protection
• Critical Illness
• Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance 
• KU education assistance 
• Free parking

Sounds good, right? What’s next?

Please include your resume and cover letter when applying for this position on our website at https://www.kuendowment.org/careers.

Questions regarding this vacancy may be addressed to:

Charo Kelley

Director, Development Talent Acquisition, Culture & Employee Belonging Lead

KU Endowment

PO Box 928

Lawrence, KS 66044-0928

Email: ckelley@kuendowment.org

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Because of the sensitive nature of KU Endowment business and the importance of our reputation with donors, KU Endowment conducts a comprehensive review of applicants. By submitting your application, you authorize us to conduct reference checks and a review of available public information. Employment is contingent upon background and reference checks that KU Endowment finds acceptable.