What are the responsibilities and job description for the Philanthropy Specialist - Donor Relations position at Inside Higher Ed?
Job Title
Philanthropy Specialist - Donor Relations
Requisition Number
RE53921
Department Name
8H050:Engineering Alumni - Development
Work Location:
Lexington, KY
Grade Level
46
Salary Range
$52,021-85,800/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
5 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Sitting for long periods of time.
Shift
Monday-Friday 8:00 am- 5:00 pm and additional hours as needed for donor and alumni events.
Job Summary
The Philanthropy Specialist – Donor Relations plays a key role in advancing philanthropic support for the Pigman College of Engineering by designing and delivering meaningful donor experiences that strengthen long-term relationships and inspire continued investment. This position partners closely with development officers, faculty, and campus stakeholders to communicate impact, steward donor relationships, and align donor interests with the college’s strategic priorities.
The role leads donor centered communications and stewardship strategies, manages a portfolio of prospective and current donors, and plans high quality engagement opportunities including events, recognition activities, and personalized outreach that reflect the values and mission of the University of Kentucky. In addition, the Philanthropy Specialist – Donor Relations serves as the primary liaison for the College of Engineering Young Alumni Philanthropy Council, supporting its philanthropic initiatives and fostering a culture of engagement among emerging alumni leaders.
Through collaboration, creativity, and attention to detail, this position helps ensure donors experience thoughtful stewardship, clear impact, and meaningful connection to the College of Engineering and its future.
The culture within the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement 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!
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? :
No
Deadline To Apply
04/13/2026
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.
Philanthropy Specialist - Donor Relations
Requisition Number
RE53921
Department Name
8H050:Engineering Alumni - Development
Work Location:
Lexington, KY
Grade Level
46
Salary Range
$52,021-85,800/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
5 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Sitting for long periods of time.
Shift
Monday-Friday 8:00 am- 5:00 pm and additional hours as needed for donor and alumni events.
Job Summary
The Philanthropy Specialist – Donor Relations plays a key role in advancing philanthropic support for the Pigman College of Engineering by designing and delivering meaningful donor experiences that strengthen long-term relationships and inspire continued investment. This position partners closely with development officers, faculty, and campus stakeholders to communicate impact, steward donor relationships, and align donor interests with the college’s strategic priorities.
The role leads donor centered communications and stewardship strategies, manages a portfolio of prospective and current donors, and plans high quality engagement opportunities including events, recognition activities, and personalized outreach that reflect the values and mission of the University of Kentucky. In addition, the Philanthropy Specialist – Donor Relations serves as the primary liaison for the College of Engineering Young Alumni Philanthropy Council, supporting its philanthropic initiatives and fostering a culture of engagement among emerging alumni leaders.
Through collaboration, creativity, and attention to detail, this position helps ensure donors experience thoughtful stewardship, clear impact, and meaningful connection to the College of Engineering and its future.
The culture within the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement 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!
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? :
No
Deadline To Apply
04/13/2026
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 : $52,021 - $85,800