Development Professional, School of Medicine

Department: Medical Development

Reports to: Sr. Development Director and Team Leader - School of Medicine

FLSA Status: Exempt

The anticipated salary for this position starts at $84,700 for the Associate Development Director 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 major gift development program to raise private gifts to The Kansas University Endowment Association that support the School of Medicine and the University of Kansas.

The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – passion for KU, partnership with donors, perpetual support for KU, and a people-centered approach – 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.
  
  

What’s a typical day look like?

• Qualifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards a portfolio of ~100-125 KU School of Medicine alumni and friends, with an emphasis on medical school alumni (MD, Master’s, PhD) as well as resident and fellow “alumni” with the capacity to make multi-year gift commitments of $50,000 .
• Travels both nationally and locally to meet with individuals and achieve annual fundraising and engagement targets.
• Collaborates with colleagues at KU Endowment to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward KU alumni and friends with an interest in supporting the priorities of KU School of Medicine and KU Medical Center.
• With guidance from the Team Leader, works with the Executive Dean, Department Chairs, Division Chiefs, Center and Institute Directors, KU Endowment staff, faculty, and volunteer leaders as needed to meet development goals. Collaborates with University of Kansas Health System Fund Development colleagues when appropriate.
• Shares supervision of a Development Administrator who provides administrative support for this constituent area.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Team Leader and other KU Endowment leadership.
• Upholds the highest level of professionalism, integrity and judgment as a member of the KU Endowment team. Displays intellectual curiosity and professional confidence to navigate a complex organization and garner trust from physician faculty.
• 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.
  
  

What’s Required To Be Considered

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Preference given for candidates who have one or more years of professional fundraising experience.
• Candidates with experience in business development, sales or higher education will also be considered.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are essential.
• Must possess the ability to initiate, organize, and follow through with fundraising strategies.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision and exercise excellent judgment.
• Knowledge of the University of Kansas Medical Center is desirable.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships inside and outside KU Endowment.
• Ability to adapt to new procedures and technology.
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communications skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are essential.
• Must possess the ability to independently initiate, organize and follow through with fundraising strategies.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision and exercise excellent judgment.
  
  

*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 40 pounds.
• Occasional travel requirements can include the following; evenings, weekends, and out of town overnights as a regular part of the job.
  
  

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: ckelley@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.