Student Donor Engagement Officer

Student Donor Engagement Officer

Department: Donor Engagement

Reports to: Sr. Donor Engagement Officer

FLSA Status: Part-time; Non-exempt

The anticipated pay rate for this position is $14.00 per hour. 

Who we are and what we’re about:

KU Endowment is an independent, nonprofit organization and the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas. We partner with donors in providing philanthropic support to build a greater KU.

As an employee of KU Endowment, you’ll witness firsthand the power of our donors’ generosity. You will join a talented and fun group of people who are inspired to help KU through the support of loyal alumni and friends. This support fuels excellence, enabling students and faculty to develop innovative programs and research that distinguish the university. We connect the philanthropic passions of donors with the needs of students, faculty and programs – and everyone benefits.

People are engaged. Purpose is ignited. Lives are changed.

What we are looking for:

Love KU, live on social media, and know how to get people talking? Ever thought about being an influencer and using your creativity to make an impact? Turn your Jayhawk pride into influence! KU Endowment is looking for a Student Donor Engagement Officer to bring the impact of philanthropy to life through engaging digital content, creative storytelling, and meaningful connections. You’ll help donors see how their generosity makes a difference, keep Jayhawks connected to the university they love, and inspire continued support for KU. If you’re creative, connected, and ready to make your mark, this is your chance to turn your social media savvy into something that matters!

As part of the Donor Engagement Team, you’ll help create engaging content, coordinate monthly donor renewal communications, and collaborate with colleagues across KU Endowment and the University on additional initiatives. You’ll have the opportunity to put your creativity to work, develop your communication skills, and help tell the stories that make KU special.

This position is open to students currently enrolled at the University of Kansas. The individual in this position will work part-time (19 hours or fewer per week), scheduled during regular business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at KU Endowment’s Lawrence office. Employment is evaluated at the end of each 16-week semester and could be extended by mutual agreement. Summer employment may also be considered. 

The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – collaboration, curiosity, empowerment, and excellence – and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities.  

What’s a typical day look like?

• Create compelling and engaging content tailored to various digital platforms to effectively communicate the impact of philanthropy at the University of Kansas.
• Manage and execute monthly donor engagement projects, ensuring timely and personalized communication with donors to encourage support.
• Collaborate closely with Mass Engagement and One-to-One Engagement team members to strategize and implement initiatives aimed at creating and enhancing donor relationships, thereby increasing acquisition and retention rates.
• Assist in the execution of strategies to acquire new donors, including targeted appeals and personalized stewardship approaches.
• Cultivate relationships with donors through digital channels, responding to inquiries, acknowledging contributions, and expressing gratitude for their support.
• Coordinate with cross-functional colleagues across the organization on collaborative projects and initiatives related to donor engagement and fundraising efforts.
• Stay informed about current trends and best practices in digital engagement, philanthropy, and higher education advancement, and apply this knowledge to enhance our donor engagement strategies.
• Support the overall mission and goals of the Donor Engagement department and the University of Kansas by actively participating in team meetings, training sessions, and other departmental activities.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What’s required to be considered:

• Must be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at KU. 
• Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships inside and outside KU Endowment.
• Ability to adapt to new procedures and technology.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel. 
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. 
• Ability to meet deadlines. 

What separates the best from the rest?

• Strong writing and editing skills preferred as well as excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills. 
• Proficiency in crafting engaging and impactful content, using digital platforms. 

Physical Requirements:

• A valid driver’s license. 
• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple locations for training, donor meetings, networking, events and/or work-related activities.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to directions and safety hazards.
• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office productivity machinery such as computers, keyboards and a mouse, laptops, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. 
• This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to move files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.
• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• The person in this position frequently communicates with colleagues and general public. Must be able to communicate with others effectively.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as medium up to 50 pounds.
• Rare travel requirements can include the following, evenings, weekends, and out-of-town overnights as a regular part of the job. 

KU Endowment is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job as regulated by ADA. If you require accommodation for any part of the application process or during employment, please contact [email protected] to discuss your needs.

Sounds good, right? What’s next?

Please include your resume and cover letter when applying for this position on our website at https://www.kuendowment.org/careers.

Questions regarding this vacancy may be addressed to:

Human Resources

KU Endowment

PO Box 928

Lawrence, KS 66044-0928

Email: [email protected]

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Because of the sensitive nature of KU Endowment business and the importance of our reputation with donors, KU Endowment conducts a comprehensive review of applicants. By submitting your application, you authorize us to conduct reference checks and a review of available public information. Employment is contingent upon background and reference checks that KU Endowment finds acceptable.