Director of Development, Foundation Relations

Position Summary

The University of Denver is seeking an experienced, driven, and passionate Foundation Relations fundraiser to join our Advancement team as the Director of Development, Foundation Relations. Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Foundation Relations, the director will partner with administrative, academic, and Advancement colleagues to secure funding from private grant‑making organizations in support of the University’s highest priorities. The director serves as a subject‑matter expert in institutional giving (predominantly private foundations) and will possess the technical expertise needed to navigate pre‑ and post‑award grant processes.

The director will manage a diverse portfolio of foundation prospects aligned with DU’s priorities and campus strengths, develop and mature assigned foundation donors, and collaborate closely with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, grant administrators, budget officers, and fiscal compliance experts.

• Responsible for raising $1,000,000+ annually through leadership annual gifts and major gifts, once the portfolio is mature.
• Contribute to annual and campaign goals by securing gifts and grants aligned with institutional priorities and strategic initiatives.

• Develop and execute complex fundraising strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects.
• Manage a portfolio of donors with 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 breadth of 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 solicit 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 (ORSP) 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, ORSP, and unit‑based Advancement colleagues to develop fundable proposals to foundations, including interdisciplinary, multi‑unit campus projects.

• Demonstrated expertise in managing major gift and institutional giving fundraising and outcomes.
• Ability to cultivate and close gifts of $100,000+.
• Writes major gift proposals and crafts compelling cases for support.
• Leads through uncertainty and change and develops solid solutions for varied situations, applying sound judgment when making decisions.
• Builds and manages an individual portfolio to meet personal goals.
• Partners with deans/faculty to shape cases for support.
• Oversees prospect strategy and metrics for themselves.
• Works effectively with internal and…