Associate Director of Development, Midwest Region
The University Of Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States, 80285
Associate Director of Development, Midwest Region
Apply now
Job no:
498571
Work type:
Staff Full-Time
Location:
Denver, CO
Categories:
Alumni / Development / Fundraising, Business Operations / Services, Admin / Executive / Office Support, Advancement
Division:
Advancement
The University of Denver (DU) is the oldest independent private university in the Rocky Mountain region, serving approximately 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University, a designation recognizing the highest level of research activity among U.S. institutions.
At DU, we approach higher education with the confident optimism and pragmatic independence that define the Rocky Mountain West. It sets us apart. We’re preparing students to become the solutions in their own stories, empowering them to face uncertainty with confidence and uncommon sense.
We’re fiercely ambitious and forward-thinking, surpassing all expectations to redefine success and how to achieve it. As a top-tier private R-1 institution, we are dedicated to making the world a better place –contributing to our communities and making positive change in the world.
About DU Advancement
DU Advancement drives meaningful connections and partnerships to support DU’s mission of advancing the public good. By championing philanthropy, engaging alumni, and fostering collaborative initiatives, we empower innovation, inspire transformation, and showcase what DU can do to create positive change in the world.
This spirit is at the heart of The Denver Difference campaign. As DU’s most ambitious campaign yet, we are reimagining what the university experience can and should be. By preparing students for success in all aspects of life, DU is setting a new standard for higher education.
DU Advancement reflects the excellence and innovation of the university itself. Through alumni engagement, development, operations, and campaign leadership, we are fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy to support our bold vision for the future.
Position Summary
With a focus on the Midwest region outside of Colorado, where there is a high concentration of prospects, the Associate Director of Development will be dedicated to helping DU grow and expand its philanthropic base of support from major gift prospects aligned with DU’s top priorities. This position will report directly to the Senior Director of Development, Regional and will be based in Denver.
As part of a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative team supporting DU’s top priorities in the region, the Associate Director of Development will serve in a highly outbound capacity. They will have a heavy focus (90%) on identification and qualification, to confirm their philanthropic interest in DU. The ultimate goal is to grow the university’s major gift pipeline through a donor centered approach. The Associate Director will qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects toward sustained giving at the major gift level. The key performance indicators for this position will be strategic qualifications, visits, solicitations, and dollars raised, through a collaborative execution of major gift prospect strategies. While the focus of this role is working with individual prospects and donors, the Associate Director of Development will also work in partnership with the central alumni engagement team to support (10%) regional programming.
Successful candidates will be highly collaborative, motivated, and skilled at building relationships. In addition, they will be deeply involved in the growth and expansion of DU’s donor base across the university. The University of Denver is unique in its academic portfolio, which boasts both strong undergraduate programs and experiences, as well as highly respected graduate and professional programs. Alumni identify with DU as well as with specific academic units, and the Associate Director of Development must be creative in their strategic approach with prospects to emphasize the intersection of those identities. This position will partner closely with colleagues working within the specific schools, colleges, and units to align strategies for regional constituents.
Essential Functions
Pipeline Building: Activities focused on identifying, qualifying, and cultivating prospects to grow the donor base.
Build and manage a portfolio of 100-150 prospects rated at the major gift level.
Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects in support of major giving.
Develop and implement strategies to renew and upgrade prospects.
Utilize multichannel engagement (email, phone, events, visits) to deepen relationships.
Fundraising: Conduct individual solicitation activities and direct unit-level fundraising campaigns.
Solicit gifts between $1,000 and $50,000, including multi-year commitments.
Solicit gifts of $50,000+, including multi-year commitments.
Once fully onboarded, achieve an annual fundraising goal of approximately $500,000 - $1,000,000+.
Develop and execute fundraising strategies aligned with institutional and unit priorities.
Support campaign initiatives and leverage campaign priorities to secure philanthropic support.
Programmatic Responsibilities: Engagement, stewardship, and donor experience activities.
Partner with central alumni engagement and donor relations teams to support engagement of major gift rated constituents.
Develop compelling cases for support and stewardship communications tailored to donor interests.
Operational Excellence: Project management, reporting, and internal coordination.
Ensure accurate and timely entry of contact reports and donor data in the CRM.
Track and report on key performance indicators such as qualifications, visits, solicitations, and dollars raised.
Manage complex projects and initiatives in compliance with university policies and procedures.
Travel and manage regional outreach, serving as market expert and partnering with colleagues, when appropriate.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Fundraising Principles & Practices: Demonstrates proficiency in annual and leadership annual giving strategies. Basic understanding of major gift strategies.
Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to cultivate and solicit gifts of $10,000+
Communications: Writes donor correspondence and crafts compelling cases for support
Strategic Thinking: Manages change in donor and team dynamics. Applies sound judgment when making decisions and considering the impact on donors, colleagues, and institutional priorities.
Portfolio Management: Works closely with supervisor to build and manage an individual portfolio to meet personal goals
Higher Education Landscape: Understands institutional mission and programs
Campaign Experience: Coordinates multi-channel fundraising efforts, and/or coordinates concurrent efforts
Data Analysis: Interprets data to prioritize prospects
Collaboration & Teamwork: Works effectively with internal and external constituents. Collaborates effectively with other Advancement teams
Leadership: Acts as a team and Advancement ambassador
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 this qualification).
5 years of professional experience, including 3 years of donor or constituent relations or relationship-based sales experience
Experience closing gifts or sales through direct cultivation of individual prospects
Preferred Qualifications
Fundraising experience in higher education or similarly complex non-profit environment
Standard open office environment
Noise level is quiet to moderate
Some night and weekend event attendance
Significant travel responsibilities to assigned region, approximately 8-12 times per year
Eligible for hybrid work
Physical Activities
Ability to use 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 night and weekend event attendance
Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by
4:00 p.m. (MST) February 15, 2026.
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 12.
Salary Range
The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000.
Documents Required
Resume
The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including ... ) and other protected status as required by Title IX and other laws.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a history background check.
Advertised:
January 22, 2026 Applications close:
February 15, 2026
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job no:
498571
Work type:
Staff Full-Time
Location:
Denver, CO
Categories:
Alumni / Development / Fundraising, Business Operations / Services, Admin / Executive / Office Support, Advancement
Division:
Advancement
The University of Denver (DU) is the oldest independent private university in the Rocky Mountain region, serving approximately 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University, a designation recognizing the highest level of research activity among U.S. institutions.
At DU, we approach higher education with the confident optimism and pragmatic independence that define the Rocky Mountain West. It sets us apart. We’re preparing students to become the solutions in their own stories, empowering them to face uncertainty with confidence and uncommon sense.
We’re fiercely ambitious and forward-thinking, surpassing all expectations to redefine success and how to achieve it. As a top-tier private R-1 institution, we are dedicated to making the world a better place –contributing to our communities and making positive change in the world.
About DU Advancement
DU Advancement drives meaningful connections and partnerships to support DU’s mission of advancing the public good. By championing philanthropy, engaging alumni, and fostering collaborative initiatives, we empower innovation, inspire transformation, and showcase what DU can do to create positive change in the world.
This spirit is at the heart of The Denver Difference campaign. As DU’s most ambitious campaign yet, we are reimagining what the university experience can and should be. By preparing students for success in all aspects of life, DU is setting a new standard for higher education.
DU Advancement reflects the excellence and innovation of the university itself. Through alumni engagement, development, operations, and campaign leadership, we are fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy to support our bold vision for the future.
Position Summary
With a focus on the Midwest region outside of Colorado, where there is a high concentration of prospects, the Associate Director of Development will be dedicated to helping DU grow and expand its philanthropic base of support from major gift prospects aligned with DU’s top priorities. This position will report directly to the Senior Director of Development, Regional and will be based in Denver.
As part of a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative team supporting DU’s top priorities in the region, the Associate Director of Development will serve in a highly outbound capacity. They will have a heavy focus (90%) on identification and qualification, to confirm their philanthropic interest in DU. The ultimate goal is to grow the university’s major gift pipeline through a donor centered approach. The Associate Director will qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects toward sustained giving at the major gift level. The key performance indicators for this position will be strategic qualifications, visits, solicitations, and dollars raised, through a collaborative execution of major gift prospect strategies. While the focus of this role is working with individual prospects and donors, the Associate Director of Development will also work in partnership with the central alumni engagement team to support (10%) regional programming.
Successful candidates will be highly collaborative, motivated, and skilled at building relationships. In addition, they will be deeply involved in the growth and expansion of DU’s donor base across the university. The University of Denver is unique in its academic portfolio, which boasts both strong undergraduate programs and experiences, as well as highly respected graduate and professional programs. Alumni identify with DU as well as with specific academic units, and the Associate Director of Development must be creative in their strategic approach with prospects to emphasize the intersection of those identities. This position will partner closely with colleagues working within the specific schools, colleges, and units to align strategies for regional constituents.
Essential Functions
Pipeline Building: Activities focused on identifying, qualifying, and cultivating prospects to grow the donor base.
Build and manage a portfolio of 100-150 prospects rated at the major gift level.
Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects in support of major giving.
Develop and implement strategies to renew and upgrade prospects.
Utilize multichannel engagement (email, phone, events, visits) to deepen relationships.
Fundraising: Conduct individual solicitation activities and direct unit-level fundraising campaigns.
Solicit gifts between $1,000 and $50,000, including multi-year commitments.
Solicit gifts of $50,000+, including multi-year commitments.
Once fully onboarded, achieve an annual fundraising goal of approximately $500,000 - $1,000,000+.
Develop and execute fundraising strategies aligned with institutional and unit priorities.
Support campaign initiatives and leverage campaign priorities to secure philanthropic support.
Programmatic Responsibilities: Engagement, stewardship, and donor experience activities.
Partner with central alumni engagement and donor relations teams to support engagement of major gift rated constituents.
Develop compelling cases for support and stewardship communications tailored to donor interests.
Operational Excellence: Project management, reporting, and internal coordination.
Ensure accurate and timely entry of contact reports and donor data in the CRM.
Track and report on key performance indicators such as qualifications, visits, solicitations, and dollars raised.
Manage complex projects and initiatives in compliance with university policies and procedures.
Travel and manage regional outreach, serving as market expert and partnering with colleagues, when appropriate.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Fundraising Principles & Practices: Demonstrates proficiency in annual and leadership annual giving strategies. Basic understanding of major gift strategies.
Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to cultivate and solicit gifts of $10,000+
Communications: Writes donor correspondence and crafts compelling cases for support
Strategic Thinking: Manages change in donor and team dynamics. Applies sound judgment when making decisions and considering the impact on donors, colleagues, and institutional priorities.
Portfolio Management: Works closely with supervisor to build and manage an individual portfolio to meet personal goals
Higher Education Landscape: Understands institutional mission and programs
Campaign Experience: Coordinates multi-channel fundraising efforts, and/or coordinates concurrent efforts
Data Analysis: Interprets data to prioritize prospects
Collaboration & Teamwork: Works effectively with internal and external constituents. Collaborates effectively with other Advancement teams
Leadership: Acts as a team and Advancement ambassador
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 this qualification).
5 years of professional experience, including 3 years of donor or constituent relations or relationship-based sales experience
Experience closing gifts or sales through direct cultivation of individual prospects
Preferred Qualifications
Fundraising experience in higher education or similarly complex non-profit environment
Standard open office environment
Noise level is quiet to moderate
Some night and weekend event attendance
Significant travel responsibilities to assigned region, approximately 8-12 times per year
Eligible for hybrid work
Physical Activities
Ability to use 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 night and weekend event attendance
Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by
4:00 p.m. (MST) February 15, 2026.
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 12.
Salary Range
The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000.
Documents Required
Resume
The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including ... ) and other protected status as required by Title IX and other laws.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a history background check.
Advertised:
January 22, 2026 Applications close:
February 15, 2026
#J-18808-Ljbffr