Development Professional, Journalism and Mass Communications at Kansas University Endowment Association – Lawrence, Kansas

Development Professional, Journalism and Mass Communications*

Department: Journalism and Mass Communications

Reports to: Assistant Vice President, Strategic Development

FLSA Status: Exempt

The anticipated salary for this position starts at $70,000+ for the Development Officer role and ranges up to $112,800+ for the Sr 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:

Full-time professional fundraising position responsible for the organization, implementation, and direction of a comprehensive development program for raising private gifts to the KU Endowment Association in support of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications and the University of Kansas.

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.

* 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.

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?

• Directs programs for prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship for current and prospective major gift donors to the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications and the University of Kansas, working with the dean, department chairs, KU Endowment staff, university administrators, faculty and key volunteers.
• Solicits major gifts ($50,000 and greater), both outright and deferred, in support of the stated needs of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
• Solicits annual gifts of $1,000 or more recognized in the school’s Deans Club with the goal of increasing annual support.
• Coordinates preparation and development of leadership and major gift proposals to School of Journalism prospects for presentation by the university chancellor, dean of the school, KU administrators, KU Endowment staff and key volunteers.
• Develops and implements an ongoing program of communication with donors that recognizes past and current commitments and fosters support for future efforts, in collaboration with Donor Relations.
• Position requires an extensive amount of time traveling to meet development goals.
• Supervises the shared Development Associate who provides administrative support for this constituent area.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

What’s required to be considered:

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Minimum requirement of one year of previously successful professional work experience in an area with strong similarities to development work, such as business development, sales, or higher education (one to three years of higher education fundraising and major gift experience preferred).
• Able to work with a high degree of flexibility in a highly-collaborative, fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
• Adept at using social media, text, phone, and video conferencing.
• A high degree of grit, resilience, and desire to make a difference.
• Strong work ethic with a desire to continue to learn.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and fearless approach to portfolio building and relationship development.
• Willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone and embrace challenges.
• Robust oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent collaboration and organizational skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and readiness to engage donors and alumni.
• Skilled at navigating and using databases, familiarity with CRM systems, and entering contact reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships inside and outside KU Endowment.
• Ability to adapt to new procedures and technology.

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?

• 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 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.