Major Gift Officer - Higher Ed. jobs in Kentucky

United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG) works to create the opportunity for all members of our community to have a better life. We focus on the building blocks of a good life — a quality education, financial stability for individuals and families, and good health. The work of UWBG focuses on strategic initiatives, public education, advocacy, outcomes and evaluation, development and strengthening of partnerships/collaborations, convening, resource mobilization and investment as well as backbone and engagement strategies and activities. We bring together the voices, the expertise, and the resources to define, articulate and implement a common agenda for change for our region. That is what it means to "Live United" in Central Kentucky. 

 

POSITION 

 

The Development Officer, Major Gifts (DOMG) assists with the identification of and prioritizes opportunities for new relationships with new and established clients for all UWBG products and services. The DOMG develops and nurtures networks to build and maintain a pipeline of prospects.  The DOMG is responsible for the execution, in partnership with the Resource Development (RD) team, the strategic oversight and implementation of UWBG’s corporate new donor acquisition strategy as defined by leadership staff. This role will establish and manage fundraising targets, aid in the development of strong sales tools and products, and work with development operations to track metrics to ensure targets are being met across the department. 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  

 

 

CORE UNITED WAY COMPETENCIES 

❖MISSION-FOCUSED - A top priority is to create real social change that leads to better lives and healthier communities.  This competency drives performance and professional motivations. 

❖RELATIONSHIP ORIENTED - Understands that people come before process and is astute in cultivating and managing relationships toward a common goal. 

❖COLLABORATOR - Understands the roles and contributions of all sectors of the community and can mobilize resources (financial and human) through meaningful engagement. 

❖RESULTS-DRIVEN - Dedicated to shared and measurable goals for the common good, creating, resourcing, scaling, and leveraging strategies and innovations for broad investment and impact.  

❖BRAND STEWARD - A steward of the brand and understands his/her role in growing and protecting the reputation and results of the greater network. 

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT COMPETENCIES 

❖EFFECTIVE FUNDRAISING - Is donor-focused and results-driven, with a relentless focus on gaining financial resources to support United Way’s mission and community impact strategic objectives.  Sets ambitious yet realistic goals; Connects donors’ and prospects’ interests directly to United Way’s work. Creates a strong case for support and successfully “sells” the idea, program, or funding opportunity to donor and/or supporter. Inspires commitment and support for United Way.  

 

❖STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT - Develops and maintains strategic relationships that generate the financial resources necessary to support United Way’s mission. Builds trust and donor commitment to United Way. Creates win-win relationships; engages with donors year-round, not just during campaign season, to nurture and enhance relationships.  Displays cultural knowledge and sensitivities and applies that knowledge to fundraising efforts. Is visible with donors and community leaders.   

 

❖ENTREPRENEURIAL AND INNOVATIVE – Creatively seeks new opportunities to generate revenue and other resources that add greater value to the organization and the community including the ability to understand and contribute to the product development process, able to assess donor’s interest, and accurately convey those to cross-functional team.  Identifies, anticipates, and adapts to changing market trends and business needs. Understands challenges and opportunities in the business environment; Focuses on continuous improvement.   

 

❖BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND SALES - Plans, implements, and evaluates business development and sales efforts. Uses multiple methods and various sources of information to identify and approach prospective donors and maintains positive relationships with existing donors. Collaborates with Community Impact Department (CI). Engages CI in donor engagement and fundraising by learning details of current community impact solutions. Shares information with CI about donor needs and interests to improve existing products and create new ones.   

 

QUALIFICATIONS 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, etc. This position will be primarily based out of the central UWBG office, hybrid work is possible with Manager approval. This position will require regular travel throughout the communities that we serve as necessary.  

 

EXPECTED WORK HOURS 

Monday through Friday, 8:30AM-5:00PM. Flextime hours must be approved by your manager.  Must be willing to work a non-standard work schedule, including nights, weekends, and other unusual hours as requested.  

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

The employee must regularly communicate clearly, in oral and written formats, with others in person, over the phone, and via other devices. The employee must be able to transcribe, read extensively, prepare, and analyze data and figures, and operate a computer and other standard office machinery. The employee must be able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects weighing up to 25 lbs.  

 

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING REQUIREMENTS 

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by UWBG. These screenings may include a national background check, language testing, and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review. A writing sample will be required of final candidates.  

BENEFITS 
Our robust benefits package includes 100% employer-paid premiums on employee-only health, dental, and vision plans; 3%-6% employer contributions to 401(k), employer-paid life/STD<D insurance; generous parental leave policy, PTO, and more. Salary range - $45,000 -$60,000 annually.