The KSU Foundation was established in 1944 as the official fundraising arm of K-State. Since then, the foundation has received, invested, and distributed private gifts to support student scholarships, faculty development, academic programs, and building improvements. The foundation is both an independent, private 501(c)(3) organization and a strategic partner with the University.

The foundation's overall objective is to transfer as many dollars to the University as possible. This is accomplished through state of the art fundraising techniques and entrepreneurial initiatives. The President/CEO will be a visionary and progressive leader with the ability to motivate and to lead a large and diverse team of professionals and volunteers; personally participate in fund raising; and explore and initiate entrepreneurial opportunities relevant to the mission of the KSU Foundation.

The next President/CEO of the Foundation is expected to possess strong leadership ability, a proven collaborative management style, an understanding of the role of philanthropy in supporting public higher education, business and financial acumen, and the communication and relationship-building skills to forge effective working partnerships with a broad range of constituents. A bachelor's degree is required with an advanced degree strongly preferred.

As the most senior staff position within the organization, the President/CEO reports directly to the executive committee, which represents a 350-member Board of Trustees. The President/CEO will work closely with K-State's central administration, academic deans, athletics and alumni association. The foundation's total assets as of June 30, 2009 were $396.6 million. The permanent endowment at fiscal year end was $317 million; the investable portion being $259 million. The foundation's budget for FY10 is $9.5 million. The foundation staff includes 85 full and part-time employees; 30 of whom are fundraisers. More information about the foundation can be found at www.found.ksu.edu.

K-State got its start in 1858, when Bluemont Central College was founded and 53 students enrolled. Five years later K-State became the first college in America to be officially designated a land-grant school. K-State ranks first nationally among state universities in its total of Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Goldwater, and Udall scholars since 1986. Our students have won more than $2 million in those five competitions and have earned K-State a place among the nation's elite universities. K-State has more than 23,000 students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries. More than $175 million in scholarships, grants, loans, and work study is distributed each year.

The main campus is located in Manhattan, Kansas. Nestled in the heart of the scenic Flint Hills, Manhattan is a classic college town and a thriving center for trade, education, government, health care and entertainment. The Manhattan area features a respected army post, fine arts, the beauty of nature, exciting sports teams and a wide range of other qualifications and attractions. More information on the university and Manhattan can be found at www.k-state.edu and www.manhattan.org.

Nominations, expressions of interest and requests for the comprehensive position description may be directed to Alice Roepke at alicer@found.ksu.edu or 785-532-7570. Applications should include: (1) detailed letter of interest; (2) resume; (3) complete contact information for five references, including the candidate's professional relationship with each reference listed. Please send materials electronically in PDF format to alicer@found.ksu.edu. Review of candidates will begin Nov. 1 and will continue until the position is filled. The start date is negotiable, preferably Winter or early Spring 2010. Inquiries will be considered in confidence.

The Foundation is committed to compliance with EOE.

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