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
Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor, Campaigns, the Senior Director of Campaign Operations leads campaign operations for the University of Denvers ambitious $1B campaign, driving the implementation of strategic and operational plans and activities and overseeing tracking towards campaign plan targets and goals.
The Senior Director of Campaign Operations provides strategic consultation and support to the AVC and Advancement’s Senior Management Team on strategies and activities relating to the successful execution of the University’s comprehensive campaign, leads the development and implementation of internal stakeholder groups and philanthropic volunteer opportunities and efforts, and will be involved with the execution of our large-scale campaign launch event. The role also involves work in campaign communications, budgeting and creating materials to support campaign fundraising.
The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with a strong background in project management and a solid understanding of fundraising at the major and/or principal gift level. Experience in large university campaigns (preferably of $1 billion or more) is preferred. Significant experience managing volunteer committees and boards, working with senior leadership, managing complex projects, and the ability to move adeptly between big-picture thinking and on-the-ground implementation are essential skills in this role.
Essential Functions
Campaign Operations
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the campaign, including strategic oversight of the Campaign project plan relative to the themes, goals, timeline, volunteer structure, budget and staffing, communications planning, campaign outreach and events, naming and recognition strategies and other work of the campaign.
- Staff and provide strategic consultation to Advancement’s Senior Management Team on all campaign-related activities.
- Create campaign strategic agendas, meeting Power Points, initiate meeting follow up, and staff other campaign-related committees and teams, as required.
- Prepare campaign-related materials and presentations for the Board of Trustees, Campaign Cabinet and Campaign Steering Committee, and their committees as requested by the AVC.
- In partnership with the Business Intelligence and Analytics team, track progress towards identified campaign priorities and goals (both fundraising and non-monetary).
- Working in close collaboration with Advancement leadership and other stakeholders, assist in defining and implementing key campaign policies (gift acceptance, naming, etc.)
- Manage the campaign team annual, multi-year and events budgets.
Volunteer Management
- Evolve and operationalize the campaign volunteer structure in partnership with development and engagement teams. This includes creating toolkits and job descriptions, and developing strategies and tactics for successful and meaningful volunteer engagement.
- Establish, execute and manage operational best practices for campaign councils at every phase of the volunteer leadership life cycle, including recruitment, onboarding, staffing, and evaluation, including communications and events.
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.
- Model “One DU” leadership.
- Maintain a professional network across peer institutions. Gather and share best practices.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated success persuading and influencing groups and individuals to support the organization’s agenda with respect to colleagues, volunteer leadership and other potential stakeholders.
- Outstanding skills in building, cultivating and stewarding relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills along with outstanding social skills, instincts, judgment and integrity.
- An ambitious and motivated professional, who values working with committed colleagues in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Comfortable with a flexible work schedule, including travel for campaign events and/or major donor cultivation and some evening and weekend work.
- A working understanding of a university environment.
- Demonstrated experience managing a complex budget.
- Outstanding attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Willingness to take initiative, keep a positive attitude, and maintain a professional demeanor.
- Adept at problem-solving, critical thinking, and using judgment in situations that that require sensitivity and tact.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelors 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).
- 7 years of related experience in campaign planning and implementation, working with and managing volunteer committees or boards, and/or major and principal gift experience in large university campaigns.
- 3 years of experience managing professional staff or volunteers, with a demonstrated commitment to coaching, mentoring, and developing team members.
- Experience managing complex multi-year projects.
Preferred Qualifications
- Higher education fundraising experience in large university campaigns of $1 billion or more.
- Experience planning, managing, staffing and attending development events.
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.
Ability to travel infrequently.
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 15.
Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $95,000-$130,000.
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: