"Director of Development"

Director of Development

Company: Red Rocks Community College

Job Location: Lakewood, 80228

Category: Development and Fundraising

Type: Full-Time

Salary: $95,454.00 - $105,000.00 Annually

Location: Lakewood, CO

Job Number: 01116

Division: President

Department: Foundation

Closing Date: 4/6/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA Status: Exempt

Summary of Position

The Red Rocks Community College Foundation advances the mission of Red Rocks Community College by generating philanthropic support for scholarships, student success programs, faculty excellence, and strategic institutional priorities. Since 1991, the Foundation has raised more than $28 million and awarded over $11 million in scholarships, helping thousands of students access and complete their education.

The Director of Development is a key fundraising leader responsible for managing a portfolio of major and leadership gift prospects and advancing the College's philanthropic impact. This role focuses on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual, corporate, and foundation donors, including engaging a newly acquired alumni base to build a future donor pipeline, and leading the Foundation's planned giving (legacy giving) program. The Director also leads specific donor relations initiatives, including select events and developing regular donor communications in partnership with Marketing or external partners. Working closely with the Executive Director, Foundation colleagues, College partners, and Board members, this position contributes to strategic development goals and offers the opportunity to help build and shape a more comprehensive development program.

Qualifications

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of nonprofit fundraising and donor stewardship practices, with experience managing a portfolio of donors and prospects.
• Familiarity with philanthropic funds, endowments, and restricted gifts, including stewardship and reporting requirements.
• Ability to plan, execute, and evaluate donor engagement initiatives, including events and regular communications.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build collaborative relationships with donors, colleagues, and leadership.
• Experience using donor databases or fundraising CRM systems.
• Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, and contribute strategically to team goals.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. A combination of education and directly related professional experience can substitute for a Bachelor's degree.
• At least three years of professional experience in nonprofit development, advancement, or fundraising, including portfolio management.
• Experience cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major or leadership gift donors.
• Experience planning or managing donor engagement initiatives, such as events, newsletters, or other communications.
• Experience with planned giving, including donor cultivation, stewardship, or marketing communications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, higher education, or a related field.
• Experience working in a higher education foundation or advancement office.
• Experience with donor databases or fundraising CRM systems
• Experience managing planned giving programs or supporting planned giving marketing and communications.
• Experience planning or managing donor engagement events or recognition programs.

Physical & Cognitive Demands

The following are some of the physical and cognitive demands commonly associated with this position.

• Occasionally moves, positions, and transports files and office materials weighing up to 10 lbs.
• This is largely a sedentary role. This position operates in an office environment and constantly uses a computer, and routinely uses standard office equipment including phones, copiers, etc.
• The person in this position constantly communicates with internal and external constituents and students. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Cognitive demands include comparing, copying, computing, compiling, analyzing, coordinating, synthesizing, negotiating, communicating, instructing, and interpersonal skills.

To Apply

All applicants must submit:

1. Resume
2. Detailed letter of interest (cover letter) addressing the job announcement.

Visit our Careers website to submit your application.