Job Summary

This position leads SKCTC’s comprehensive fundraising and donor engagement strategy while serving as Executive Director for the Southeast Education Foundation, a private nonprofit which raises funds to benefit the College’s mission. The role provides strategic leadership across advancement functions, working closely with college leadership, the Foundation board, and philanthropic partners to secure transformational gifts and long-term institutional support. This position serves SKCTC’s multi-campus footprint across Bell, Harlan, Knox, and Letcher counties.

Job Duties:

1. Strategic Leadership
• Lead the Advancement area in alignment with SKCTC’s mission and KCTCS system goals, senior college officers, and the Southeast Education Foundation.
• Supervise and mentor a high-performing development team, fostering professional growth and accountability.
• Collaborate with the President and senior leadership on overall college operations and initiatives.

2. Philanthropic Strategy
• Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy encompassing annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, donor stewardship, and special events.
• Cultivate a culture of philanthropy that strengthens relationships with alumni, employees, corporations, and foundations.

3. Fundraising & Donor Engagement
• Serve as a primary fundraiser, managing a portfolio of key donors and prospects.
• Represent SKCTC in civic and community organizations to enhance visibility and engagement.
• Oversee donor communications, public relations, and development-related events that promote the college’s mission.

4. Advancement Operations
• Ensure efficient systems for gift processing, donor records, acknowledgments, and reporting.
• Manage the Foundation’s scholarship programs to align with institutional priorities.
• Develop and monitor the Advancement budget, ensuring compliance with KCTCS and college policies.

5. Grant Development
• Lead the College’s grant strategy, identifying high-impact projects aligned with institutional priorities.
• Engage internal and external stakeholders in grant writing and administration.
• Author and manage grants as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience: Minimum five years of successful professional experience in fundraising, preferably in higher education or nonprofit sectors.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree and CFRE certification preferred.
Grant writing and administration experience strongly preferred.

Additional Skills Requested:

o Exceptional oral and written communication.
o Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
o Proven management skills in goal setting, supervision, budgeting, and evaluation.

Employee Rights - Employee Polygraph Protection Act

Equal Opportunity Employer - The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution.