What are the responsibilities and job description for the Institutional Philanthropy Officer Sr position at Inside Higher Ed?
Job Title
Institutional Philanthropy Officer Sr
Requisition Number
RE54226
Working Title
Institutional Priority Officer
Department Name
14000:Office Of Philanthropy
Work Location:
Lexington, KY
Grade Level
49
Salary Range
$72,405-119,496/year
Type Of Position
Staff
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Required Education
BA
Click here for more information about equivalencies::
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience
7 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Effectively communicating with individuals of various professional levels. Must have ability to travel throughout the Kentucky and the U.S. for donor visits.
Shift
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00 pm with some evenings and weekends
Job Summary
The University of Kentucky Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement seeks to hire a Senior Institutional Philanthropy Officer. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Philanthropy, the Senior Institutional Philanthropy Officer is responsible for philanthropy activities focused on funding priorities for the university. With a primary focus on major gift fundraising at high giving levels, the incumbent will engage in progressively more sophisticated philanthropic giving conversations with major gift donors and prospects of greater capacity.
The Senior Institutional Philanthropy Officer is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift donors and prospects and be responsible for developing and maintaining a well-rounded portfolio. The Senior Institutional Philanthropy Officer will work collaboratively with gift officers across the university to increase financial support for all areas.
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!
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
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 has the ability to convincingly articulate the vision and priorities of the University and match them to the interests of prospective donors. Familiarity with planned giving, charitable gift arrangements as well as demonstrated experience in marketing, philanthropic messaging and persuasive writing is also desirable.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? :
No
Preferred Education/Experience
Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 7 years of professional fund-raising experience, or related experience. Experience at a higher education institution and an understanding of the Land-grant mission is preferred.
Deadline To Apply
05/27/2026
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.
Institutional Philanthropy Officer Sr
Requisition Number
RE54226
Working Title
Institutional Priority Officer
Department Name
14000:Office Of Philanthropy
Work Location:
Lexington, KY
Grade Level
49
Salary Range
$72,405-119,496/year
Type Of Position
Staff
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Required Education
BA
Click here for more information about equivalencies::
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience
7 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Effectively communicating with individuals of various professional levels. Must have ability to travel throughout the Kentucky and the U.S. for donor visits.
Shift
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00 pm with some evenings and weekends
Job Summary
The University of Kentucky Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement seeks to hire a Senior Institutional Philanthropy Officer. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Philanthropy, the Senior Institutional Philanthropy Officer is responsible for philanthropy activities focused on funding priorities for the university. With a primary focus on major gift fundraising at high giving levels, the incumbent will engage in progressively more sophisticated philanthropic giving conversations with major gift donors and prospects of greater capacity.
The Senior Institutional Philanthropy Officer is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift donors and prospects and be responsible for developing and maintaining a well-rounded portfolio. The Senior Institutional Philanthropy Officer will work collaboratively with gift officers across the university to increase financial support for all areas.
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!
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
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 has the ability to convincingly articulate the vision and priorities of the University and match them to the interests of prospective donors. Familiarity with planned giving, charitable gift arrangements as well as demonstrated experience in marketing, philanthropic messaging and persuasive writing is also desirable.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? :
No
Preferred Education/Experience
Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 7 years of professional fund-raising experience, or related experience. Experience at a higher education institution and an understanding of the Land-grant mission is preferred.
Deadline To Apply
05/27/2026
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.
Salary : $72,405 - $119,496