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Philanthropy Officer

Employer
Kentucky State University
Location
Frankfort, KY, US
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Job Details

TITLE: Philanthropy Officer
DEPARTMENT: Office of Institutional Advancement and External Relations
REPORTS TO: VP of Institutional Advancement
CLASSIFICATION: Staff -12 months
EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD
STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time 
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
LOCATION: 
On-Site Main Campus | Frankfort, KY 

JOB SUMMARY:

Kentucky State University is seeking a dedicated and results-oriented Philanthropy Officer to join our Office of Institutional Advancement team. The Philanthropy Officer will play a key role in securing donations through the major giving donation cycle. The successful candidate will be responsible for cultivating relationships with donors, identifying potential major gift prospects, and overseeing the entire donor engagement process. Additionally, the Philanthropy Officer will be expected to assist with various tasks as assigned within the Office of Institutional Advancement.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Major Giving Donation Cycle:

  • Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects to secure significant donations for Kentucky State University.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with major donors, ensuring consistent communication and stewardship.
  • Manage the major giving donation cycle from prospect identification to gift closure, tracking progress and reporting on outcomes.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship:

  • Cultivate relationships with existing and potential donors, understanding their philanthropic interests and aligning them with University priorities.
  • Implement effective stewardship strategies to recognize and appreciate donors, ensuring their ongoing engagement with the University.

Prospect Research and Analysis:

  • Conduct in-depth research on potential major donors to assess their capacity and inclination to give.
  • Analyze giving patterns and trends to identify new prospects and inform fundraising strategies.

Collaboration and Coordination:

  • Collaborate with colleagues in the Office of Institutional Advancement and other departments to coordinate fundraising efforts and maximize donor engagement opportunities.
  • Work closely with University leadership, faculty, and staff to gather relevant information and develop compelling proposals for major gift solicitations.

Data Management and Reporting:

  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in the University's database, tracking interactions, proposals, and donations.
  • Prepare regular reports on fundraising activities, donor engagement, and progress toward fundraising goals.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

  • Experience with management of a donor database. Raiser’s Edge experience preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new software programs quickly.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and inspire donors and colleagues.
  • A passion for accuracy and sharp attention to detail.
  • Ability to handle confidential information appropriately. 
  • Valid driver’s license.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

  • This position does not have supervisory responsibility.  

OTHER DUTIES: 

  • Assist with various tasks and projects within the Office of Institutional Advancement as assigned by the Vice President of Institutional Advancement.
  • Stay informed about best practices in philanthropy, major giving, and higher education fundraising.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in philanthropy, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred.
  • At least two years of experience in higher education or the non-profit sector. Previous experience in fundraising, alumni relations, or IT is a plus.
  • Proficiency in using fundraising databases and software.
  • Knowledge and understanding of Kentucky State University's history, mission, and values is an asset.
  • Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as required by event schedules.

Licensing and Certifications: NA

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work could involve some exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. 
  • Requires some standing or walking. 
  • No or very limited exposure to physical risk. 
  • Some travel required.

 

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.

Organization

Our Mission

Kentucky State University is the state's unique, small, liberal studies institution with the lowest student-faculty ratio in the state system. The University shall serve as a residential institution with a range of traditional collegiate programs appropriate to its unique role.

Geographic Region
Kentucky State University's geographic region shall be state-wide for its liberal studies mission, its land grant functions, and its service to state government. In addition, Kentucky State University's primary service area for commuting students shall be for Franklin and contiguous counties.

Institutional Admission Standards
Kentucky State University shall admit students to the institution under selective admission standards to which exceed the minimum guidelines established by the Council on Higher Education, with only limited exceptions. Institutional policy for admitting under-prepared students, including the removal of academic deficiencies within a specified time frame. Through this approach, the University seeks to provide broad access and high-quality programs.

Degree Levels
Selected associate and baccalaureate degree programs shall be oriented toward liberal studies and selected career opportunities related to state government services. Kentucky State University shall offer selected master's degree programs based on demonstrated need, with priority given to a public administration curriculum to meet the needs of state government.

Strategic Directions/Program Priorities
The University shall focus on liberal studies programming. Drawing upon its African-American heritage, the University will promote the values and methods of interdisciplinary and multicultural education in its liberal studies offerings. All students shall participate in common curricula that explore the liberal studies. Drawing upon the multicultural strengths of the University, emphasis shall be placed on preparing minority students for careers in education and in other selected professions including business, computer science, nursing, human services, and public services. These strategic priorities translate into a core of liberal arts baccalaureate degree programs, in addition to degree programs at the associate [A], baccalaureate [B], and master's [M] levels that may include the following: education [B]; business [B]; computer science [A,B]; nursing [A]; home economics [B]; human services [B]; and public administration [B,M].

Enhancement of Instruction
The University shall emphasize teaching. Meeting student needs shall be paramount. The University shall focus on the needs of its students, which include, but are not limited to, full-time and part-time residential students, commuting students from its primary service area, and state governmental employees.

Service and Research Functions
Kentucky State University, as the 1890 land grant institution in the system, shall carry out its responsibilities under federal law and participate fully in appropriate U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, in accord with the mission of the University.

Kentucky State University shall be the major repository for the collection of books, records, and artifacts relative to the history and status of African-American citizens of the Commonwealth and elsewhere. The University shall make such materials available for casual and scholarly study.

Kentucky State University shall focus on meeting the applied research and service needs of state government.

Collaborative Ventures
The priority master's degree program offered by Kentucky State University shall be carefully articulated with related doctoral programs offered by the doctoral-granting institutions in the system. The University shall develop and employ telecommunication resources to communicate with other institutions in the fulfillment of its mission. Curriculum development shall emphasize the transfer of credits form other institutions toward degree completion.

Kentucky State University shall promote cost effectiveness in academic programming and institutional management. Strategic planning resulting in the elimination of duplicative or non-productive programs is essential while the development of carefully selected new programs compatible with the mission is appropriate. Measures of quality and performance shall be the foundation of the University's accountability system which promotes the continuous improvement of programs and services.

Efficiency and Effectiveness
Kentucky State University shall promote cost effectiveness in academic programming and institutional management. Strategic planning resulting in the elimination of duplicative or non-productive programs is essential while the development of carefully selected new programs compatible with the mission is appropriate. Measures of quality and performance shall be the foundation of the University's accountability system which promotes the continuous improvement of programs and services.

Check out Kentucky State University Youtube channel! 

Company info
Website
Telephone
502-597-6000
Location
400 E Main St
Frankfort
Kentucky
40601
United States

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