Director of Development, Foundation Relations

About University of Denver

University of Denver (DU) is a private R1 doctoral university serving approximately 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students. DU is known for its commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and innovative education.

We are seeking an experienced Foundation Relations fundraiser to serve as the Director of Development, Foundation Relations. The Director reports to the Executive Director of Foundation Relations and collaborates with academic, research, and advancement colleagues to secure funding from private grant‑making foundations for DU’s strategic priorities.

• Raise $1,000,000+ annually through a combination of leadership gifts and major gifts once the portfolio matures.
• Contribute to annual and campaign goals by securing gifts and grants aligned with institutional priorities.

• Develop and execute complex fundraising strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects.
• Manage a portfolio of donors with the capacity to make gifts of $50,000+.
• Leverage campaign priorities and university initiatives to inspire philanthropic investment.
• Solicit private foundations for major gifts and grants of $50,000+, including current‑use funding, endowments, and multi‑year commitments.
• Represent the university’s academic programs and initiatives in donor conversations and proposals.

• Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to development team members and support staff.
• Prepare, debrief, and coach colleagues and academic partners for donor meetings and solicitations.
• Steward budgetary and operational resources to support fundraising success and team efficiency.

• Align donor interests with institutional needs and campaign priorities.
• Partner with academic leaders to identify fundable priorities and translate them into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
• Develop and implement donor engagement and stewardship initiatives.
• 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.

• Partner with central and unit‑based advancement teams and campus colleagues.
• Staff dean, academic leaders, and/or faculty to drive strategy, preparing for donor visits, and follow‑up.
• Participate in cross‑functional planning and strategy sessions to support integrated advancement goals.
• Liaise closely with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs on grant opportunity communications, limited submission competitions, and pre‑ and post‑award grant coordination.
• Intentionally and thoughtfully partner with faculty, academic leadership, grant administrators, and other advancement colleagues to develop fundable proposals to foundations, including interdisciplinary, multi‑unit campus projects.

• Expertise in managing major gift and institutional giving fundraising and outcomes.
• Ability to cultivate and close gifts of $100,000+.
• Experience writing major gift proposals and crafting compelling cases for support.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem‑solving skills, with sound judgment and resilience in change.
• Capability to build and manage an individual portfolio to meet personal goals.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Collaboration with deans, faculty, grant administrators, and other Advancement teams.
• Ability to act as an Advancement ambassador internally and externally.
• Mentorship or supervisory experience with a team.

• Standard open office environment.
• Quiet to moderate noise level.
• Non‑essential role; role may be remote or on‑call as required by university policy.

• Ability to use a computer for an extended period.
• Occasional movement around the office/campus and transportation of items up to 20 lbs with assistance.
• No requirement to…