Philanthropy Dir Sr​/Prospect Dev

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The essential job functions of this position require you to: communicate and build working relationships with staff, and other individuals from diverse backgrounds; abide by University guidelines; maintain confidentiality; prioritize and manage work effectively; positively represent the university; report to meetings at different locations both on campus and off campus as well as work successfully in a team as well as independently.

There will be minimal travel throughout the United States.

Typically Monday through Friday; 8:00am – 5:00pm; evenings as required

The University of Kentucky Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement ( PAE ) is seeking a strategic, data-fluent advancement leader to serve as Senior Director of Prospect Development.

This position will lead UK’s prospect development function, providing vision and strategy for all aspects of prospect development. As a key partner to fundraising and university leaders, the Senior Director will strengthen how UK identifies, prioritizes, and advances its most promising philanthropic opportunities. A significant focus will be expanding UK Health Care’s grateful patient fundraising program by building a sophisticated, data-informed prospect pipeline and partnering with fundraisers, physicians, and clinical leaders to translate insights into actionable philanthropic strategies.

The role will also support other institutional fundraising priorities. This is an opportunity to lead the continued evolution of prospect development into a proactive, strategic intelligence function strengthening systems and practices, developing a high-performing team, and advancing the use of analytics, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies to drive fundraising success.

The culture within the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement ( PAE ) 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!

The ideal candidate will build strong relationships and a sense of confidence and partnership with gift officers, deans, and senior leadership across a large, decentralized fundraising organization. They will lead the continued development of a growing prospect management and research function — establishing modern, proactive systems for portfolio assignment, pipeline management, and prospect identification that increase the efficiency and productivity of frontline fundraisers.

This person will have experience managing and developing a team in an environment where accountability-based metrics and KPIs are used as benchmarks for performance, and will be comfortable translating complex donor data into strategic guidance that shapes decision-making at every level of the organization.

This is an in-person and on-site position located in Lexington, Kentucky.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes

Masters’ degree with a minimum of 7 years of professional prospect development experience, and a minimum of 4 years in successful management of fundraising work plan and staff. Experience at a Land-grant, or similar higher education institution and an understanding of the Land-grant mission is preferred.

Final date to receive applications 11/11/2026

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