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 Director of Development, 4D Experience and Scholarships is a new position on an expanding team, reporting directly to the Executive Director of Development, 4D Experience, Scholarships, and Parent Giving. This position and will play a key role in developing and enhancing relationships with major gift prospects and donors, discovering their philanthropic passions, and aligning them with funding priorities emerging as part of the university’s upcoming comprehensive campaign. The Director of Development will develop and mature a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors to advance the institution’s strategic priorities and achieve annual fundraising goals, set in collaboration with the Executive Director of Development. The successful incumbent will possess a strong capacity for initiating and developing relationships with prospects and will conceive and implement customized strategic cultivation and solicitation plans for each prospect. The Director will serve as a close partner and key resource for other advancement professionals to solicit and close gifts for the 4D Experience, university-wide scholarships, and other priority initiatives. The campus-wide Advancement team is highly collaborative in its work and the Director will be expected to build and foster extensive value-added relationships throughout the division and the university as a whole.
Essential Functions
Fundraising
- In support of the identified major gift priorities, manage a portfolio of alumni, parents and friends of the university 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 Prospect Management and Research, identify and qualify major gift prospects for the identified priorities of 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 campus partners to develop funding proposals and meet with donors for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship meetings.
- Travel regularly to meet with donors across the country and within the greater Denver area.
- Achieve annual goals and metrics set in collaboration with University development leadership.
Partnerships & University Citizenship
- Serve as an active and collaborative partner to select departments in Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Financial Aid and the 4D
- Experience to advance their philanthropic vision.
- Serve as an active and collaborative partner to all advancement colleagues, institutional colleagues and other partners across campus 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.
- In partnership with the Executive Director of Development, establish fundraising priorities related to the 4D Experience, scholarships, and related priorities and help educate advancement colleagues on those priorities.
- Engage in the advancement goal-setting process for priority initiatives, including fundraising engagement metrics.
- Effectively and responsibly steward budgetary and other resources.
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 in a relationship-based culture.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to speak and write effectively and persuasively to draft compelling proposals and letters.
- Experience strategizing with academic or equivalent leadership to successful conclusions.
- Demonstrated ability to work with various stakeholders at all levels.
- Demonstrated ability to work with a high level of independence as well as a positive contributor within a team of fundraising professionals
- Proven ability 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
- 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).
- 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 with Parent Giving.
- 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) June 12, 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 23, 2023
Applications close: