Job Postings

CURRENT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES - UK PHILANTHROPY

Operations Manager – Gift Planning

Closes 4/26/26

Physical Requirements

Must have ability to maneuver through different buildings on and off campus. Be seated for long periods of time and perform repetitive motion work.

Shift

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Monday – Friday; Some nights and weekends

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement (PAE), Gift Planning team is seeking a detail-driven, relationship-minded Operations Manager to help ensure legacy gifts are received smoothly, documented accurately, and applied exactly as donors intend, advancing UK’s mission for generations to come.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Gift Planning, this role helps manage trust and estate distributions from initiation through receipt and closeout. You will coordinate with external partners including executors, trustees, attorneys, fund administrators, and investment advisors to facilitate transfers of estate, trust, beneficiary-designated assets (retirement and bank accounts), insurance, and annuity gifts. Internally, you’ll partner across PAE and campus stakeholders to route proceeds efficiently, prepare and manage documentation, and support the implementation of donor intent.

This position blends operational judgment, data fluency, and stewardship communications. You will oversee day-to-day administration of the charitable life insurance pool (premium communications, policy actions, and record keeping), maintain planned giving databases and reporting tools, and produce gift illustrations that support both solicitations and donor stewardship. You’ll also help strengthen planned giving outreach by developing and managing marketing and communications that build awareness, identify new legacy prospects, and steward Limestone Society members. In addition, you will support the full gift agreement life cycle by drafting and coordinating routine and complex agreements, serving as a trusted liaison who aligns stakeholders around donor intent, institutional standards, and compliance requirements.

Our Culture

The culture within the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement 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.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Expertise with Microsoft Office Suite; Ability to build relationships and communicate effectively and persuasively.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

Strong preference for degree or demonstrated experience in one or more of the industries of law, insurance, financial planning, wealth management, and/or real estate.

Deadline to Apply

April 26, 2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. The University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources, which may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Apply Here: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/622214

Donor Stewardship Associate
Closes 4/28/26

Position Details
Job Title: Administrative Services Assistant Senior
Requisition Number: RE53956
Department: Office of Philanthropy
Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 43
Salary Range: $19.18 – $30.68/hour
Position Type: Full-Time Staff
Required Education & Experience
Education: Associate’s degree
Experience: 5 years of related experience
Licensure/Certification: None
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit at a computer workstation for extended periods; lifting, pulling, or pushing objects up to 50 lbs.
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday (40 hours/week), with occasional nights and weekends
Job Summary
The Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) seeks a Donor Stewardship Associate to support donor recognition, gratitude, and ongoing engagement efforts.
This role partners with gift officers, fund recipients, and stakeholders to create impactful donor communications, including impact reports, and to ensure timely, meaningful stewardship at all levels of giving.
The Associate will also maintain an annual stewardship calendar, support customized stewardship plans for key donors, and manage donor recognition initiatives such as signage programs.
This position requires strong professionalism, as it involves interaction with senior leadership, high-level donors, and alumni, along with strict adherence to confidentiality and ethical standards.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop and produce donor impact reports
• Coordinate customized stewardship strategies for donors
• Maintain stewardship calendar and ensure timely communications
• Manage donor recognition and signage programs
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to gather content
Our Culture
The Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement is guided by our core values CoMMIT – Collaboration, Communication, Mission Driven, Mutual Respect, Innovation, and Transparency.
By applying, candidates express alignment with these values and commitment to a collaborative, mission-driven team.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and email marketing software (Mailchimp preferred). Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and basic iPhone video editing is preferred but not required.
Additional Application Requirement
Please include a writing sample (e.g., narrative piece, feature story, brochure, or other persuasive document) along with your resume and cover letter.
Supervisory Responsibilities
No
Application Deadline
April 28, 2026
Our University Community
We are committed to employee well-being and maintaining a healthy, safe environment. The University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on any legally protected basis.
Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment screenings, including background checks and/or drug screening.

Apply Here: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/625998

Donor Relations Coordinator

Closes 4/24/26

Position Details

Job Title: Philanthropy Assistant
Requisition Number: RE53903
Department: Office of Philanthropy
Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 43
Salary Range: $19.18 – $30.68/hour
Position Type: Full-Time Staff

Required Education & Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree
Experience: 1 year of related experience
Licensure/Certification: None

Physical Requirements

Sitting for long periods of time; lifting, pulling, or pushing objects up to 50 lbs.

Work Schedule

Typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (40 hours/week)

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement is seeking a detail-oriented, service-minded Donor Relations Coordinator to support donor relations, stewardship, and philanthropic engagement efforts.

This role ensures donors, patients, families, caregivers, and campus partners experience philanthropy as thoughtful, personal, and meaningful. Responsibilities include supporting the Grateful Patient and Family Program, caregiver recognition efforts, donor stewardship activities, and assisting with donor and prospect events.

The position also provides workflow coordination, budget and expense tracking, and contributes to efficient operations and continuous process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Grateful Patient and Family Program and caregiver recognition
• Assist with donor stewardship including acknowledgments and reporting
• Help plan and execute donor and prospect events
• Maintain data accuracy and support impact storytelling
• Coordinate workflows and track budgets/expenses

Our Culture

The Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement is guided by our core values CoMMIT – Collaboration, Communication, Mission Driven, Mutual Respect, Innovation, and Transparency.

By applying, candidates express alignment with these values and commitment to a collaborative, mission-driven team.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and MailChimp.

Additional Application Requirement

Please include a writing sample (e.g., narrative piece, feature story, brochure, or other persuasive document) along with your resume and cover letter.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No

Preferred Education/Experience

Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Application Deadline

April 24, 2026

Our University Community

We are committed to employee well-being and maintaining a healthy, safe environment. The University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on any legally protected basis.

Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment screenings, including background checks and/or drug screening.

Apply Here: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/625402

Director of Philanthropy – Cancer Programs

Closes 4/26/26

Position Details

Job Title: Philanthropy Officer Senior – Major Gifts
Requisition Number: RE53703
Department: Office of Philanthropy
Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 48
Salary Range: $62,941 – $103,834/year
Position Type: Full-Time Staff

Required Education & Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree
Experience: 7 years of related experience
Licensure/Certification: None

Physical Requirements

Sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods; repetitive motion; standing or walking with objects up to 10 lbs.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday (40 hours/week), with some evenings and weekends as required.

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky’s Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) is seeking a Director of Philanthropy – Cancer Programs, a frontline fundraiser who will play a pivotal role in advancing one of the nation’s leading academic health systems. This role directly supports the Markey Cancer Center through major philanthropic investments that impact patient care, medical research, and education.

The Director of Philanthropy will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, cultivating long-term relationships and translating complex medical and research priorities into compelling cases for support in collaboration with faculty, department chairs, and colleagues across UK HealthCare and PAE.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic fundraising plans
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects ($25,000+)
• Conduct donor visits and prepare customized proposals
• Collaborate with faculty and leadership to align philanthropic priorities
• Serve as an ambassador for UK’s mission in healthcare innovation

Qualifications

We are seeking a mission-driven relationship builder with a proven track record in major gift fundraising, ideally within healthcare, higher education, or complex nonprofit environments. Strong communication, storytelling, strategic thinking, and collaboration skills are essential.

Why UK

UK HealthCare is home to cutting-edge innovation, world-class faculty, and nationally recognized programs. This role offers the opportunity to advance meaningful work that ensures Kentucky families have access to leading-edge care.

Our Culture

The Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement is guided by our core values CoMMIT – Collaboration, Communication, Mission Driven, Mutual Respect, Innovation, and Transparency.

By applying, candidates express alignment with these values and commitment to a collaborative, mission-driven team.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Ability to navigate complex healthcare environments; exceptional written and oral communication; strong interpersonal skills; high energy and self-motivation; sound judgment; integrity in handling sensitive information; compliance with HIPAA regulations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No

Application Deadline

April 26, 2026

Our University Community

We are committed to employee well-being and maintaining a healthy, safe environment. The University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on any legally protected basis.

Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment screenings, including background checks and/or drug screening.

Apply Here: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/623606

Assistant Director of Annual Giving

Student and Young Alumni Philanthropy

Closes May 10

Position Details

Job Title: Philanthropy Assistant Specialist – Annual Giving
Requisition Number: RE54127
Department: Office of Philanthropy
Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 44
Salary Range: $43,805 – $70,075/year
Position Type: Full-Time Staff

Required Education & Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree
Experience: 2 years of related experience
Licensure/Certification: None

Physical Requirements

Ability to attend meetings and events on and off campus, including student and alumni functions.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with some evenings and weekends required.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Annual Giving, the Assistant Director of Annual Giving will help promote a culture of philanthropy among University of Kentucky students and collaborate with campus partners to support Annual Giving initiatives.

This role requires strong organization, attention to detail, and interpersonal skills, with a focus on engaging students, managing programs, and supporting multi-channel fundraising and stewardship strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the Center for Student Philanthropy, including student volunteers, interns, and organizations
• Advise and manage the Student Philanthropy Board
• Coordinate events to build a culture of philanthropy, including Thank-A-Donor Day
• Collaborate with Annual Giving staff on multi-channel solicitation and stewardship strategies
• Serve as liaison with the UK Alumni Association and campus partners
• Manage and coordinate direct mail projects, including data, content, and vendor production

Our Culture

The Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement is guided by our core values CoMMIT – Collaboration, Communication, Mission Driven, Mutual Respect, Innovation, and Transparency.

By applying, candidates express alignment with these values and commitment to a collaborative, mission-driven team.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Excel and Millennium Database.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No

Application Deadline

May 10, 2026

Our University Community

We are committed to employee well-being and maintaining a healthy, safe environment. The University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on any legally protected basis.

Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment screenings, including background checks and/or drug screening.

Apply Here: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/627908

Development Associate 

Full-time (40 hours/week)
Non-Exempt

Wages: $38,000-$44,000 a year, with health, vision, and dental insurance covered in full immediately.
Job Location: Primarily on-site, with less than 1% travel (mostly local)

Direct supervisor: Development Director

About the Carnegie Center: Since 1992, the non-profit Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning has been meeting the educational and artistic needs of Lexington, Kentucky. Located in a former Carnegie Library building, the center seeks “to empower people to explore and express their voices” through writing, reading, and the arts. The Center serves thousands of Kentuckians annually with classes for lifelong learners; unique tutoring and mentoring programs; accessible community space, and other imaginative learning opportunities.

About the position: The Development Associate is part of a three-person team working to strengthen individual, corporate, and institutional giving to support the Carnegie Center. The full-time Development Associate supports the Carnegie Center’s overall fundraising goals through grantwriting, online giving campaign management, contributions including corporate sponsorship outreach, and program evaluation through qualitative and quantitative data collection. This position reports directly to the Development Director.

Primary Duties:

Grantwriting:

·         Assist the Development Director with preparing grant proposals and final reports by drafting initial proposal narratives, budgets, and reports as assigned.

·         Track grant deadlines and maintain grants timeline and calendar.

·         Identify, through research, new grant and funding opportunities aligned with Carnegie Center programs and strategic priorities.

Corporate & Community Support:

·         Draft community-facing messages for print, Carnegie’s website, social media, and eNewsletters.

·         Serve as staff lead for planning and implementing online giving campaigns (minimum of three annually), including “Giving Tuesday.” Work closely with Board and community members to empower them to participate in online giving campaigns.

·         With support from the Development Director, lead communications and strategies to retain and grow monthly donors and assist Finance Associate with pledge renewals.

·         Identify and research local business and corporate sponsor prospects and take a proactive role in cultivating and soliciting corporate sponsorships.

Data Collection & Administrative Support:

·         Routinely conduct donor prospect research, using data from database (PatronManager, built on Salesforce) and other external resources.

·         Generate mailing lists for mailed and emailed campaigns to donors, with attention to data integrity.

·         Serve as staff lead for collecting evaluation data from program and class attendance, patron surveys, and testimonials to be utilized for grant reports and donor-facing communications.

·         Provide meeting preparation support to the Development Director both for Fundraising Committee and full Board meetings.

·         Other duties as assigned by Development Director.

Position Requirements

●       Bachelor’s degree required.

●       Strong writing and communication skills.

●       Experience and understanding of non-profit fundraising and grant writing.

●       Comfortability with MS Office Suite including Word and Excel, Google Suite, and Zoom.

●       Experience managing database or CRM system management preferred.

●       Ability to stand for multiple hours and lift up to 25lbs, and other physical demands as required.

To be considered, send a cover letter, any writing sample up to 5 pages, and resume/CV to mharris@carnegiecenterlex.org.  Use “Development Associate” in the subject line. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 24, 2026. No telephone calls please. NOTE: If you do not properly follow the directions on how to apply, your application will not be considered.

The Carnegie Center’s mission is to empower people to explore and express their voices through imaginative learning and the literary arts. The Carnegie Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, visit www.carnegiecenterlex.org

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Operations Manager – Gift Planning

Closes 4/26/26