Principal Gifts Strategist

KU Endowment is seeking a Principal Gifts Strategist to drive strategy, alignment, and momentum across the philanthropic pipeline. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in advancement, fundraising, strategy, or donor engagement, preferably in higher education or large nonprofit environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in advancement, fundraising, strategy, or donor engagement
• Demonstrated experience managing high-level donor strategies and complex, cross-functional initiatives
• Proven ability to lead strategy at both high-level and detailed executional levels
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Strong mentoring and coaching abilities
• High level of data literacy, including the ability to translate insights into action
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Deep familiarity with CRM systems, data segmentation, and performance tracking tools
• Experience with Salesforce preferred
• Strong process orientation with experience designing, improving, and scaling workflows
• Ability to influence without direct authority and drive alignment across diverse stakeholders

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid pension plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) matching program
• Section 125 flexible benefits
• Generous paid leave including holidays, personal and sick leave
• Volunteer and community engagement opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Legal & ID Theft protection
• Critical Illness
• Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance
• KU education assistance
• Free parking