About the University of Denver

The University of Denver is a private institution dedicated to the public good. Here, we create a better future for all.

Through the 4D Experience, our community members build skills, knowledge and perspective at our campuses nestled in the vibrant city of Denver and the Rocky Mountains. As globally-minded citizens, we strive to make a difference in the world and create real, lasting change through collaborations and cutting-edge research designed to solve real-world challenges. For over 150 years, DU has offered a multitude of disciplines, majors and degrees designed to prepare students for lives and careers of purpose.

About DU Advancement

The Denver Difference campaign is our most ambitious yet. It marks a dramatic shift in conventional thinking about what the university experience can and should be. DU is setting the bar with our approach to higher education, developing and preparing students to be successful in life in every way. The University of Denver is building an advancement enterprise that mirrors the excellence and innovation of our great institution. Inclusive of alumni relations, development, and student and alumni career services, DU Advancement is building and fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy in support of our bold vision.

The University of Denver and DU Advancement deeply value inclusive excellence, recognizing that its success is dependent on how well it values, engages, and includes the rich diversity of constituents. As a part of that effort, we are continuing to grow a team of inclusive, collaborative, inquisitive, innovative, ethical, and transparent advancement professionals who possess deep mutual respect for one another and for our shared profession.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Development (ADOD) will be dedicated to growing the base of philanthropic support for the Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) and Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP). Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Development for GSSW and GSPP, the ADOD will work closely with the Executive Director of Development, the Senior Director of Alumni Engagement for GSSW and GSPP, and the deans and faculty in the assigned academic units.

Through both supporting proactive donor outreach and project management, the ADOD will focus on donor retention and stewardship, prospect identification to confirm philanthropic interest and capacity, and solicitation of gifts (primarily gifts of $5,000). Key performance indicators for this position may include effective management of assigned projects and increased annual giving performance and donor retention.

The successful candidate will have experience navigating complex organizations, be motivated to grow their skills in development and frontline fundraising, have strong project management and writing skills, and be skilled at building relationships.

Essential Functions

Expand the base of support

• Partner with Central Annual Giving to increase donor retention and acquisition for GSSW and GSPP through targeted, data-informed strategies.
• Utilize annual gift solicitations to determine philanthropic inclination and capacity. Solicitations may be multi­channel, as well as multi-year pledges. Metrics may include number of visits and solicitations.
• Assist in identifying and qualifying prospects for GSSW and GSPP referring to the EDOD or partnering with other fundraisers to solicit and secure major gifts.
• Build and manage a limited portfolio of prospects who have the capacity and affinity to contribute to DU at the leadership annual giving level (primarily gifts of $5,000).

Stewardship and Communication

• Develop a working knowledge of the assigned academic units in general and funding priorities specifically to articulate a compelling case for support to donors and prospects.
• Support development of fund-level and donor specific stewardship reports to elevate donor retention and maximize the potential for additional philanthropic investment.
• Partner with staff and faculty in assigned units as well as Donor Relations and Stewardship to ensure accurate and timely reporting on scholarship awards and impact of current and endowed funds.

Project Management

• Support the activities of the established advisory board in GSPP and a volunteer board to be established in GSSW under the leadership of the EDOD.
• Manage the strategy and implementation of 1Day4DU and Giving Tuesday for the assigned units.
• Effectively and responsibly steward budgetary and other resources.

University Citizenship

• Serve as an active and collaborative partner to all central and unit-based advancement functions, and other campus partners.
• Model “One DU” leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Adept at using judgment and discretion in situations that require sensitivity and tact.
• Demonstrated ability to form and fully leverage cross-functional teams of colleagues, volunteers, and academic/University leaders toward closure of transformational gifts.
• Exceptionally high level of customer service skills.
• Must be able to manage time well, particularly while managing competing priorities.
• Must be able to work independently, as well as a part of a team.
• Must have strong communication skills, including the ability to speak and write effectively and persuasively; draft compelling proposals and letters.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with efficiency.
  Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups having competing interests and priorities within the University and community.
• Demonstrated ability to interface with external constituents and provide high levels of customer service.
• Demonstrated experience working with a donor database or CRM.

Required Qualifications

We welcome applications from all candidates, including first-generation applicants and individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as veterans, those with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. If you meet the minimum requirements listed below and are enthusiastic about the work, we strongly encourage you to apply.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• 3 years of relevant professional experience including donor or constituent relations or relationship-based sales experience fundraising, constituent relations, membership, or customer service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a University setting or similarly complex non-profit environment.
• Experience in annual giving and donor stewardship.
• Experience in raising annual gifts in the range of $1,000-$50,000+ for an institution of higher education, a not for profit, or similar setting.
• Project management experience.

Physical Activities

1. Standard office environment.
2. Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., some nights and weekends as required. Eligible for hybrid work. 

Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) October 8, 2024.

Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is 9.

Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $70,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.