Director of Development, Foundation Relations; Principal Professional

Position #:

Requisition #: 41296

Reporting to the Executive Strategist for Major and Principal Gifts and working in close collaboration with the Office of Grants and Contracts (OGC) and the Office of Research Development and Strategy (ORDS), this full-time, University Staff (non-classified) Director of Development for Foundation Relations serves as the primary strategist, relationship manager, and hands-on fundraiser for a portfolio of foundation partners. The position personally drives and executes all aspects of foundation relations activity, including prospect identification, relationship cultivation, proposal development, solicitation strategy, stewardship, and funder engagement.

Operating as the primary owner of foundation fundraising efforts, this role translates institutional priorities into compelling funding opportunities while building sustainable partnerships that increase philanthropic investment in support of CU Anschutz priorities.

Supervision Received: Executive Strategist for Major and Principal Gits (pos. )

Supervision Exercised: No direct reports

• Serve as the primary relationship manager and strategic contact for a portfolio of significant local and regional foundations, personally cultivating, stewarding, and advancing relationships to maximize philanthropic investment.
• Independently develop and execute comprehensive engagement plans that build robust partnerships with major foundation funders while expanding and diversifying institutional revenue opportunities.
• Develop and implement comprehensive, tailored strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and long-term stewardship.
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding and awareness of funding opportunities, institutional priorities, academic programs, and centers of excellence in order to translate these assets into compelling funding opportunities and align them with funders' interests.
• Personally conduct high-impact relationship-building activities through calls, visits, presentations, and strategic engagements that lead to strong, sustained partner relationships and proposal invitations.
• Serve as a primary point of contact (and primary relationship manager) for organizations that wish to partner with CU Anschutz in meaningful ways, facilitating appropriate introductions and exchange of ideas and information that serve to advance campus priorities, as well as the interests of the prospective funder.
• Partner with stewardship coordinators, faculty, OGC and ORDS staff and others, as necessary, to ensure timely and appropriate stewardship of current and previous institutional funders, consistent with the terms and reporting requirements of grant agreements as well as best practices.

• Serve as the lead architect, writer, and project manager for significant foundation proposals, personally driving the development and submission of high-quality funding requests.
• Independently develop, write and refine letters of intent, concept papers, proposals, and related fundraising materials, ensuring alignment with university polices and funder interests.
• Maintain primary ownership and accountability for the timely and accurate completion of proposals, gift and grant agreements, stewardship, and report requirements.
• Maintain accurate records in the university's database, ensuring timely contact reports and entity updates.
• Collaborate with OGC and ORDS on funder strategy, faculty engagement, proposal development, award negotiation, and compliance.
• Personally identify, assess, and advance institutional funding…