In preparation for the most ambitious philanthropic campaign in the University’s history, the University of Denver is building an advancement enterprise that mirrors the excellence of our great institution. Advancement efforts at DU have a tremendous impact through our relationships with DU’s remarkable students, dedicated donors, inspiring alumni, engaged families, and wonderful friends. DU is committed to building and fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy in support of our institution as we implement the DU IMPACT 2025 vision and prepare for a fundraising campaign with a bold and courageous goal.
The University of Denver and DU Advancement deeply value inclusive excellence, recognizing that its success is dependent on how well it values, engages, and includes the rich diversity of constituents. You can learn more about inclusive excellence at the University of Denver by visiting the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. As a part of that effort, we are continuing to grow a team of inclusive, collaborative, inquisitive, innovative, ethical, and transparent advancement professionals who possess deep mutual respect for one another and for our shared profession.
About the Morgridge College of Education
The Morgridge College of Education (MCE) at the University of Denver, formerly known as the School of Education in the College of Human Services, has been serving future educators, scientists, and leaders for more than 100 years. Innovation and a dedication to the greater good have driven our evolution. MCE houses 5 departments, 10 academic programs, and 26 diverse degree and certification options. It is home to more than 60 full-time faculty and 50 staff who work to provide exceptional educational experiences. Dean Michelle Knight-Manuel was appointed July 1, 2022; her areas of research and teaching expertise include curriculum and teacher education, equity and urban schooling.
Position Summary
The University of Denver is seeking an experienced, driven, and passionate fundraiser to lead fundraising efforts for the Morgridge College of Education. The Director will expand and deepen the college’s base of philanthropic support from prospects interested in investing in education, focusing efforts on building a sustainable pipeline of major gift prospects. The Director will partner closely with academic leaders, faculty, and peers to help the College grow and strengthen the core of its philanthropic support. The position will report directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Development, Schools & Colleges.
The Director of Development will have a heavy focus on identification and qualification of individual major gift prospects, using a donor-centered approach. Key performance indicators for this position include: major gift qualifications, visits, major gift solicitations, and dollars raised (all levels.) While the focus of this role is working with individual prospects and donors, the Director will also partner with central advancement functions in Foundation Relations, Annual Giving, and Gift Planning, among others.
The successful candidate will be highly collaborative, motivated, and skilled at building relationships. The Morgridge College of Education is unique in its academic portfolio, which boasts strong and highly respected graduate and professional programs. Alumni identify with the college, as well as specific academic programs within, and the Director will need to be knowledgeable about the unique programs and creative in their approach to prospect strategies.
Essential Functions
Expand & deepen the base of philanthropy:
- Identify and qualify major gift prospects for the Morgridge College of Education, as measured by the number of qualification activities.
- Cultivate and solicit gifts at the principal, major, and leadership annual giving levels, with a focus on major gifts. Metrics include number of solicitations and dollars raised.
- Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors who have the capacity to give at major and annual giving levels through strategic cultivation and stewardship, as measured by efficient and fast-paced moves management techniques.
- When appropriate, utilize annual gift solicitations to determine major gift willingness and capacity, by soliciting prospects (typically annually) for gifts between $1,000 – $50,000. Solicitations may be multi-channel and multi-year.
- Develop a working knowledge of the Morgridge College of Education in general and funding priorities specifically to articulate a compelling case for support to all stakeholders.
Campaign readiness:
- Work with Dean Knight-Manuel and other MCE academic leadership to articulate a compelling vision for philanthropic investment.
- Create a framework for philanthropic initiatives that will inspire philanthropy over the course of a comprehensive campaign, one that can expand to meet dynamic opportunities while staying true to the overarching vision.
- Craft multi-year donor strategies to achieve the philanthropic goals of the campaign.
- Partner with stakeholders across campus on fundraising strategies for interdisciplinary campaign initiatives that involve MCE.
- When appropriate, leverage volunteers to facilitate strategic development activities.
Leadership
- Manage all development activity within MCE, including staffing the dean and other academic leadership on donor visits.
- Lead campus-wide strategies for MCE prospects, when serving as prospect Team Lead. Actively contribute to campus-wide strategies for MCE prospects as a Team Member.
- Serve as a prominent member of the MCE leadership team by participating in group strategy discussions, providing project leadership, sharing information with colleagues and contributing to the achievement of the overall goals of the College.
- Engage in Advancement goal-setting processes for fundraising, engagement and stewardship.
- Effectively and responsibly steward budgetary and other resources to advance MCE and the University of Denver.
Partnerships & University Citizenship
- Serve as an active and collaborative partner to all central and unit-based advancement functions, and other campus colleagues, to foster strategic, effective, and collaborative fundraising practices.
- Model “One DU” leadership.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated ability to close major gifts and leadership annual gifts, including multi-year pledges, in a relationship-based culture.
- Demonstrated ability to identify, qualify, solicit, and steward gifts from individual donors.
- Expertise in forming and executing cross-functional teams of colleagues, volunteers, and academic/administrative leaders to represent MCE interests of donors.
- Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills. Ability to represent the University of Denver in a variety of capacities, including its major initiatives and units.
- Proven ability to work with a high level of independence, maintain confidentiality, prioritize assignments, and manage time effectively.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills to foster and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, donors, volunteers, and University Officials.
- Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups having competing interests and priorities within the University and community.
- Fluency in data management and analysis.
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 the degree qualification.) - 5 years of paid fundraising experience.
- Demonstrated track record of securing multi-year commitments from individual donors by strategically managing a portfolio and fostering meaningful relationships.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a University setting or similarly complex non-profit environment.
- Experience working with the Dean of an academic unit.
- Management of philanthropic volunteers, including volunteer boards/committees.
Working Environment
- Standard office environment
- Noise level is quiet to moderate
- Some nights and weekend event attendance
- Travel responsibilities to meet with donors
- Eligible for hybrid work
Physical Activities
- Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period
- 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) July 24, 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: July 10, 2023
Applications close: