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.
About the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS)
The College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS), the University of Denvers largest and most diverse academic unit, is committed to providing students with the education and skills necessary to succeed at any career in todays global, communication-based society. CAHSS is comprised of two schools, 13 departments and numerous centers/institutes. CAHSS includes more than 28,000 alumni. CAHSS is where all DU undergraduate students build the foundation of their higher education. All 6,000 undergraduate students at DU take liberal arts courses in CAHSS, and one-third of these students declare a CAHSS major. Several of our departments and schools also offer masters and two have PhD programs. These range from music, art, media and journalism, economics and psychology and our Centers for Judaic Studies, Art Collection Ethics and the Denver Publishing Institute.
CAHSS faculty, staff and students come together in a shared quest for knowledge of the human condition. Students from around the world join us to study the many ways in which humans live in time and in space, as individuals and in groups. Our award-winning faculty members incorporate their national and international research and creative endeavors into the classroom to enhance the comprehensive learning experience and are engaged in community-based learning as part of DU’s mission to the public good.
Dr. Rhonda M. Gonzales joined DU in 2021 as dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and professor of history. Her areas of research and teaching expertise include African and African Diaspora history, specifically the history of East Africa and the early Atlantic slave trade to Mexico. Previously, Dr. Gonzales served as interim vice president for student success and associate vice provost for strategic initiatives at the University of Texas at San Antonio, as well as serving as chair of the history department and interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at UTSA. She has been PI or co-PI on grants totaling more than $11 million to support student success, research and justice initiatives.
Position Summary
This position reports directly to the CAHSS Executive Director of Development and partners with the Dean and the Director of Alumni Engagement. As the University of Denver prepares for its next comprehensive campaign, this position plays a key role in developing and enhancing relationships with major gift prospects and donors, discovering their philanthropic passions, and aligning them with the funding priorities emerging from the college and the university. The Director of Development will develop and mature a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors to advance strategic priorities and achieve annual fundraising goals, set in collaboration with the Executive Director of Development and the Dean. The Advancement team is highly collaborative in its work and builds extensive value-added relationships with its campus partners.
Essential Functions
Fundraising
- In support of the priorities of the college, manage a portfolio of major gift-rated prospects who have the capacity to give at the major gift level and above through strategic cultivation and stewardship, as measured by efficient and fast-paced moves management techniques.
- In coordination with the college-based Advancement team and Prospect Management and Research, identify and qualify major gift prospects for the college and the University of Denver to strategically assess their philanthropic capacity and inclination.
- Collaborate with other development professionals across campus to effectively design, execute gift strategies, and solicit prospects and donors.
- Work with CAHSS faculty to develop funding proposals and meet with donors for cultivation, solicitation and stewardship meetings.
- Develop and execute comprehensive development strategies for assigned areas of responsibility within CAHSS.
- Travel regularly to meet with donors in key markets across the country and within the greater Denver area.
Partnerships & University Citizenship
- Serve as an active and collaborative partner to all academic departments and functions, central and unit-based advancement functions, and other campus colleagues, to foster strategic, effective, and collaborative fundraising practices.
- Model One DU leadership.
Leadership
- As a leader in DU Advancement, provide strategy, guidance, and direction in support of the mission, vision, values, and goals of the University of Denver.
- Engage in the advancement goal-setting process for the college, including fundraising engagement metrics.
- Effectively and responsibly steward budgetary and other resources to advance the college and the University of Denver.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated ability to form and fully leverage cross-functional teams of colleagues, volunteers, and academic/administrative leaders toward solicitation and closure of major gifts.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to speak and write effectively and persuasively to draft compelling proposals and letters.
- Experience strategizing with academic leadership or equivalent leadership to successful conclusions.
- Demonstrated ability to work with various stakeholders at all levels.
- Proven ability to work with a high level of confidence and independence, to maintain confidentiality, to prioritize assignments, and to manage time effectively.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills that help 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.
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, working within the full spectrum of development, including qualification, cultivation, gift solicitations, stewardship, and donor recognition.
- Experience and demonstrated success in raising major gifts of $50,000+ for an institution of higher education, large nonprofit, or similar complex setting.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a university setting.
- Experience working on a multi-year fundraising campaign.
Working Environment
Standard 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.
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) May 22, 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: May 08, 2023
Applications close: