Executive Director of Development, STEM

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 University of Denver is seeking an experienced, driven, and passionate fundraiser to lead fundraising efforts for the University’s STEM-related schools, colleges, and institutes. The Executive Director of Development will expand and deepen the base of philanthropic support from prospects interested in investing in education, focusing efforts on building a sustainable pipeline of major gift prospects for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM), the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science (RSECS), and the Knoebel Institute of Healthy Aging (KIHA). Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Development, Schools & Colleges, the Executive Director of Development works closely and collaboratively with the deans, academic leaders, faculty, and peers in the assigned academic units.

The Executive Director of Development will have a heavy focus on qualification and solicitation of individual major gift prospects using a donor-centered approach. Key performance indicators for this position include: major gift qualifications, visits, major gift solicitations, and dollars raised. While the focus of this role is working with individual prospects and donors, the Executive Director will also partner with central advancement functions in Foundation Relations, Annual Giving, and Gift Planning, among others.

The successful candidate will be highly collaborative, motivated, and skilled at building relationships. Alumni and prospective donors identify with the academic units, as well as specific academic programs within, and the Executive Director will be expected to be knowledgeable about the unique programs and creative in their approach to prospect strategies.

Essential Functions

Expand & deepen the base of philanthropy:

• Identify and qualify major gift prospects for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, and the Knoebel Institute of Healthy Aging as measured by the number of visits and qualified prospects.
• Cultivate and solicit gifts at the principal, major, and leadership annual giving levels, with a focus on major gifts of $50,000+.
• Metrics include number of solicitations and dollars raised (approximate $2.5M-$5M combined goal for units).
• Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors who have the capacity to give at major and principal giving levels through strategic cultivation and solicitation, as measured by efficient and fast-paced moves management techniques.
• Develop a working knowledge of the STEM-related academic units in general and funding priorities specifically to articulate a compelling case for support to all stakeholders.
• Solicit managed prospects for annual gifts as appropriate.

Campaign Readiness:

• Partner closely with the deans and academic leaders to articulate a compelling vision for philanthropic investment including a framework for philanthropic initiatives that will inspire philanthropy over the course of a comprehensive campaign.
• Craft multi-year donor strategies to achieve the philanthropic goals of the campaign.
• Partner with stakeholders across campus on fundraising strategies for interdisciplinary campaign initiatives that involve the STEM-related academic units.
• When appropriate, leverage volunteers to facilitate strategic development activities.

Leadership:

• Lead development activity within the assigned units, including staffing the deans and other academic leadership on donor visits.
• Lead campus-wide strategies for RSECS, NSM, and KIHA prospects, when serving as prospect Team Lead. Actively contribute to campus-wide strategies for RSECS, MSM, and KIHA prospects as a Team Member.
• Participate in group strategy discussions, provide project leadership, and share information with colleagues and contributing to the achievement of the overall goals of the academic units.
• Engage in Advancement goal-setting processes for fundraising, engagement, and stewardship.
• Effectively and responsibly steward budgetary and other resources.

Partnerships & University Citizenship:

• Serve as an active and collaborative partner to all central and unit-based advancement functions, and other campus colleagues, to foster strategic, effective, and collaborative fundraising practices.
• Model “One DU” leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated track record of securing multi-year commitments from individual donors by strategically managing a portfolio and fostering meaningful relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to close major gifts ($50,000) through principal gifts ($1M+), including multi-year pledges, in a relationship-based culture.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, qualify, solicit, and steward gifts from individual donors.
• Expertise in forming and executing cross-functional teams of colleagues, volunteers, and academic/administrative leaders to represent STEM interests of donors.
• Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills. Ability to represent the University of Denver in a variety of capacities, including its major initiatives and units.
• Proven ability to work with a high level of independence, maintain confidentiality, prioritize assignments, and manage time effectively.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to foster and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, donors, volunteers, and University Officials.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups having competing interests and priorities within the University and community.
• Fluency in data management and analysis.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• 7 years of paid fundraising experience, working within the full spectrum of development, including cultivation, gift solicitations, stewardship, and donor recognition.
• Experience closing major ($50K+) and principal gifts ($1M+)
• Experience directly staffing a dean (or equivalent unit-specific leader) in a complex organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a University setting or similarly complex non-profit environment.
• Experience working with the Dean of an academic unit.
• Management of philanthropic volunteers, including volunteer boards/committees.

Working Environment

• Standard office environment.
• Noise level is quiet to moderate.
• Some nights and weekend event attendance.
• Travel responsibilities to meet with donors.
• Eligible for hybrid work.

Physical Activities

• Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period.
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs. with assistance.

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

Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) September 6, 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 15.

Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $135,000 - $150,000.

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. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital 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; Equal Pay Act; Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers' 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.

Advertised: July 30, 2024
Applications close: September 06, 2024