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 Associate Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship reports directly to the Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship and is responsible for managing the life cycle of gift funds and stewardship reporting, creating, and implementing effective strategies for stewardship of gifts and constituent relationships with the University of Denver.
This professional will oversee the maintenance and management of existing funds, the entire endowment reporting process, recognition and signage, and annual impact reporting. They will serve as the main liaison for University staff regarding gift funds and will serve as the primary externally facing point of contact on all endowment matters for Advancement. The Associate Director will be responsible for ensuring the University is honoring all reporting commitments outlined in gift agreements and properly stewarding donors by providing regular, robust, and meaningful updates on the impact they are making at DU. They will participate and partner with the Gift Administration and Records team on all gift agreement processing, documentation, and compliance. They will have extensive experience in managing multiple projects, with many constituents, often with competing or overlapping timelines.
The position will facilitate positive and mutually rewarding relations between the University and its constituents; promote consistent and productive engagement with donors and alumni; partner with fundraising staff to determine the best strategies for effective stewardship of major donors; network with campus leadership, faculty, and staff to facilitate effective donor stewardship opportunities; and collaborate with DU Advancement staff to ensure high standards of compliance and stewardship.
Essential Functions
Gift Fund Management
- Serve as liaison for internal and external constituents who have questions about all gift funds and agreements, as well as provide direction and guidance to campus partners regarding appropriate stewardship of gift funds. Model the Donor Bill of Rights.
- Prepare annual reports to identify endowment and current use funds with accumulated income. Partner with unit budget officers and financial aid officers to use accumulated income or pursue adjusted gift agreements to promote usage of donor funds as intended.
- Establish and maintain standards and procedures for fund management including the implementation of a regular gift fund audit to review gift fund balances, expenditures, and compliance in partnership with the Gift Administration and Records team and university fund managers.
- Oversee the relationship and collaboration with the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office.
Management of Reporting
- Annual endowment reporting process for all endowed fund interested parties.
- Annual endowed chair and professorship impact reporting for interested parties.
- Annual current-use financial and impact reporting.
- Ad hoc reporting projects as requested (donor meetings, stewardship visits/updates, endowment updates)
- Partner with Marketing and Communications to produce and distribute the Annual Philanthropy Report for all external stakeholders.
- Naming and Recognition – in partnership with the Coordinator of Donor Relations & Stewardship
- Liaise with Advancement and unit partners to ensure University naming policies and procedures are followed.
- Manage and maintain naming and recognition processes and policies.
- Track and manage University naming opportunity inventory.
Donor Stewardship
- Responsible for donor stewardship including the development and implementation of strategic broad-based stewardship programs and impact reporting, as well as individualized stewardship plans and activities.
- Manage a portfolio of donors for stewardship and recognition purposes.
Leadership
- Provide direct management and leadership to 1 FTE who will oversee the acknowledgement process and fund stewardship.
- Direct gift acknowledgment processes, including strategic donor acknowledgment correspondence and data management.
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 advancement practices.
- Serve as primary liaison for Financial Aid and unit budget officers regarding gift fund stewardship.
- Model One DU leadership.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Understanding of basic accounting procedures, data collection, and complex relational databases.
- Outstanding interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to deal effectively with a wide range of individuals internal and external to the University.
- High level customer service skills and customer service ethic; sets high standards and seeks ways to improve service.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Willingness to take initiative.
- Strong organizational skills and strict attention to detail.
- Adept at problem-solving and using judgment in situations requiring initiative and tact.
- Highly ethical and able to maintain confidential information.
- Must be able to manage time well, particularly while managing competing priorities and meet frequent deadlines, demonstrating strong project management skills.
- Proficiency with MS Office suite, especially Excel and Word.
- Possess current knowledge of stewardship standards.
- Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.
- Ability to implement and train others on new technology tools.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- 3 years of direct experience with donor/benefactor relations, reporting, communications, stewardship, advancement services, or a related field.
- Management experience, to include direct management of projects or personnel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a higher education (or comparably complex organization) setting, or in the nonprofit and/or healthcare industries.
- Knowledge of Banner, Advance, Microsoft CRM, or other similar fundraising database.
Working Environment
Standard open office environment
The 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) July 31, 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 11.
Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $65,000-$80,000.
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 17, 2023
Applications close: