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.
About DU Advancement
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 and innovation of our great institution. Inclusive of alumni relations, development, and student and alumni career services, DU Advancement is building and fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy in support of our bold vision.
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. 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.
Position Summary
The University of Denver is seeking an experienced, driven, and passionate Foundation Relations fundraiser to join our Advancement team as the Assistant Director of Development, Foundation Relations based in Denver, Co. Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Foundation Relations, the Assistant Director will partner with Foundation Relations colleagues to coordinate and manage the internal facing activities for the Foundation Relations team in support of the team’s collective goals. In addition, they will periodically work with Advancement colleagues in support of foundation grants in the $50,000 range. The Assistant Director will also engage with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), Corporate Relations, academic units, and advancement colleagues in support of Foundation Relations collective success.
The Assistant Director will serve as a subject matter expert for research on foundations. They will manage and maintain the internal information that supports typical foundation applications. In addition, they will support site visits, some post-award activities, foundation stewardship, and regular audit of grants submitted through ORSP.
The successful candidate will possess a strong capacity for organization, project management, and foundation research. The candidate will conceive and implement successful processes and guidelines in partnership with the Executive Director of Foundation Relations in support of Foundation Relations success. They must possess excellent communication (written and oral) and relationship-building skills.
Essential Functions
- Conduct and maintain research on foundations in coordination with Prospect Research to ensure information is fully leveraged within PioSphere.
- Manage some post award activities including, but not limited to budget revisions, reporting, and internal communications.
- Support the qualification of foundations and moving them into Foundation Relations’ pipeline.
- Manage and maintaining standard proposal information and documents.
- Provide support for foundation opportunities under $50,000.
- Provide stewardship support in partnership with the Foundation Relations team leads and the Director of Donor Relations and
Stewardship:
- Standard stewardship activities
- Proactive stewardship to current foundation partners and foundation prospects
- Manage site visit logistics in partnership with administrative support colleagues.
- Manage regular audit of grant awards administered by ORSP and communicate findings to Foundation Relations team, as well as document applicable findings within PioSphere.
- Be a two-way point of contact with ORSP for appliable information.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of Foundation Relations techniques and best practices and familiarity with the long-term and complex nature of foundation partnerships.
- Proven ability for strong and compelling written and oral communications.
- Proven ability to work with a high level of confidence and independence, to maintain confidentiality, to prioritize assignments, and to manage time effectively.
- Strong project management experience, with the ability to successfully engage in multiple initiatives simultaneously.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills that help foster and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, foundations, and university officials/leaders.
- Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups having competing interests and priorities within the University and community.
- Ability to foster an inclusive, collaborative, inquisitive, innovative, ethical, and transparent office culture founded on deep mutual respect.
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).
- 3 years of fundraising, research development, or related experience, working within various areas of fundraising or grants management.
- Demonstrated experience working with foundations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a University setting or similarly complex non-profit environment.
- Experience working a team environment in support of shared goals.
Working Environment
- Standard open office environment.
- Noise level is quiet to moderate.
- 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) October 13, 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 10.
Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $55,000 – $65,000.
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, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran 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; the Americans with Disabilities Act; 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; Equal Pay Act; Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers’ Rights (“POWR”) Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver’s Non-Discrimination-Statement .
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.
Advertised: September 22, 2023
Applications close: