Description

At Kansas State University Foundation, our objective is to be, pound for pound, the best development shop in the country. We are conducting a national search for top talent to join our growing team.

The KSU Foundation is seeking a goal-oriented individual looking to join our Carl R. Ice College of Engineering development teams. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, metrics driven, and possesses an innate ability to get things done. As a Development Professional, you will have the opportunity to travel and conduct face-to-face visits with K-State alumni and University supporters. This position helps connect these individuals back to the University in a philanthropic way that is meaningful to them, while making an everlasting impact at Kansas State University. This position is responsible for the qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects. 

As a Certified Great Place to Work, organizational culture and employee engagement is important to us. We strive to harness your talents and build upon your strengths. We offer resources for professional growth so team members can find their purpose, a path to grow, ways to add value and thrive. Work alongside passionate, caring and talented people who trust and challenge one another in our intentional pursuit to be the best.

In our pursuit of being the best development shop and acquiring top talent, position title and salary will be commensurate with experience.

Core Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Make qualification calls/visits, cultivate, solicit, and provide recognition and steward appropriately major gifts for the College and University, with an emphasis on gifts of $50,000
2. Develop and implement strategy for each prospect.
3. Utilizing a variety of foundation resources, provide regular progress reports on prospect cultivation and solicitation. Complete and file reports of all contacts/proposals in a timely manner.
4. Utilize both current and planned gift opportunities to best meet donors’ needs, philanthropic interests, and financial capabilities.
5. Meet with development and Foundation colleagues, university partners including Alumni Association and Athletics as appropriate to discuss major donor prospects, strategy, and solicitation.

Requirements

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
• 2+ years professional transferrable experience in positions that were metrics focused required measurable output and relationship building
• Proven ability to communicate effectively and persuasively with a diverse client base.
• Experience calling, conducting face-to-face appointments, managing relationships, creating, and presenting proposals, and other fundamental elements of client/donor relationship or sales-related activities.
• Demonstrated communications and interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on engaged listening, and success working in a team setting.
• A valid motor vehicle operator’s license with an acceptable driving record

Travel:

• Significant travel required. Road warriors welcome!

Desired Skills & Experience:

• Previous fundraising experience with an emphasis on building a portfolio of donors or clients and closing gifts or completing a sales cycle
• Ability to prioritize and organize complex projects and plans to deliver results
• Ability to meet deadlines and follow through on projects
• Solid understanding of development techniques and systems based on past performance
• Passion and enthusiasm for the university, the mission of the foundation and assigned college unit
• Driven and hard working

Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging

The Foundation is committed to providing opportunities for all employees to succeed by creating an environment that is inclusive and draws upon the strength of the diverse backgrounds and personal experiences of our team.

Employees cultivate a supportive, welcoming, inclusive, and equitable work environment that allows everyone to feel connected to the organization’s mission and contribute to their full potential.