Director of University Development - UMKC Foundation

Director of University Development

Job Description

UMKC Advancement and Foundations

Purpose

The Director of University Development serves as a frontline major gift officer responsible for securing philanthropic support for university‑wide priorities and strategic initiatives. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, this position works across all academic units, centers, and programs to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major‑gift prospects whose interests span multiple areas of the university.

This role will focus significantly on proactive donor discovery and pipeline expansion, building relationships with alumni and friends nationwide. The Director will collaborate with deans, academic leaders, advancement colleagues, and campaign leadership to align donor interests with high‑priority institutional needs. As a member of the UMKC Foundation development team, this position plays a critical role in strengthening the culture of philanthropy across the university.

Organizational Relationships

The Director of University Development reports to the Assistant Vice President and works closely with campaign leadership, deans, unit leaders, and fellow Development Directors. The role serves as a connector across schools, colleges, athletics, and university‑level initiatives.

Essential Duties

• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to achieve established goals and objectives in support of university‑wide priorities.
• Manage a portfolio of current and prospective donors with capacity to give $25,000 or more, emphasizing discovery, qualification, and pipeline growth.
• Conduct substantive outreach and face‑to‑face visits nationwide to cultivate new and existing relationships.
• Identify, qualify, and develop new major‑gift prospects in partnership with Prospect Research and Advancement Services.
• Prepare and present compelling proposals aligned with institutional priorities and donor interests.
• Collaborate closely with unit‑based Development Directors to coordinate strategy when donor interests intersect with specific schools or programs.
• Engage campaign and university leadership, including the President, Chief Advancement Officer, Assistant Vice President, and academic leaders, as partners in cultivation and solicitation strategy.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of donor strategy, contacts, proposals, and activity in the CRM.
• Partner with stewardship, communications, annual giving, alumni engagement, and special events teams to ensure coordinated and strategic donor engagement.
• Assist with major‑gift coverage during transitions or periods of vacancy within unit portfolios as needed.
• Participate in campaign strategy discussions and contribute to enterprise‑wide fundraising planning.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Demonstrated experience in moves management from identification through stewardship.
• Proven ability to build relationships across complex organizations and with diverse external constituencies.
• Strong discovery orientation with the ability to open doors and create new philanthropic pathways.
• Ability to operate strategically in an environment where priorities may evolve.
• Executive presence and confidence engaging senior leaders, volunteers, and high‑capacity donors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proposal development.
• Ability to analyze and utilize data to inform strategy and portfolio management.
• High degree of personal integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Ability to work independently while functioning as part of a highly collaborative advancement team.

Education and Experience

A bachelor’s degree and at least four years of development experience are required, with demonstrated experience securing five‑ and six‑figure gifts.

Preferred Experience

Experience in higher education or a comparably complex organization, including fundraising management, major‑gift solicitations, and planned‑gift solicitation. Knowledge, understanding and experience working with corporate and foundation donors and familiarity with the characteristics of a comprehensive university.

Salary Range

$80,000 – $90,000 per year, commensurate with education, experience, and internal equity.

Work Status

Full‑time, benefit‑eligible staff position with UMKC Foundation. This position is onsite five days per week, with flexible start/end times possible after 90 days and manager approval.

Supervisory Controls

The incumbent must exercise a high degree of independence. Goals, priorities, and performance metrics are reviewed on an ongoing basis with the Director of Campaign & University Development.

Guidelines

Guidelines are provided by the goals and objectives of the position, by fundraising strategies and techniques, and by the goals of the UMKC Foundation and the mission of the University. Confidentiality and discretion are mandatory.

Complexity

The ability to interact comfortably, tactfully, and effectively with varied internal and external constituencies is essential. This role requires comfort operating across multiple academic and programmatic areas without exclusive unit ownership. The ability to navigate ambiguity, coordinate competing priorities, and maintain alignment among various stakeholders is essential.

Scope and Effect

This position has a significant impact on expanding the university’s major‑gift pipeline and strengthening national donor engagement. Success in this role directly supports campaign priorities and university‑wide strategic initiatives.

Environmental Demands

Frequent national travel is required, along with evening and occasional weekend work. The position involves minimal physical exertion but requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

About the UMKC Foundation

The UMKC Foundation is a separate but affiliated enterprise devoted to raising funds for the university and to exercising fiduciary responsibility over endowments and other philanthropic investments made to UMKC.

Application Materials

To be considered for the position, you must provide your resume/CV with appropriate attachments directly to the UMKC Foundation at the link below.

Apply directly:

Position will remain open until filled.

Important Notice

Do not apply to the posting available on the university careers page. All application materials must be submitted directly to the Foundation to be fully considered.

If you are interested in helping grow the culture of philanthropy that supports UMKC, please send your cover letter and resume, submissions and/or inquiries to:

The UMKC Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816‑235‑6910.

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