Feb 13th, 2025
University of Denver
Executive Director of Development, Foundation Relations
( Colorado | Hybrid )
About the Organization
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.
Job Description
Position salary range: $115,000 - $140,000
Position reports to: Executive Director of Development, Daniels College of Business
The University of Denver is seeking an experienced, driven, and passionate fundraising leader to join our Advancement team as the Executive Director of Development, leading the Foundation Relations function at DU. The offices primary focus is to provide strategic partnerships in the planning and execution of compelling institutional philanthropic gifts and grants. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned professional to join a dynamic, growing, purposeful enterprise united around a compelling mission charted by Chancellor Jeremy Haefner and Senior Vice Chancellor for Advancement Val Otten. The foundation relations team will work with a community of talented professionals to advance this mission and inspire philanthropy toward the highest priorities.
The Executive Director of Foundation Relations reports directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Development and leads a team of three development professionals consisting of a Senior Director, a Director, and an Assistant Director of Development. The team provides sustainable, best-practice foundation relations strategies, as well as informative and compelling outreach to internal and external audiences in alignment with the University’s top priorities. Foundation Relations is expected to contribute a significant portion of fundraising annually and will be responsible for a large portion of The Denver Difference Campaign. The Executive Director is also responsible for managing an individual portfolio of foundations; work will include qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, closing, and stewarding philanthropic gifts from foundations.
Additional information Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Demonstrated knowledge of the current landscape of foundation relations and the academic environment at an R1 institution.
Demonstrated ability to close major gifts ($50,000+), leadership gifts ($1 million+) and principal gifts ($5 million+) in a relationship-based culture.
Exceptional written and oral communication skills that can represent the priorities of the University of Denver in a variety of capacities.
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 and effectively interact with diverse groups of people, including colleagues, donors, volunteers, and University officials.
Demonstrated ability to form and fully leverage cross-functional teams of colleagues, volunteers, and academic partners towards closure of transformational gifts.
Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups having competing interests and priorities within the University and community.
Ability to drive strategy in both a Team Lead and Team Member capacity.
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 development spectrum, including cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and donor recognition.
5 years of direct experience in foundation relations.
Supervision of professional fundraising staff.
Preferred Qualifications
Graduate degree.
Experience working in higher education or a similar complex setting.
Supervision of foundation relations professionals.
Contact email for applicants caitlin.montanez@du.edu