About the University of Denver
The University of Denver (DU), a private university, is the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region, with approximately 12,900 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University – very high research activity as a Doctoral/Research University. Financial Times Higher Education, U.S. News, and The Princeton Review have consistently ranked DU among the nation’s top 100 universities and among the top three universities in the state of Colorado.
The University of Denver embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery that define our region and our history. With nationally recognized academic programs, a history of widespread influence, a forward-looking vision for a 21st-century education, and a deep commitment to promoting inclusion, we open a world of opportunity to students and empower Pioneers to make a difference around the world.
Position Summary
With a focus on the Midwest region outside of Colorado, the Director of Development will help DU grow and expand its base of philanthropic support from major gift prospects aligned with DU’s top priorities. This position will report directly to the Senior Director of Development, Regional and be based in Denver.
As part of a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative team supporting DU’s top priorities in the region, the Director of Development will serve in a highly outbound capacity with a heavy focus (90%) on identification and qualification of major gift prospects. The Director of Development will grow the university’s major gift pipeline and their own portfolio through a donor-centered approach that includes annual solicitations. The key performance indicators for this position are strategic qualifications, visits, solicitations, dollars raised, and strategic partnerships. While the focus of this role is working with individual prospects and donors, the Director of Development will also work in partnership with the Director of Regional Engagement to support (10%) campaign programing and volunteer management.
Successful candidates will be highly collaborative, motivated, and skilled at building relationships. In addition, they will be deeply involved in the growth and expansion of DU’s donor base across the university. The University of Denver is unique in its academic portfolio, boasting both strong undergraduate programs and experiences as well as highly respected graduate and professional programs. Alumni identify with both the institution and their specific academic units within it; the Director of Development must be creative in their strategic approach with prospects to emphasize the intersection of those identities. The director will collaborate closely with colleagues working within the specific schools, colleges, and central units (i.e. the Parent and Family Giving team and Gift Planning team) to align strategies for the regional constituents.
Essential Functions
Grow and expand the base of philanthropy
- Plan, design, implement, and evaluate strategies to successfully identify and qualify major gift prospects, as measured by number of qualifications.
- Initially utilize annual gift solicitations to determine major gift willingness and capacity, by cultivating and soliciting prospects for gifts between $1,000 – $50,000 (typically annually). Solicitations may be multichannel, as well as multi-year pledges. Metrics may include number of visits, strategic cultivations, solicitations, major gift partnerships, and dollars raised.
- Manage a portfolio of major gift-rated prospects who have the capacity to give at the major gift level through strategic cultivation and stewardship, as measured by efficient and fast-paced moves management techniques.
- This position represents the breadth of DU and will focus on building partnerships in the Midwestern states and Texas.
Campaign Readiness
- Support campaign communication strategies in assigned region.
- Provide support for campus leadership, as well as campaign volunteer leaders within assigned region related to campaign efforts and objectives.
- Be knowledgeable of and leverage campaign priorities to secure gifts in support of campaign goals.
Leadership
- Work independently to manage a prospect pool in the assigned region. Coordinate development efforts with stakeholders across campus for prospects in assigned region.
- Effectively manage regional development operating budget, including monitoring transactions, promoting policy compliance, and assisting in budget modeling and forecasting processes in region.
University Citizenship
- Serve as an active and collaborative partner to all central and unit-based advancement functions and campus colleagues to foster strategic, effective, and collaborative fundraising practices. Contribute to team success and model “One DU” leadership.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Adept at using judgment and discretion in situations that require sensitivity and tact.
- Demonstrated ability to form and fully leverage cross-functional teams of colleagues, volunteers, and academic/University leaders toward closure of transformational gifts.
- Exceptionally high level of customer service skills.
- Must be able to manage time well, particularly while managing competing priorities.
- Must be able to work independently and as a part of a team.
- Must have strong communication skills, including the ability to speak and write effectively and persuasively; draft compelling proposals and letters.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience (Veterans with equivalent combination of military certification/education and experience may substitute for this qualification)
- 5 years of fundraising or transferrable experience, including experience managing a donor portfolio
- Experience and demonstrated ability to identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit gifts from individual donors
- Experience and demonstrated success in raising Leadership Annual Giving – level gifts ($1,000 – $50,000) for an institution of higher education, large nonprofit, or similar complex setting
- Ability and willingness to travel extensively to assigned region
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing a major gifts portfolio
- Experience working in a university setting
- Experience working through a major campaign
Working Environment
- Standard open office environment
- Noise level is quiet to moderate
- Some nights and weekend event attendance
- Significant travel responsibilities to assigned region
- Eligible for hybrid work
Physical Activities
- Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period.
- Ability to travel regularly.
- Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs. with assistance.
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., some nights and weekends as required
Application Deadline
For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) September 11, 2023.
Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.
Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is 13.
Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $80,000-$105,000.
The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.
Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver .
Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age (40 years and over in the employment context), religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, veterans status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the university’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended in 2008; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For the university’s complete Non-Discrimination Statement, please see non-discrimination-statement .
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.
Advertised: August 28, 2023
Applications close: