University of Kentucky
Posting Details
Posting Details
Job Title Senior Director of Philanthropy
Requisition Number RE51603
Working Title Sr. Director of Philanthropy for Communications & Donor Stewardship
Department Name 14000:Office Of Development
Work Location Lexington, KY
Grade Level 50
Salary Range $81,640-138,798/year
Type of Position Staff
Position Time Status Full-Time
Required Education
MA
Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience
8 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Working in front of a computer; Sitting for extended periods of time.
Shift
Working hours are Monday - Friday; generally from 8:00am to 5:00pm. As an exempt employee you may be expected to work outside these hours, if necessary, to accomplish tasks of the position
Job Summary
As Senior Director of Philanthropy for Communications & Donor Stewardship, you will lead the charge in shaping how the university connects with its generous supporters. You will provide strategic oversight for all donor communications and stewardship efforts tied to the university's colleges and units - with a focus on cultivating major ($100K+) and principal ($1M+) gifts.
You will craft and lead high-impact, donor-centered communications strategies across platforms, from custom proposals to campaign materials, ensuring every message reflects the university's brand, values and philanthropic vision. You'll serve as a strategic advisor to the Vice President for Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement and play a key role in advancing future campaign readiness through compelling storytelling and message alignment.
In this role, you will: Lead a cross-functional team
of philanthropy communications and stewardship professionals. Direct executive-level communications , including proposal development for principal gifts and message preparation for donor engagements. Coordinate stewardship strategy
that deepens donor relationships and drives retention. Ensure message alignment
across all philanthropic communications, partnering with marketing and communications teams university-wide.
The culture within the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) is built on our shared core values CoMMIT- Collaboration, Communication, Mission Driven, Mutual Respect, Innovation and Transparency.
By applying for a position within UK PAE, you are indicating your commitment and expressing your agreement to our six values. It is important you share these values in order to be part of our committed team!
Click Here
to find out more about how UK provides exceptional benefits in its commitment to taking care of you.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Experience with MS Windows and knowledge of strategic philanthropy communications and donor stewardship; knowledge of multimedia communications and best practices.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes
Preferred Education/Experience
Degree in Communications or Marketing.
Deadline to Apply 10/13/2025
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 Details
Job Title Senior Director of Philanthropy
Requisition Number RE51603
Working Title Sr. Director of Philanthropy for Communications & Donor Stewardship
Department Name 14000:Office Of Development
Work Location Lexington, KY
Grade Level 50
Salary Range $81,640-138,798/year
Type of Position Staff
Position Time Status Full-Time
Required Education
MA
Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience
8 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Working in front of a computer; Sitting for extended periods of time.
Shift
Working hours are Monday - Friday; generally from 8:00am to 5:00pm. As an exempt employee you may be expected to work outside these hours, if necessary, to accomplish tasks of the position
Job Summary
As Senior Director of Philanthropy for Communications & Donor Stewardship, you will lead the charge in shaping how the university connects with its generous supporters. You will provide strategic oversight for all donor communications and stewardship efforts tied to the university's colleges and units - with a focus on cultivating major ($100K+) and principal ($1M+) gifts.
You will craft and lead high-impact, donor-centered communications strategies across platforms, from custom proposals to campaign materials, ensuring every message reflects the university's brand, values and philanthropic vision. You'll serve as a strategic advisor to the Vice President for Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement and play a key role in advancing future campaign readiness through compelling storytelling and message alignment.
In this role, you will: Lead a cross-functional team
of philanthropy communications and stewardship professionals. Direct executive-level communications , including proposal development for principal gifts and message preparation for donor engagements. Coordinate stewardship strategy
that deepens donor relationships and drives retention. Ensure message alignment
across all philanthropic communications, partnering with marketing and communications teams university-wide.
The culture within the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) is built on our shared core values CoMMIT- Collaboration, Communication, Mission Driven, Mutual Respect, Innovation and Transparency.
By applying for a position within UK PAE, you are indicating your commitment and expressing your agreement to our six values. It is important you share these values in order to be part of our committed team!
Click Here
to find out more about how UK provides exceptional benefits in its commitment to taking care of you.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Experience with MS Windows and knowledge of strategic philanthropy communications and donor stewardship; knowledge of multimedia communications and best practices.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes
Preferred Education/Experience
Degree in Communications or Marketing.
Deadline to Apply 10/13/2025
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.