Director of Development SEHD

University of Colorado | Denver

Official

Title:

Development Senior Professional

Working Title:

Director of Development (SEHD)

FTE:
Full-time 1.0 (100%) FTE | Hybrid

Salary Range: $90,000-$97,000

Position # - Requisition #41299

Join the University of Colorado Denver

Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We're the state's premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top-ranked bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners-at any stage of their life and career-for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work.

As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $665 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.

* This is a term limited position that is currently funded through June 30th 2029.*

The position will be reviewed by January 2029 to assess financial sustainability. If your term of employment will be concluded based on a lack of funding, you will be provided 30 days' notice of the term of employment in writing by the University.

The University of Colorado Denver is a leading public urban research university located in the heart of downtown Denver, where academic excellence, innovation and community partnership come together to expand opportunity and strengthen communities. Within this dynamic institution, the School of Education & Human Development is a statewide and national leader in educational quality, access and equity across the lifespan, from birth through higher education.

SEHD prepares equity-minded educators, counselors, researchers and leaders who create meaningful change in schools, families and communities across Colorado and beyond. Through innovative academic programs, impactful research and deep community partnerships, the school advances well-being, opportunity and lifelong learning in diverse urban, rural and global communities.

The Director of Development will join SEHD at an important moment of opportunity, building philanthropic partnerships that expand student access, elevate faculty and research, and extend the school's impact for generations to come.

Job Purpose:

The Director of Development is responsible for leading, developing and executing advancement efforts, which includes developing and managing relationships with gift prospects, and soliciting and stewarding major gifts to maximize philanthropic support for the School of Education & Human Development. Serves as a philanthropic advisor and builds relationships within the School of Education & Human Development to facilitate meaningful connections for donors.

Impact & Influence:

In a centralized Advancement structure with a team of 23 professionals, the Director of Development is a major gift officer who will grow the pipeline of major and principal gift prospects and donors by partnering with university administration, the Vice Chancellor for Advancement, Executive Director, Deans, faculty, and other campus partners and collaborate with Donor Engagement, Advancement Communications, Alumni Engagement, Gift Planning, fellow major gift officers, and colleagues in central Advancement, including Research, Strategy, and Prospect Management.

Success in this role requires strong collaboration, strategic management of donor relationships, accountability for fundraising results, and a commitment to ethical, donor-centered fundraising practices.

• Maximize the philanthropic potential of a portfolio of major gift prospects by soliciting and closing gifts that advance the mission of the university with a portfolio heavily populated but not limited to Alumni, friends, corporations and foundations.
• Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 80-100 prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations (SEHD has a long history of heavy corporate, foundation, and gift planning engagement) for gifts of $25,000+.
• Align donor interests with the strategic priorities of the university.
• Analyze prospect research materials to target likely donors of $25,000+.
• Ensure that…