The Organization
The Kansas State University Foundation was established in 1944 as the official fundraising organization for Kansas State University. It is a separate, independent entity chartered by the state of Kansas as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education corporation. Gifts made to support K-State through the KSU Foundation are used according to the donor’s wishes, and may not be reallocated by the state. Gifts to the foundation are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Position Overview
The Kansas State University Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, seeks a Senior Vice President of Development to lead its development operation in support of the university’s strategic priorities and goals.
The Foundation’s mission is to secure and prudently manage private gifts in support of Kansas State University, thus helping to provide the financial means to advance the University’s aspiration to be recognized as one of the nation’s Top 50 Research Universities by 2025. With K-State already setting university records with its rising student enrollment (25,000), year-over-year fundraising success, increased sponsored funding, athletic scholastic achievements, and the unveiling of the $1 billion Innovation and Inspiration capital campaign on October 9, 2015; this is an ideal and exciting time to join the Foundation. The Foundation’s annual budget is $16.0 million. The annual fundraising goal is $150 million and the three-year fundraising average is in excess of $167 million. In fiscal year 2015, the assets under management by the KSU Foundation amounted to $850 million including a $488.9 million endowment pool.The senior vice president of development reports directly to the Foundation President, serve as a member of his senior leadership team and oversee constituent development, central development, advancement services and donor relations/events. The Foundation seeks a development professional of considerable skill and ability, one with a track record of success in an organization of similar scope and complexity, and one whose grasp of best practices is broad and deep. The senior vice president will be a capable and successful leader of people and teams with the ability to inspire, motivate and further the organization’s goals and priorities. The successful candidate will be a leader who maximizes existing talent with a focus on attracting and retaining. Experience at the leadership level in a campaign is highly desired as is an outstanding record as a major and principal gift fundraiser.
It is the policy of the Kansas State University Foundation to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person will be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable law.
Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. Review of applications will begin in immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Candidates should provide curriculum vitae, a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the Leadership Statement, and the names and contact information of five references. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. These materials should be sent electronically via e-mail to the Kansas State University Foundation consultants, Ann Yates and Melissa Fincher at KSUF-SRVP@wittkieffer.com. A full leadership profile is available at www.wittkieffer.com. The consultants can be reached by telephone through the desk of Sheri Lyons at 630-575-6926.