"Associate Director of Development"

Associate Director of Development

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Department
Development Team

Position Summary
The Associate Director of Development (Associate Director) is a member of the University Advancement (UA) team and reports to the Associate Vice President of University Advancement (AVP). The Associate Director is responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts from individual major gift prospects and donors during an ambitious time of growth for MSU Denver.
Metropolitan State University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer.
The Associate Director plans, manages, and directs development efforts aligned with UA goals and collaborates with the appropriate UA staff for various projects and events. These efforts support programmatic initiatives, capital projects, academic departments, and student support services. The Associate Director also develops and maintains a fundraising strategy for their donor portfolio that is in alignment with the University's fundraising priorities and strategic plan.

Duties & Responsibilities

85% Fundraising

• Actively manage a portfolio of 50-75 major gift prospects and donors
• Achieve annual goals related to donor visits, solicitations, and gifts and pledges closed
• Generate major gift strategies and proposals that directly support the University's top fundraising priorities based on its strategic plan and major initiatives
• Collaborate with volunteers as assigned to engage in the identification, cultivation, or solicitation of major gift prospects
• Engage various University faculty and administrative leaders in partnerships to cultivate or solicit major gift donors
• Ensure the best possible communication between the University Advancement office and other university colleges/departments/units. Attend academic and community related meetings, participate in senior leadership strategy sessions and university task force teams, and provide regular updates to appropriate parties.

10% Create an annual portfolio plan to meet goals, including informational and solicitation meetings with donors and organizations.

• Have working knowledge of the MSU Denver Foundation and development policies and procedures
• Ensure proper database records and documentation for prospects, gifts, and proposals
• Track activities, create contact reports, prepare and/or approve briefing sheets

5% Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to think strategically
• Ability to engage, influence, and build effective, goal-oriented relationships
• Strong organizational skills; previous experience working independently and as a member of a team
• Strong follow-through and a commitment to seeing projects to completion
• Computer literacy: working knowledge of Microsoft Office Products: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Copilot.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2-3 years of fundraising experience
  • High degree of initiative and tenacity
  • Experience securing major gifts by strategically managing a portfolio and fostering meaningful relationships
  • Experience working productively with volunteers on advisory or development/foundation boards to achieve fundraising goals
  • Working knowledge of Raiser's Edge donor database software or similar fundraising software
  • Previous experience maintaining strict confidentiality, discipline, and integrity

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in candidates who will best contribute to the University.

Schedule Information

Full-time, 40 hours per week, Exempt
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, 40 hours per week
Evenings and Weekend Work: As needed
Schedule: Hybrid schedule requiring in person work with the flexibility of some remote work opportunities (subject to supervisor approval)
Travel: Rarely

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The anticipated hiring range is $63,906 - $71,000.

Instructions to Apply

For full consideration, please submit the following documents:

Resume
Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist/s. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former).

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Deadline

Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received by March 6, 2026.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled