
Associate Director of Development
Metropolitan State College of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
Overview The Associate Director of Development (Associate Director) is a member of the University Advancement (UA) team and reports to the Associate Vice President of University Advancement (AVP). The Associate Director is responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts from individual major gift prospects and donors during an ambitious time of growth for MSU Denver. Metropolitan State University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer.
The Associate Director plans, manages, and directs development efforts aligned with UA goals and collaborates with the appropriate UA staff for various projects and events. These efforts support programmatic initiatives, capital projects, academic departments, and student support services. The Associate Director also develops and maintains a fundraising strategy for their donor portfolio that is in alignment with the University’s fundraising priorities and strategic plan.
Duties & Responsibilities 85% Fundraising Actively manage a portfolio of 50-75 major gift prospects and donors Achieve annual goals related to donor visits, solicitations, and gifts and pledges closed Generate major gift strategies and proposals that directly support the University’s top fundraising priorities based on its strategic plan and major initiatives Collaborate with volunteers as assigned to engage in the identification, cultivation, or solicitation of major gift prospects Engage various University faculty and administrative leaders in partnerships to cultivate or solicit major gift donors Ensure the best possible communication between the University Advancement office and other university colleges/departments/units. Attend academic and community related meetings, participate in senior leadership strategy sessions and university task force teams, and provide regular updates to appropriate parties.
10% Create an annual portfolio plan to meet goals, including informational and solicitation meetings with donors and organizations. Have working knowledge of the MSU Denver Foundation and development policies and procedures Ensure proper database records and documentation for prospects, gifts, and proposals
5% Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to think strategically Ability to engage, influence, and build effective, goal-oriented relationships Strong organizational skills; previous experience working independently and as a member of a team Strong follow‑through and a commitment to seeing projects to completion Computer literacy: working knowledge of Microsoft Office Products: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Copilot
Preferred Qualifications 2-3 years of fundraising experience High degree of initiative and tenacity Experience securing major gifts by strategically managing a portfolio and fostering meaningful relationships Experience working productively with volunteers on advisory or development/foundation boards to achieve fundraising goals Working knowledge of Raiser’s Edge donor database software or similar fundraising software Previous experience maintaining strict confidentiality, discipline, and integrity
We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in candidates who will best contribute to the University.
Schedule Information Full-time, 40 hours per week, Exempt Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, 40 hours per week Evenings and Weekend Work: As needed Schedule: Hybrid schedule requiring in person work with the flexibility of some remote work opportunities (subject to supervisor approval) Travel: Rarely
Salary for Announcement Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The anticipated hiring range is $63,906 - $71,000.
Instructions to Apply For full consideration, please submit the following documents: Resume Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist/s. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former). Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.
Deadline Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received by March 6, 2026. Closing Date Open Until Filled
Posting Details Posting Representative: Sophia J Montano Posting Representative Email: smontan7@msudenver.edu
Benefits The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more. For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.
Background Checks Metropolitan State University of Denver 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 checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.
Diversity Statement Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver. We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Duties & Responsibilities 85% Fundraising Actively manage a portfolio of 50-75 major gift prospects and donors Achieve annual goals related to donor visits, solicitations, and gifts and pledges closed Generate major gift strategies and proposals that directly support the University’s top fundraising priorities based on its strategic plan and major initiatives Collaborate with volunteers as assigned to engage in the identification, cultivation, or solicitation of major gift prospects Engage various University faculty and administrative leaders in partnerships to cultivate or solicit major gift donors Ensure the best possible communication between the University Advancement office and other university colleges/departments/units. Attend academic and community related meetings, participate in senior leadership strategy sessions and university task force teams, and provide regular updates to appropriate parties.
10% Create an annual portfolio plan to meet goals, including informational and solicitation meetings with donors and organizations. Have working knowledge of the MSU Denver Foundation and development policies and procedures Ensure proper database records and documentation for prospects, gifts, and proposals
5% Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to think strategically Ability to engage, influence, and build effective, goal-oriented relationships Strong organizational skills; previous experience working independently and as a member of a team Strong follow‑through and a commitment to seeing projects to completion Computer literacy: working knowledge of Microsoft Office Products: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Copilot
Preferred Qualifications 2-3 years of fundraising experience High degree of initiative and tenacity Experience securing major gifts by strategically managing a portfolio and fostering meaningful relationships Experience working productively with volunteers on advisory or development/foundation boards to achieve fundraising goals Working knowledge of Raiser’s Edge donor database software or similar fundraising software Previous experience maintaining strict confidentiality, discipline, and integrity
We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in candidates who will best contribute to the University.
Schedule Information Full-time, 40 hours per week, Exempt Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, 40 hours per week Evenings and Weekend Work: As needed Schedule: Hybrid schedule requiring in person work with the flexibility of some remote work opportunities (subject to supervisor approval) Travel: Rarely
Salary for Announcement Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The anticipated hiring range is $63,906 - $71,000.
Instructions to Apply For full consideration, please submit the following documents: Resume Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist/s. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former). Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.
Deadline Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received by March 6, 2026. Closing Date Open Until Filled
Posting Details Posting Representative: Sophia J Montano Posting Representative Email: smontan7@msudenver.edu
Benefits The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more. For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.
Background Checks Metropolitan State University of Denver 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 checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.
Diversity Statement Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver. We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.
#J-18808-Ljbffr