About the University of Denver 

The University of Denver (DU) is the oldest independent private university in the Rocky Mountain region, serving approximately 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University, a designation recognizing the highest level of research activity among U.S. institutions.  

At DU, we approach higher education with the confident optimism and pragmatic independence that define the Rocky Mountain West. It sets us apart. We’re preparing students to become the solutions in their own stories, empowering them to face uncertainty with confidence and uncommon sense. 

We’re fiercely ambitious and forward-thinking, surpassing all expectations to redefine success and how to achieve it. As a top-tier private R-1 institution, we are dedicated to making the world a better place –contributing to our communities and making positive change in the world. 

About DU Advancement 

DU Advancement drives meaningful connections and partnerships to support DU’s mission of advancing the public good. By championing philanthropy, engaging alumni, and fostering collaborative initiatives, we empower innovation, inspire transformation, and showcase what DU can do to create positive change in the world. 

This spirit is at the heart of The Denver Difference campaign. As DU’s most ambitious campaign yet, we are reimagining what the university experience can and should be. By preparing students for success in all aspects of life, DU is setting a new standard for higher education.  

DU Advancement reflects the excellence and innovation of the university itself. Through alumni engagement, development, operations, and communications leadership, we are fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy to support our bold vision for the future. 

About the Sturm College of Law

The University of Denver Sturm College of Law, led by Dean Bruce Smith, is a nationally recognized, mission-driven community dedicated to preparing future leaders, advocates, and changemakers. Located in the heart of Denver, the Sturm College of Law is known for its deep commitment to public impact with nationally recognized practical training in trial advocacy, dispute resolution and legal writing, as well as more than 700 externship placements. Across fields that shape everyday life—from housing and business to workplace rights and environmental and natural resources law—faculty and more than 20,000 alumni serve as judges, public officials, nonprofit leaders, advocates, entrepreneurs, executives and attorneys across nearly every sector—people deeply invested in the city and region they call home.

The Sturm College of Law offers employees the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that shapes students' lives and strengthens communities. Grounded in a mission to advance the public good through scholarship, teaching, and engagement, Sturm College of Law fosters a collaborative, inclusive environment where faculty and staff play an essential role in supporting student success and advancing access to justice.

About the Opportunity

The Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts, is a frontline fundraiser responsible for building philanthropic support for the Sturm College of Law and the University of Denver. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Engagement, the Associate Director will join a collaborative and ambitious five-person advancement team connecting donors with the people, programs and ideas that make the law school a powerful force in Denver and beyond.

The Associate Director will build and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects; develop and execute strategies to qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors; and raise $500,000-$1,000,000+ annually. The role will place a strong emphasis on qualifying new prospects, creating momentum within the portfolio and developing opportunities for both current and planned gifts.

Working closely with Dean Bruce Smith, faculty and advancement colleagues, the Associate Director will translate academic priorities and community impact into compelling philanthropic opportunities and cases for support. A legal background is not required; success depends on curiosity, strong relationship-building and the ability to connect donor interests with meaningful work. The position will also partner with planned giving colleagues on deferred gifts and gifts of complex assets. Success will be measured through qualifications, visits, solicitations, and dollars raised.

Essential Functions

Major Gift Fundraising and Pipeline Development 

• Develop and execute fundraising strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward major and planned gift prospects.
• Build and manage a portfolio of 100-150 major gift prospects and donors.
• Solicit major gifts, including current-use, endowed and multi-year commitments.
• Raise $500,000-$1,000,000+ annually in support of Sturm and University priorities.
• Leverage Sturm and University campaign priorities to inspire philanthropic investment and move prospects toward meaningful commitments.
• Develop major gift proposals and donor communications tailored to donor interests.
• Identify planned giving opportunities and partner with planned giving colleagues on deferred gifts and gifts of complex assets.

Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration 

• Partner with central and unit-based advancement teams and campus colleagues to coordinate donor engagement and strategy.
• Prepare and staff Dean Bruce Smith and faculty for donor visits.
• Laise with faculty and staff in the college as assigned.

Operational Excellence 

• Ensure accurate and timely entry of contact reports and donor data in the CRM.
• Track and report on key performance indicators, including qualifications, visits, solicitations and dollars raised.
• Manage projects and initiatives in compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Travel within the Colorado Front Range as required for donor visits and events.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in annual- and leadership-annual-giving strategies, with a basic understanding of major-gift fundraising.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate donors and solicit gifts of $10,000 or more.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare donor correspondence and craft compelling cases for support.
• Ability to navigate change in donor and team dynamics.
• Sound judgment and the ability to consider the impact of decisions on donors, colleagues and institutional priorities.
• Ability to work closely with a supervisor to build and manage an individual portfolio and achieve personal fundraising goals.
• Understanding of the institution’s mission, programs and priorities.
• Ability to coordinate multichannel or concurrent fundraising efforts.
• Ability to interpret data and research to identify and prioritize prospects.
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external constituents and collaborate across Advancement teams.
• Ability to serve as a positive ambassador for the team and Advancement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience (Veterans with equivalent combination of military certification/education and experience may substitute for this qualification).
• 5 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years of donor or constituent relations or relationship-based sales experience.
• Demonstrated experience closing gifts through direct cultivation of individual donors.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Fundraising experience in higher education or similarly complex non-profit or for-profit environment

Working Environment

• Standard open office environment
• Noise level is quiet to moderate
• Eligible for hybrid work
• Limited travel responsibilities to meet with donors
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends

Physical Activities

• Ability to use 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.

Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) October 5, 2026.

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 12.

Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000.

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 based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history and National Sex Offender Registry background check.