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Director of Development, Parent & Family Giving and Student Experience

The University Of Denver, Denver, CO, United States


Director of Development, Parent & Family Giving and Student Experience Job no:

498710

Work type:

Staff Full-Time

Location:

Denver, CO

Categories:

Alumni / Development / Fundraising, Business Operations / Services, Admin / Executive / Office Support, Advancement

Division:

Advancement

The Parent & Family Giving and Student Experience team is rooted in the University of Denver's mission, driving engagement and philanthropy that advance the university’s bold aspirations. The team leads relationships with high-capacity parents, focusing on campus-wide priorities such as the 4D Experience, the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus, and undergraduate scholarships. Through personalized cultivation and a deep understanding of the student journey, the team inspires generosity that fuels the university’s mission.

Position Summary The Director of Development, Parent & Family Giving and Student Experience reports to the Senior Director of Development, PFG&SA. The role is responsible for cultivating and soliciting major and leadership gifts in Colorado and select regions, focusing on parents and student experience priorities. The Director develops and matures their assigned portfolio of donors while partnering with institutional leaders, fundraising professionals, and key stakeholders to manage top prospects and meet annual fundraising goals.

Required Qualifications

7 years of professional experience, including 5 years of direct fundraising experience

Demonstrated experience closing gifts at the leadership annual giving ($1,000+) and major gifts ($50,000+) level

Preferred Qualifications

Fundraising experience in higher education or a similarly complex nonprofit environment

Essential Functions

Develop and execute complex fundraising strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects

Manage a portfolio of donors with capacity to make gifts of $50,000+.

Leverage campaign priorities and university initiatives to inspire philanthropic investment in alignment with donor priorities

Solicit donors for gifts of $50,000+ through a variety of channels, including blended gifts and multi-year commitments.

Represent the university’s breadth of academic programs and initiatives in donor conversations and proposals.

Responsible for raising $1,000,000+ annually, through a combination of leadership annual gifts and major gifts, once the portfolio is mature.

Contribute to annual and campaign goals by securing gifts aligned with institutional priorities and strategic initiatives.

Programmatic & Operational Responsibilities

Support top donor/prospect engagement via participation in development of Parent Leadership Council meetings and other experiences

Partner with campus leaders to develop compelling philanthropic proposals in alignment with campaign priorities

Articulate the impact of philanthropy through customized communications, reports, and donor experiences.

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.

Steward budgetary and operational resources to support fundraising success and team efficiency.

Collaborate with central and unit-based advancement teams to coordinate donor engagement and strategy execution.

Participate in cross-functional planning and strategy sessions to support integrated advancement goals.

Serve as an advancement representative with campus partners.

Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to development team members and support staff.

Prepare, debrief, and coach colleagues and campus partners for donor meetings and solicitations.

Develop market expertise that includes providing support for campus leadership and influencing market strategy in assigned region(s).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Relationship building: Demonstrated ability to cultivate and close gifts of $50,000+ and lead targeted campaigns

Communications: Writes major gift proposals, and crafts compelling cases for support

Strategic Thinking: Leads through uncertainty and change and develops solid solutions for varied situations. Applies sound judgment when making decisions and considering the impact on donors, colleagues, and institutional priorities.

Portfolio Management: Builds and manages an individual portfolio to meet personal goals

Higher Education Landscape: Partners with campus leaders to shape cases for support

Campaign Experience: Leads campaign components or initiatives

Data Analysis: Oversees prospect strategy and metrics for themselves

Collaboration and Teamwork: Works effectively with internal and external constituents. Collaborates effectively with other Advancement teams

Leadership/Supervision: Acts as an Advancement ambassador internally and externally. Provides mentorship to team members

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

This role is not required to operate an Automobile, Passenger Van, UTV/ATV, or golf cart

Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., with occasional nights and weekends as required. The role involves regular (8-10 times per year) out-of-state travel and is eligible for hybrid work.

Benefits The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit, and ECO pass.

Equal Opportunity Employment and Non-Discrimination Statement 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 all protected characteristics), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other class protected under federal, state, or local law. The University provides this statement to comply with Title IX and other federal and state civil rights laws.

Background Check All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.

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