Description
University of Colorado Denver

Office of Advancement

Senior Director of Development - Business

Position #00002429 Requisition #22975

* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *

Office of Advancement has an opening for a full-time University Staff (unclassified) Senior Director of Development supporting the Business School.

The University of Colorado Denver seeks individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. We value the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds.

As Colorado’s public urban research university, the University of Colorado Denver educates a diverse student body through quality academics, ambitious research, creative work, and civic engagement in the city we call home. CU Denver graduates gain the powerful combination of immersive classroom and real-world experience that are in demand today. The city benefits from well-educated, top talent and a new generation of knowledge that fuels the future of Denver and our region. We are CU in the City.

CU Denver offers more than 100 degree programs, from the bachelor’s to the doctoral level, in the heart of downtown. Here, more than 15,000 students pursue academic programs that range from global energy management to music industry studies to criminal justice. As part of the state’s largest public university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with nearly 2,500 employees and annual economic impact of $800 million.  Read CU Denver Quick Facts here. 

JOB PURPOSE:

Responsible for managing relationships with and soliciting major gift prospects and donors on behalf of the University of Colorado Denver to maximize philanthropic support. Serves as a philanthropic advisor and builds relationships within the university to facilitate meaningful connections for donors. Oversees alumni, donor relations, and other giving strategies and advancement programming for the Business School.

IMPACT & INFLUENCE:

In a centralized Advancement structure with a team of 23 professionals, the Senior Director of Development will grow the pipeline of major and principal gift prospects and donors by partnering with university administration, the Vice Chancellor of Advancement, Managing Director of Advancement, Deans, faculty, and other campus partners and collaborate with Donor Relations, Advancement Communications, Alumni Relations, Gift Planning, fellow major gift officers, and colleagues in central Advancement, including Research, Strategy, and Prospect Management. This position reports to the Managing Director of Advancement and the Dean of the Business School.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Approximately 75% of time:

• Maximize the philanthropic potential of a portfolio of major gift prospects by soliciting and closing gifts that advance the mission of the university
• Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 100 – 120 prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, for gifts of $50,000+
• Maximize and set strategy, in partnership with the Dean and Business School administration, for all Advancement initiatives, to include alumni programing, donor relations, and major gift fundraising
• Align donor interests with the strategic priorities of the university
• Analyze prospect research materials to target likely donors of $50,000+
• In addition to fundraising goals, the Major Gift Officer will be responsible for meeting specific process targets designed to assure a disciplined approach to building a successful major gift program, such as visits, proposals, and portfolio penetration. The Senior Director of Development is also responsible for assuring that alumni and donor relations programming and strategy supports a robust engagement and major gift strategy

Approximately 25% of time:

Serve as an Advancement strategist and liaison for the Business School:

• Creating and implementing fundraising strategies for programs and initiatives
• Developing familiarity with campus and unit fundraising priorities
• Working collaboratively with campus partners and Advancement colleagues to formulate plans for prospect engagement and identifying potential top donors not yet aware of or engaged with the university
• Facilitating interaction between major gift prospects and campus and system leaders and faculty
• Managing relationships with one or more volunteer members of the CU Foundation Trustees, engaging volunteer(s) in unit and campus fundraising activities

This position may manage one or more Advancement staff

Perform other duties as assigned

Salary and Benefits:

The hiring range for this position has been established at $76,063 to $115,000 and is commensurate with skills and experience.

The University of Colorado offers a full benefits package.  Information on University benefits programs, including eligibility, is located at https://www.cu.edu/employee-services.

Diversity and Inclusion:

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications
EDUCATION, SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in related field
• 7 years job related experience, to include fundraising or business development at $50,000+

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA or MS degree in a related field
• 7-10 years or more of job related experience, to include fundraising and/or business development
• Management experience of staff and/or high level volunteers
• Experience in Higher Education
• Experience and proficiency in Ellucian-Advance

SPECIALIZED SKILLS:

Specialized skills required for this job:

• Knowledge of major fundraising within a higher education or similar environment
• Superior relationship building skills
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills
• Ability to prioritize, negotiate, and influence effectively
• Effective interpersonal, strategic planning, administrative and organizational skills
• Solid judgement and sensitivity to others
• Ability to work independently and as part of a larger team
• Familiarity with financial planning, tax and charitable gift laws, and planned giving vehicles and methods
• Ability to effectively manage multiple assignments simultaneously
• Demonstrated experience organizing, entering and utilizing relationship data for prospecting, soliciting, and stewarding

OTHER VARIABLES:

Position is highly visible and requires weekends and evenings for attendance at special events, travel, dinners, athletic events, and entertainment. A cell phone stipend will be provided.

Job Category: Development
Primary Location: Denver
Schedule: Full-time
Posting Date: Sep 27, 2021
Unposting Date: Ongoing