Inside Higher Ed
College Philanthropy Director Associate
– Inside Higher Ed
Job Summary Managed jointly by the UK Philanthropy Office and the Lewis Honors College, the Philanthropy Director Associate serves as the lead fundraiser dedicated to advancing the mission, vision, and priorities of the Lewis Honors College. With a primary focus on major gift fundraising at higher giving levels, this position is responsible for building and managing a robust portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, developing individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies, and engaging in progressively more sophisticated philanthropic conversations with individuals of significant capacity. The Director will be expected to maintain an active schedule of meaningful donor visits, generate strong proposal activity, and sustain a healthy pipeline of future philanthropic support. As a key member of the Dean’s senior leadership team, the Director of Philanthropy provides strategic counsel on all matters related to philanthropy in the Lewis Honors College, collaborates with faculty and staff, and manages a volunteer philanthropy leadership council to deepen engagement and advocacy.
Skills & Knowledge The ideal candidate will be a strong, collaborative leader with a proven record of success in building and sustaining relationships that foster major gift giving. This position requires an individual who understands person‑to‑person relationships and can convincingly articulate the vision and priorities of the College and University, matching them to prospective donors’ interests. Familiarity with planned giving, charitable gift arrangements, marketing, philanthropic messaging, and persuasive writing is desirable. Experience managing and developing a fundraising team with accountability‑based metrics is required.
Requirements
Requisition Number:
RE52579
Department:
Office of Development
Work Location:
Lexington, KY
Grade Level:
48
Salary Range:
$62,941 – $103,834/year
Type of Position:
Staff
Position Time Status:
Full‑Time
Required Education:
BA
Required Related Experience:
7 years
Required License/Registration/Certification:
None
Physical Requirements:
Ability to travel for meetings and conferences.
Shift:
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (may include evenings and weekends)
Deadline to Apply 01/04/2026
University Community We value the well‑being of each employee and are committed to creating a healthy workplace. The University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug‑Free campus and follows all applicable nondiscrimination laws.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other
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– Inside Higher Ed
Job Summary Managed jointly by the UK Philanthropy Office and the Lewis Honors College, the Philanthropy Director Associate serves as the lead fundraiser dedicated to advancing the mission, vision, and priorities of the Lewis Honors College. With a primary focus on major gift fundraising at higher giving levels, this position is responsible for building and managing a robust portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, developing individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies, and engaging in progressively more sophisticated philanthropic conversations with individuals of significant capacity. The Director will be expected to maintain an active schedule of meaningful donor visits, generate strong proposal activity, and sustain a healthy pipeline of future philanthropic support. As a key member of the Dean’s senior leadership team, the Director of Philanthropy provides strategic counsel on all matters related to philanthropy in the Lewis Honors College, collaborates with faculty and staff, and manages a volunteer philanthropy leadership council to deepen engagement and advocacy.
Skills & Knowledge The ideal candidate will be a strong, collaborative leader with a proven record of success in building and sustaining relationships that foster major gift giving. This position requires an individual who understands person‑to‑person relationships and can convincingly articulate the vision and priorities of the College and University, matching them to prospective donors’ interests. Familiarity with planned giving, charitable gift arrangements, marketing, philanthropic messaging, and persuasive writing is desirable. Experience managing and developing a fundraising team with accountability‑based metrics is required.
Requirements
Requisition Number:
RE52579
Department:
Office of Development
Work Location:
Lexington, KY
Grade Level:
48
Salary Range:
$62,941 – $103,834/year
Type of Position:
Staff
Position Time Status:
Full‑Time
Required Education:
BA
Required Related Experience:
7 years
Required License/Registration/Certification:
None
Physical Requirements:
Ability to travel for meetings and conferences.
Shift:
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (may include evenings and weekends)
Deadline to Apply 01/04/2026
University Community We value the well‑being of each employee and are committed to creating a healthy workplace. The University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug‑Free campus and follows all applicable nondiscrimination laws.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other
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