Development Professional, Neurosciences* :
Department: Medical Development
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: The location for this position is in Kansas City. However, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule after initial training and satisfactory job performance.

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 direction, organization, and implementation of a comprehensive major gift development program for raising private gifts to KU Endowment Association in support of the Neurosciences and the University of Kansas. The Neurosciences constituency includes the Departments of Neurology, Neurological Surgery, Radiology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and related centers including the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. The position also supports major gift fundraising benefiting the KU School of Medicine.

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 level commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.

What’s a typical day look like? :

• Solicits outright and planned major gifts and coordinates preparation and development of major gift proposals supporting Neurosciences.

• Qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards leadership and major gift donors and prospects for the Neurosciences, working, as assigned, with Department Chairs, Center and Institute Directors, KU Endowment staff, faculty, and volunteers. Collaborates with Health System development colleagues when appropriate.

• With the Associate Vice President for Medical Development, crafts and deploys a strategic development plan. Develops and implements both annual and long-range goals, objectives, and strategies to maximize major gift support for the Neurosciences.

• Simultaneously fills out a development portfolio by serving as a member of the School of Medicine team with responsibilities for qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors to support the School of Medicine priorities.

• Serves as KU Endowment liaison for selected departments, centers and institutes, assisting in their identification of prospects and articulation of giving opportunities. Communicates with, solicits, and stewards community members, alumni, former residents and fellows, service organizations, and others for major gift support.

• Fosters communication and collaboration with fund development colleagues at The University of Kansas Health System to ensure the interests of donors, KU Endowment, and The University of Kansas Medical Center are appropriately maintained. At times, jointly or individually manage community volunteer councils made up of individuals who can network with others and help build a solicitation pipeline.

• Position requires an extensive amount of time out of the office traveling to meet development goals.

• Shares supervision of a Development Assistant who provides administrative support for this constituent area.

• Performs other duties as may be assigned from time to time by KU Endowment leadership.

What’s required to be considered: :

• Bachelor’s degree
• Valid motor vehicle license

What separates the best from the rest? :

• Preference given for candidates who have five or more years of professional fundraising experience.
• Established professional with major gift fundraising experience in higher education or healthcare preferred.
• 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.
• Must display intellectual curiosity and professional confidence to navigate a complex organization and garner trust from physician faculty.

Our commitment to DEI: :
At KU Endowment, we recognize that we best achieve our mission of building a greater University of Kansas by embracing diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to cultivating a people-centered environment that is welcoming to the spectrum of differences among us in an atmosphere of respect and fairness. Accordingly, our staff, Board of Trustees, volunteers and donors will work together to create a more representative, equitable and inclusive KU Endowment.

We’ve got you covered: :
KU Endowment offers a competitive salary with an excellent benefit package including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) matching program
• Pension plan
• 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
• LegalShield & IDShield protection
• KU tuition reimbursement
• Free parking

Sounds good, right? What’s next? :
Please include your resume and cover letter when applying for the position.

Questions regarding this vacancy may be addressed to:

Susan Kang, J.D.
Sr. Director, Development Recruitment
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lead
KU Endowment
PO Box 928
Lawrence, KS 66044-0928
Email: skang@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.