Director of Development

If you are a current University Health or University Health Physicians employee and wish to be considered, you must apply via the internal career site.

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Inspire Generosity. Build Community. Drive Impact.

The University Health Foundation is seeking a visionary and relationship-driven Director of Development to lead strategic fundraising initiatives that advance exceptional patient care and strengthen community health. This role is ideal for a dynamic development professional who excels at building meaningful partnerships, leading successful events, and inspiring generosity across diverse audiences.

As a key member of the Foundation team, the Director of Development will oversee donor engagement, event fundraising, annual giving, and internal philanthropic programs-bringing creativity, strategy, and heart to every aspect of their work.

Lead Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Manage a portfolio of donors through personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

• Build strong relationships with individuals, corporations, physicians, and community partners.

• Partner with the Executive Director to set and exceed annual fundraising goals.

• Collaborate with Foundation colleagues to ensure cohesive donor messaging and outreach.

• Coordinate donor engagement efforts with the Foundation's additional Director of Development to ensure alignment across events and campaigns.

Own Event Leadership - Including Golf Baby Golf

• Serve as the lead staff member for the signature Golf Baby Golf Tournament.

• Direct all event planning, sponsorship development, volunteer coordination, logistics, and post-event stewardship.

• Develop strategies that grow sponsorship revenue and long-term donor relationships.

• Manage event budgets, timelines, vendor relationships, and reporting.

Drive the Annual Appeal & Multi-Channel Giving

• Lead the design and execution of the Foundation's annual giving campaign across mail, digital, email, and social channels.

• Partner with marketing teams to develop compelling, consistent messaging.

• Monitor donor behavior and campaign performance to shape strategy and drive year-over-year growth.

• Engage board members, employees, and ambassadors as champions for annual giving.

Lead the Physician Giving Program

• Build and manage a philanthropic culture among medical staff by launching and growing a physician giving program.

• Identify physician champions and collaborate with hospital leaders to increase awareness.

• Design recognition and stewardship that highlights impact within the hospital community.

Ensure Excellence in Stewardship & Reporting

• Oversee timely acknowledgment and recognition for donors and sponsors.

• Maintain accurate donor records and event data within the Foundation's CRM.

• Develop donor reports, presentations, and proposals for leadership and board members.

Collaborate Across the Organization

• Engage actively in Foundation planning, meetings, and strategic initiatives.

• Represent the Foundation at internal and community events.

• Support Foundation-wide efforts as needed to further the mission.

Manage to Outcomes & Performance Metrics

Your leadership will directly support measurable results, including:

• Growth in annual fundraising and donor engagement.

• Increased Golf Baby Golf sponsorships, revenue, and participation.

• Stronger annual appeal response rates.

• Launch and growth of the physician giving program.

• Sustained donor retention and stewardship satisfaction.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or related field.

• Five years of progressive fundraising, development, or related experience.

• Demonstrated success in event fundraising, donor cultivation, and sponsorship solicitation.

• Experience using CRM/donor management systems.

• Strong knowledge of the Kansas City philanthropic landscape.

• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.

• Strategic thinker with strong attention to detail and follow-through.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across teams.

• High level of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to ethical fundraising practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field (e.g., nonprofit management, business administration).

• Experience in healthcare or academic medical center environments.

• Background in large-scale special events fundraising.

• Experience with the Virtuous CRM system.