Associate Director of Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate School, and Libraries

Job Summary

Advancement at CU Boulder encourages applications for an Associate Director of Development. This key individual contributor partner for the College of Arts & Sciences, Graduate School, & Libraries advancement team uses knowledge of fundraising techniques to coordinate and implement development activities. The Associate Director is responsible for cultivating new and existing donor relationships and increasing philanthropic support for the University through planning, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding leadership gifts of $5,000+.

The focus is to secure gifts in the $5K-$25K range, while also pursuing gifts of $25K+ and $100K+ depending on portfolio and tenure.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply.

• Develop and manage a portfolio of 100 individual prospects capable of making gifts at the leadership level. Work toward major gift conversations and commitments, including planned gift commitments which may include gifts of $1M+.
• In partnership with the Senior Director, develop annual goals around development work (face‑to‑face meetings, proposals, dollars raised, and assists).
• Collaborate with Senior Director to develop a strategic plan for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding each donor as appropriate, collaborating with the system’s gift planning team, colleagues and academic partners when appropriate.
• Conduct regular travel to visit with donors in pursuit of achieving established goals and metrics.
• Document prospect strategies and contact reports, evaluate new prospects and generate stewardship reports and general correspondence to cultivate major gift prospects.

• Grow philanthropic totals by deepening collaboration with advancement and other campus colleagues for enhanced donor engagement. This involves participating in regular internal meetings and engagement opportunities (task forces, frontline fundraiser meetings, etc.).
• Champion a self‑learner/self‑starter demeanor and continuously look for opportunities to match donor interests with leadership initiatives in pursuit of meeting established goals and objectives.
• Facilitate productive relationships daily between donors and CU administrators, faculty, and staff to ensure effectiveness of programs.
• Represent the University at events to support CU and cultivate donors.

• This position will require local, regional, and out‑of‑state travel to meet with donors.
• This position has the ability to work a hybrid schedule with some days on campus and some days remote.
• This position will occasionally be required to work evenings/weekends.

The salary range for this position is $80,000 - $90,000 annually. Relocation assistance is available within Advancement guidelines.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world‑class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, or a combination of education and experience may substitute.
• 3+ years of professional, job‑related experience.

• Knowledge of fundraising techniques, especially in higher‑education/nonprofit environments.
• Desire to learn about major gift solicitation techniques.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to interact with new people on a regular basis.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities; manage time and meet timelines.
• Ability to take constructive feedback from leadership and campus partners.
• Ability to champion the shared values of the Office of Advancement.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of tact, discretion, and collaboration with diverse constituents including employees, students, volunteers, alumni, donors, and campus colleagues.
• Great relationship‑building skills.
• Growth mindset, resilience, and perseverance.
• Ability to travel regularly and practice fiscal management and responsibility.
• Active listening skills.

• Software:
  Microsoft Office, donor‑tracking software (Salesforce), Zoom, Teams, Linked In.
• Experience in a non‑profit or higher‑education environment. Background in sales, marketing/advertising, or a customer‑facing industry. CFRE certification and public speaking experience.

Be dynamic. Be impactful. Be Boulder.