Inside Higher Ed
Assistant Director of Development, Regional Leadership Annual Giving
Inside Higher Ed, Denver, Colorado, United States, 80285
Assistant Director of Development, Regional Leadership Annual Giving
Apply for the
Assistant Director of Development, Regional Leadership Annual Giving
role at the University of Denver (DU).
Position Summary With a focus on the Greater Denver region, you will help DU grow and expand its philanthropic base of support. You will serve as a university generalist, concentrating efforts on alumni and prospects from specific academic units, such as the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Morgridge College of Education, Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, and the College of Professional Studies. The role reports directly to the Senior Director of Development, Regional and is based in Denver.
Essential Functions
Pipeline Building: Identify, qualify, and cultivate prospects to grow the donor base.
Partner with colleagues to design and implement strategies to identify, qualify, and cultivate donors and prospects.
Manage a portfolio of leadership annual giving prospects to build the donor pipeline.
Collaborate with academic and unit partners to align outreach strategies with institutional priorities.
Assist in identifying and qualifying prospects for major gifts.
Facilitate the strategic transition of qualified prospects to appropriate development officers for continued cultivation.
Fundraising: Direct solicitation and campaign-related activities.
Solicit leadership annual gifts ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 through personalized and multichannel approaches.
Liaise with development colleagues to identify and communicate campaign priorities to prospects in MCE, PSC, RSECS, and NSM.
Retain donors within unit LAG gift bands.
Programmatic Responsibilities: Engagement, stewardship, and donor experience activities.
Support planning and execution of donor engagement events and cultivation activities.
Provide support to advisory boards and volunteer groups to deepen constituent involvement.
Operational Excellence: Project management, reporting, and internal coordination.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions and contact reports in the CRM system.
Manage projects and initiatives in alignment with university policies and advancement best practices.
Travel to assigned areas to deepen DU connections with prospects. Conduct travel in accordance with university policies.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Fundraising Principles & Practices: Understanding of fundraising principles and donor engagement.
Relationship Building: Ability to build rapport with entry‑to‑mid‑level donors.
Communications: Write donor correspondence and mass solicitations.
Strategic Thinking: Adapt to shifting priorities and feedback; apply sound judgment when making decisions.
Portfolio Management: Collaborate with supervisor to devise effective outreach and prospect management strategies.
Higher Education Landscape: Understand institutional mission and programs.
Campaign Experience: Coordinate small annual giving campaigns or events.
Data Analysis: Analyze data effectively for mass solicitations and use research to prepare for internal/external meetings.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Work effectively with internal and external constituents; collaborate with other Advancement teams.
Leadership: Act 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).
3 years of professional experience, including 1 year of advancement work, donor or constituent relations, or relationship‑based sales experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated experience closing annual gifts (up to $5,000).
Fundraising experience in higher education or similarly complex non‑profit environment.
Working Environment
Standard open office environment.
Quiet to moderate noise level.
Some night and weekend event attendance.
Significant local travel responsibilities, primarily in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins.
Eligible for hybrid work.
Physical Activities
Ability to use a computer for an extended period.
Occasionally required to move around the office/campus and transport 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 Submit your application materials by
4:00 p.m. (MST) December 12, 2025.
Special Instructions Candidates must apply online through
jobs.du.edu
to be considered. Only online submissions will be accepted.
Salary Grade Number 10
Salary Range $62,000 – $72,000
Benefits The University of Denver offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit, and ECO pass.
Please Include The Following Documents With Your Application
Resume
Cover Letter
Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination Statement.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Assistant Director of Development, Regional Leadership Annual Giving
role at the University of Denver (DU).
Position Summary With a focus on the Greater Denver region, you will help DU grow and expand its philanthropic base of support. You will serve as a university generalist, concentrating efforts on alumni and prospects from specific academic units, such as the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Morgridge College of Education, Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, and the College of Professional Studies. The role reports directly to the Senior Director of Development, Regional and is based in Denver.
Essential Functions
Pipeline Building: Identify, qualify, and cultivate prospects to grow the donor base.
Partner with colleagues to design and implement strategies to identify, qualify, and cultivate donors and prospects.
Manage a portfolio of leadership annual giving prospects to build the donor pipeline.
Collaborate with academic and unit partners to align outreach strategies with institutional priorities.
Assist in identifying and qualifying prospects for major gifts.
Facilitate the strategic transition of qualified prospects to appropriate development officers for continued cultivation.
Fundraising: Direct solicitation and campaign-related activities.
Solicit leadership annual gifts ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 through personalized and multichannel approaches.
Liaise with development colleagues to identify and communicate campaign priorities to prospects in MCE, PSC, RSECS, and NSM.
Retain donors within unit LAG gift bands.
Programmatic Responsibilities: Engagement, stewardship, and donor experience activities.
Support planning and execution of donor engagement events and cultivation activities.
Provide support to advisory boards and volunteer groups to deepen constituent involvement.
Operational Excellence: Project management, reporting, and internal coordination.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions and contact reports in the CRM system.
Manage projects and initiatives in alignment with university policies and advancement best practices.
Travel to assigned areas to deepen DU connections with prospects. Conduct travel in accordance with university policies.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Fundraising Principles & Practices: Understanding of fundraising principles and donor engagement.
Relationship Building: Ability to build rapport with entry‑to‑mid‑level donors.
Communications: Write donor correspondence and mass solicitations.
Strategic Thinking: Adapt to shifting priorities and feedback; apply sound judgment when making decisions.
Portfolio Management: Collaborate with supervisor to devise effective outreach and prospect management strategies.
Higher Education Landscape: Understand institutional mission and programs.
Campaign Experience: Coordinate small annual giving campaigns or events.
Data Analysis: Analyze data effectively for mass solicitations and use research to prepare for internal/external meetings.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Work effectively with internal and external constituents; collaborate with other Advancement teams.
Leadership: Act 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).
3 years of professional experience, including 1 year of advancement work, donor or constituent relations, or relationship‑based sales experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated experience closing annual gifts (up to $5,000).
Fundraising experience in higher education or similarly complex non‑profit environment.
Working Environment
Standard open office environment.
Quiet to moderate noise level.
Some night and weekend event attendance.
Significant local travel responsibilities, primarily in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins.
Eligible for hybrid work.
Physical Activities
Ability to use a computer for an extended period.
Occasionally required to move around the office/campus and transport 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 Submit your application materials by
4:00 p.m. (MST) December 12, 2025.
Special Instructions Candidates must apply online through
jobs.du.edu
to be considered. Only online submissions will be accepted.
Salary Grade Number 10
Salary Range $62,000 – $72,000
Benefits The University of Denver offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit, and ECO pass.
Please Include The Following Documents With Your Application
Resume
Cover Letter
Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination Statement.
#J-18808-Ljbffr