Director of Development

Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies!

Who We Are

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking a Director of Development to join our team! UCCS offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment that fosters innovation, growth, and the holistic development of its students. The work location for this position is on-site with hybrid options. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery—a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

Salary Range: $73,745 - $95,155 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications.

Benefits at a Glance

At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
• Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
• Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
• Further Your Education: Avail nine waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
• Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.
• Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get the complete picture!

Summary

University Advancement professionals build various levels of support and affinity for the institution through a coordinated effort as part of the university's primary outreach to the community and region. This includes building support and funding through community engagement and alumni outreach efforts, attendance at key events, representation on important initiatives and the creation of partnerships supporting the university's mission.

This position coordinates, directs and implements development fundraising activities for the broad campus and within the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Responsible for planning, implementing and coordinating fundraising activities for designated program and plans and carries out the institution's program of soliciting major gifts. Will provide leadership for assigned fundraising unit(s) and work directly with related partners. May be responsible for managing a designated budget. Minimum of 5 years fundraising experience required.. This position typically handles high to mid-level, moderately complex gift prospects(Significant gifts of at least $25K), with the intent of cultivating, sustaining and increasing donor relationship.

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Examples of Work Performed

1. Raise philanthropic support for the institution while following the Donor Bill of Rights to achieve established goals.

2. Identify, attract, and manage prospective corporation and foundation donors, and manage assigned existing donors, leading to additional investments:

a. Demonstrated experience in successfully managing a donor/client portfolio, preferably in a university setting.

b. Works to cultivate existing and new donor (alumni, community, friend, corporate, and foundation) relationships with the intent of sustaining and increasing the relationship with the donor.

c. Identify and partner on major giving prospects with the appropriate development officer.

d. Work in concert with fellow Development Office personnel to effectively execute stewardship activities designed to enhance the relationship between donors and the University.

e. Able to demonstrate a solid knowledge of fundraising techniques.

f. Solid ability to cultivate and solicit donations at major gift level.

g. Proven ability to conduct cold-calls resulting in future support for the institution.

h. Ability to travel both in and out-of-state (15% out of state, 60% in state).

3. Report on annual gift activities and ensure gift programs are in line with CU strategies:

a. Ability to identify funding opportunities through strong research skills with a focus on corporation and foundation funders.

b. Develops and manages portfolios of prospects capable of making significant gifts in order to secure major gift commitments (typically $25,000 or higher). Plans and implements programs that include measurable targets for each fiscal year (e.g., personal visits, stewardship activities, solicitations).

c. Provide necessary documentation and follow-up for donors and internal campus partners as needed. Accurately record development and donor contact reports in a timely fashion.

d. Partners with UCCS Colleges and Departments, as assigned, to organize, plan and coordinate appeals to support program dependent operations within each unit.

e. Must be able to handle high profile corporate and foundation representatives with a focus on enhancing the donor experience.

4. Organizing and coordinating projects and events:

a. Organizes, plans and coordinates appeals to support projects where philanthropic or grant funding is a sensible solution, including specific college/college program needs, special projects, and other needs as they arise.

b. Represents the University at events in order to support the University and cultivate donors.

c. Demonstrated ability to manage numerous complex tasks simultaneously; anticipate and meet deadlines; use time effectively; problem-solve independently while keeping key parties aware; and function in a quick turn-around environment.

d. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.

e. Solid ability to contribute to a team-focused development group.

f. Other duties as assigned.

5. Direct administrative services and develop policies and procedures:

a. Successfully solicits for and receives funding through donor interaction and solicitation.

b. Works daily to ensure timely, accurate completion of proposals, pledges and fund agreements. Documents prospect strategies and contact reports, evaluates new prospects and generates stewardship reports and general correspondence daily to cultivate prospects.

6. Perform administrative and clerical support of the competency database:

a. Solid knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database management software.

b. Ability to use software including Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), Database Management Software (CU-Ascend). *Computer skills may be subject to testing/verification.

7. Perform administrative and clerical support of the competency database:

a. Portfolio Management: Manages portfolio consisting of a minimum of 70 prospects that will need to be identified/developed by the incumbent. Goals relating to personal contacts, number of proposed gifts, grants, and prospect identification to be set with and approved by management.

b. Works closely with University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) faculty, staff and volunteers daily to develop and implement fundraising strategies in order to meet established goals and objectives. Facilitates productive relationships between donors and UCCS administrators, faculty and staff to ensure effectiveness of programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to prioritize, organize and perform multiple work assignments simultaneously.
• Knowledge of project planning and development. Plan, organize, and monitor projects.
• Knowledge of strategies and technologies that allow business to be conducted via the web.
• Practices that describe results in measurable ways to assist in making business decisions.
• Use of office support, desktop tools (Word, e-mail, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Ability to perform assigned responsibilities with minimal to moderate supervision.
• Generate productive relationships with internal and external partners.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Tentative Search Timeline

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by: April 22, 2024
• Potential interview dates: April 22, 2024 - May1, 2024
• Potential start date: May 15, 2024

UCCS is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.

UCCS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify our office at hrhelp@uccs.edu.

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent year for year experience required.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of top level, successful fundraising experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with major gift ($25k ) solicitation within Higher Education.
• Previous knowledge of Database Management Software (CU-Ascend).
• Experience in Software Utilized: Microsoft Office Products; Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint; and CU-Ascend.
• Coursework, degree or volunteer service to UCCS.
• Graduate work in a related field.
• Experience in working with a Board of Directors.

Physical Requirements

Sedentary- Exert up to 10lbs of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions and meet the physical and environment demands described satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, physical and environmental conditions required of the employee on the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, physical and environmental demands.

Applicants with disabilities: If you have a mental or physical impairment, which limits one of your major life activities (e.g. walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations for testing or interviewing, it is your responsibility to notify the office scheduling the interview or test at least 3 working days before the interview or test date. If you need special accommodations at the work site, you must notify the appointing authority or Human Resources.

Note: This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities, qualifications, and physical requirements of this role at UCCS. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required. The university reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and responsibilities as needed to meet the university's needs.