Description

Compensation: $215,000-225,000
Regular, Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Manhattan, KS (onsite only)

Comprehensive Benefits That Support Your Life and Career

• Competitive health, dental, life insurance, plus voluntary benefits including company paid HSA contributions
• 403(b) retirement plan with 10% company contribution
• Paid leave for holidays, vacation, wellness, personal, parental, and volunteer
• Tuition/certification assistance and a $300 annual reimbursement wellness program
• A work environment that embraces flexibility inside of a framework
• Mission-driven work that changes the lives of people around the world
• View more benefits on our website or click here!

At the Kansas State University Foundation, purpose-driven work meets innovative strategy to create careers that matter. As K-State’s strategic partner in philanthropy, we connect passionate alumni and donors to bold opportunities that transform lives. We’re seeking a strategic, results-oriented leader to be our next Senior Associate Vice President of Central Development. Lead major gift activity, cultivates high-impact donor relationships, and oversees universitywide, corporate development and foundation relations, and gift planning programs.

What You'll Do

• Provide executive-level leadership and strategic oversight to assigned units.
• Collaborate with leadership to design and refine fundraising strategies, driving engagement, accountability, and recognition.
• Lead special initiatives, bringing together cross-campus teams, to support interdisciplinary fundraising or innovation-focused projects.
• Manage and/or support donor relationships within a portfolio of high-capacity prospects, based on needs and campaign priorities.
• Serve as a strategic lead for the Principal Gift Workgroup (PGW), guiding the cultivation and solicitation of major and principal gifts, while supporting donor strategy development.

Management

• Directly manage leaders of leaders and people leaders for Universitywide, Gift Planning, and Corporate and Foundation Relations units.
• Serve as a strategic liaison for the KSU Vice President of Research.
• Demonstrate strategic thinking and a growth mindset by coaching performance, empowering employees, and encouraging accountability to achieve bold philanthropic goals.
• Build organizational commitment and foster collaboration through adaptable leadership, approachability, and effective change management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, business administration, or related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in higher education fundraising or similar complex nonprofit environments
• 7+ years of leadership experience managing leaders of people across various departments, and the ability to inspire teams, while providing and receiving constructive feedback
• Proven success cultivating, soliciting, and closing six- and seven-figure gifts and meeting fundraising goals
• Communicate effectively with leadership across complex organizational structures, while analyzing multifaceted situations to develop strategic, tailored solutions

What we want:

• Industry related certification (i.e. CFRE)
• Experience in gift planning, corporate development and foundation relations
• High energy and a passion for the mission of the KSU Foundation
   

A Strategic Advancement Environment Built for Impact

• A high-performing, collaborative advancement environment
• Access to top-tier prospects and a strong donor base
• A culture that values innovation, integrity, and impact
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development
• The chance to make a lasting difference in the lives of students, faculty, and the broader community

If you’re an innovative and strategic leader ready to make an impact, we invite you to become our next Senior Associate Vice President of Central Development — and help shape the future of philanthropy at the Kansas State University Foundation.