Development Director and Team Lead, University Development & Scholarships

Description

Development Director and Team Leader, University Development & Scholarships

Department: Lawrence Development

Reports to: Assistant Vice President, Development

FLSA Status: Exempt

The anticipated salary for this position starts at $120,700+ for the Development Director role and ranges up to $132,800+ for the Senior Development Director role. The final pay will be determined based on several factors, including qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry, with a strong emphasis on maintaining internal equity. 

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.

What we are looking for:

The Development Director and Team Leader—University Development & Scholarships is responsible for the direction, organization, and implementation of comprehensive development program for raising private gifts to the KU Endowment Association in support of general scholarships and university needs, including but not limited to, undergraduate and graduate scholarships that are not specific to academic programs or professional schools, university-wide initiatives, and other funding priorities for the University of Kansas. This position leads a team of donor-centric fundraisers who engage with donors from diverse backgrounds and wide-ranging philanthropic interests, connecting them to meaningful giving opportunities across the university. 

The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – collaboration, curiosity, empowerment, and excellence – and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities. 

Hybrid Work Environment:

Following the initial training period, this position offers a hybrid work schedule, with the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week. However, the role requires multiple days per week on-site at our Lawrence, KS office to ensure effective collaboration, team engagement, and alignment with organizational goals. 

What’s a typical day look like?

• Solicits leadership and major gifts in support of the stated need for university directed priorities including, but not limited to undergraduate and graduate scholarships that are not specific to academic programs or professional schools, university-wide initiatives, and other funding priorities for the University of Kansas.
• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards leadership and major gift donors and prospects in support of general scholarships and university wide initiatives, working with KU Endowment staff, University administrators, and volunteers.
• Crafts and deploys a strategic operational plan that develops and implements both annual and long-range goals, objectives, and strategies to meet the private support needs of general scholarships consistent with the plan of KU Endowment.
• Coordinates preparation and development of leadership and major gift proposals to general scholarship prospects for presentation by the University Chancellor, KU administrators, KU Endowment staff, and volunteers.
• Manages, monitors, and mentors three other professional fundraisers focused on strategic identification of prospects and timely and consistent movement through management stages (qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship). 
• Acts as KU Endowment liaison for selected KU departments and programs, assisting in the identification of prospects, articulation of giving opportunities, communication with alumni, and engaging with key donors. 
• Personally solicits gifts of $50,000 or more for assigned areas with the goal of increasing annual gifts and donors.
• Position requires an extensive amount of time out of the office traveling to meet development goals.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What’s required to be considered:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Four years of major gift experience, with professional experience in higher education fundraising preferred
• Prior management experience preferred
• Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships inside and outside KU Endowment.
• Ability to adapt to new procedures and technology.
• Demonstrates a deep understanding of team dynamics, excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for cultivating a positive and cohesive culture within our development department.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other departments within the organization and support and mentor colleagues.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communications skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are essential.
• Must possess the ability to independently initiate, organize, and follow through with fundraising strategies.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision and exercise excellent judgment.

What separates the best from the rest?

• Self-Motivated: You’re a go-getter who takes initiative and drives projects forward with enthusiasm and determination.
• Collaborative: You shine in a team setting. Whether with your colleagues, prospective donors, or campus partners, you’re always finding ways to combine efforts and maximize outcomes.
• Master Communicator: You have a knack for articulating compelling stories and connecting with donors on a deep level.
• Resilient: You stay positive and persistent, turning challenges into opportunities and never losing sight of the mission.
• Unwavering Integrity: You build trust through honesty, transparency, and the highest ethical standards.
• Growth Mindset: You embrace challenges, see setbacks as learning opportunities and consistently strive to grow in personal and professional endeavors.

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 general public. Must be able to communicate with others effectively.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as medium - up to 50 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:

Human Resources

KU Endowment

PO Box 928

Lawrence, KS 66044-0928

Email: humanresources@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.