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 Culture and Belonging:

At KU Endowment, we are committed to creating a culture where every individual feels a true sense of belonging. We recognize that a culture of belonging is not built by chance but through deliberate ongoing efforts. Our core values serve as the foundation for this commitment as we celebrate our diverse voices, thoughts, and lived experiences. We strive for a strong and inclusive environment that honors both individual and collective contributions.  

United by a shared purpose, our staff, Board of Trustees, volunteers, and donors are a force of individuals building a strong, collaborative, curious, empowered, community of excellence. Like a flock, we rise higher because we move together encouraging everyone to spread their wings to build a greater University of Kansas.  

WE are KU Endowment.

What we are looking for:

As a full-time member of the KU Endowment’s Corporate & Foundation Development team, you will seek philanthropic support from companies and foundations for the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence. Philanthropy at a world class university is critical work. In this excellent career opportunity, you will partner with university and community leaders, internationally renowned researchers, outstanding students, and talented development professionals. 

You will focus exclusively on building relationships with corporate and foundation leaders and moving these engagements toward securing major gifts, most in the six-figure range, with some seven-figure opportunities. Most efforts will focus on institutional priorities, such as capital, research, student, and faculty support. Success will require networking, creativity, research, collaboration, persistence, and follow-through, as well as passion for our mission. We conduct conversations one-on-one with donors; the ability to identify key decision-makers and obtain meetings is essential. Previous Corporate and Foundation Development experience is preferred, however candidates with the above characteristics may also have professional experience in business development and sales.   

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?

In this role, you will: 

• Develop significant expertise in corporate and foundation and higher education development.   
• Engage with prospects including regional and national companies and foundations, as well as individuals in limited numbers.  
• Have the opportunity to be entrepreneurial and creative in identifying donor prospects to expand the base of private philanthropic support. 
• Provide critical advice to senior administration, faculty, and other stakeholders in selecting appropriate projects and preparing persuasive proposals, written and in-person, for donor prospects.   
• In keeping with our high ethical standards, guide conversations toward the best interests of the University and donors, advocating for both.  
• With some projects, partner with KU Endowment development colleagues and affiliated organizations. 
• Pursue clear and attainable goals.  

As a member of the KU Endowment team, you join a highly respected, 133-year-old foundation and the largest in Kansas. We are singularly focused on the success of the University of Kansas and its mission to serve Kansans and the world. With more than 40 frontline development professionals and 180 total employees, excellent camaraderie, training, and mentorship is available, along with external training opportunities. What is success in this role? Lives changed through meaningful relationships and partnerships, and your career trajectory pointed toward the top echelon of this industry. 

What’s required to be considered:

• Bachelors degree.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• 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. 
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.

*Development Officer – At least one year of professional experience in an area with strong similarities to development work. This may be substituted for a graduate degree. 

*Associate Development Director – At least two years of professional experience in higher education/healthcare fundraising. This may be substituted for five or more years of professional experience in an area with strong similarities to development work. Major gift experience preferred.

*Development Director – At least five years of professional experience in higher education/healthcare fundraising. This may be substituted for seven or more years or professional experience in an area with strong similarities to development work. Major gift experience required. Must have success managing a diverse portfolio.

*Sr. Development Director - At least ten years of professional experience in higher education/healthcare fundraising. This may be substituted for ten or more years of professional experience in an area with strong similarities to development work. Major gift experience required. Must have success managing a diverse portfolio.

What separates the best from the rest?

• Knowledge of the University of Kansas and prior experience in universities is desirable. 

Physical Requirements:

• A valid driver’s license. 
• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple locations for training, donor meetings, networking, events and/or work-related activities.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to directions and safety hazards.
• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office productivity machinery such as computers, keyboards and a mouse, laptops, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. 
• This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to move files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.
• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• The person in this position frequently communicates with donors, colleagues, students, and the general public. Must be able to communicate with others effectively.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as light-up to 20 pounds.
• Often, travel requirements can include the following, evenings, weekends, and out of town overnights as a regular part of the job. 

KU Endowment is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job as regulated by ADA. If you require accommodation for any part of the application process or during employment, please contact humanresources@kuendowment.org to discuss your needs.

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.