Associate Director, Pipeline Development

Associate Director, Pipeline Development

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.

The Associate Director, Pipeline Development or Pipeline Development Team Lead is a key leader in KU Endowment's efforts to create a seamless and intentional donor journey—from first-time supporters to principal gift partners. Serving as a "player-coach," this position is responsible for overseeing the Pipeline Development Program, leading a team of Donor Engagement Officers, and managing a portfolio of their own encompassing leadership annual giving, major gift, and strategic discovery outreach for principal gift suspects and prospects.

A central aspect of this role is partnering closely across the Donor Engagement team and with the Major Gift Development staff, to align outreach strategies, donor communications, and segmentation efforts ensuring a cohesive experience that nurtures long-term philanthropic relationships. Through collaboration and shared insight, these partnerships strengthen the top of the donor funnel and drive sustainable growth across all giving levels.

This role is designed for a highly strategic thinker and team builder who understands the full donor continuum and embraces innovative, data-informed engagement methods. The Team Lead will be charged with cultivating a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and excellence, ensuring every donor interaction whether through digital engagement, personalized outreach, or discovery meetings—reflects the values and vision of KU.

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.

Hybrid Work Environment:

Following the initial training period, this position offers a hybrid work schedule, with the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week. However, the role requires multiple days per week on-site at our Lawrence, KS office to ensure effective collaboration, team engagement, and alignment with organizational goals.

• Lead and manage a high-performing team of Donor Engagement Officers (DXOs), providing mentorship, direction, and support to foster professional development, ensure accountability to performance metrics, strategic workflow, and drive donor engagement outcomes.
• Implement and manage annual development plans and productivity reports to measure team progress and inform strategic adjustments.
• Oversee and maintain accurate records and documentation of donor interactions, outreach efforts, and team activity within the donor management systems.
• Collaborate with the Donor Engagement, Data Lead to utilize data and insights to identify donor segments, inform targeting strategies, and optimize portfolio assignments across the donor continuum.
• Participate in the strategic development and continuous evolution of the Pipeline Development Program, integrating modern fundraising workflows, personalized outreach tactics, and digital engagement strategies.
• Monitor and evaluate industry trends and peer benchmarks to ensure KU Endowment remains a leader in pipeline development and donor experience.
• Donor Engagement
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Partner with Donor Engagement colleagues to align acquisition, retention, stewardship, events, communications, and recognition strategies that deepen relationships with donors and ensure a cohesive, meaningful engagement…