Assistant Director of Development

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Colorado Springs (CO); Hybrid; USD 61,121 - 71,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Time Off

Robust Health Coverage

Retirement Benefits

Educational Credits (CU)

Job summary

University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) seeks an Assistant Director of Development to lead fundraising initiatives for designated programs, collaborate with campus units, and expand donor relationships.

The role emphasizes managing a donor pipeline, leveraging CU Ascend/Advance, and coordinating events to meet campus priorities with a strong emphasis on ethics and data integrity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 3 years successful higher education fundraising experience.
• Proficiency with Salesforce CRM for donor data management.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Ability to handle high-profile donors with confidentiality.
• Strong time management and multitasking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Raise philanthropic support for the institution and manage donor portfolios.
• Identify, attract and manage prospective donors and cultivate gifts.
• Travel as needed; manage a portfolio of 100–150 prospects.
• Ensure donor data integrity and report on giving activities using Advance/CU Ascend.
• Represent the University at events and support engagement initiatives.

Skills

Donor confidentiality

Time management

Multi-tasking

Communication skills

Relationship building

Strategic fundraising

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Salesforce CRM

Microsoft Office

Job description

Assistant Director of Development

University Advancement & Engagement

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

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 an Assistant Director of Development to join our team! UCCS is committed to academic excellence, professional development, and fostering an environment that supports innovation and student success.

At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captured 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 : $61,121 - $71,307 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

Work Location: Hybrid/Remote Eligible

Benefits at a Glance

• 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 twelve (12) 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. The Assistant Director of Development coordinates, directs, and implements philanthropic fundraising activities for the broad campus with a focus towards raising money for specific units, scholarships and other special projects. Strong collaborative skills and a team‑focused approach is crucial in this role that supports the colleges, departments and other units that comprise the UCCS campus. Responsible for planning, implementing and coordinating fundraising activities for designated programs and areas. Plans and carries out the institution's program of soliciting major gifts. Minimum of 3 years successful higher education fundraising experience or a combination of fundraising experience and similar transferable work experience (Major gifts typically between $10K- $20K and higher). This position typically handles low to mid-level, moderately complex gift prospects, with the intent of cultivating, sustaining and increasing donor relationships. This position will support fundraising activities in support of high-level campus priorities and other areas as assigned.

Essential Functions

Fundraising (75%)

• Raise philanthropic support for the institution while following the Donor Bill of Rights to achieve established goals.
• Identify, attract and manage prospective donors, with a focus on individuals, manage/retain assigned existing donors leading to additional investments for the benefit of the institution through strong pipeline development.
• Solid ability to cultivate, solicit and raise donations at the emerging major gift and major gift levels.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully managing a donor/client portfolio, preferably in a university setting.
• Works to cultivate existing and new donor relationships with the intent of sustaining and increasing the relationship with the donor.
• Collaborate and partner on major giving prospects for complex giving opportunities as appropriate.
• Proven ability to conduct cold calls resulting in future support for the institution.
• Ability to travel both in and out-of-state (5% out of state, 95% in state).
• Manages portfolio consisting of a minimum of 100‑150 prospects. Goals relating to personal contacts, number of proposed gifts, planned gifts, grants, and prospect identification to be set with and approved by management.
• Works closely with University of Colorado Colorado Springs/UCCS faculty, staff and volunteers daily to develop and implement fundraising strategies and appeals in order to meet established goals and objectives through productive relationships.
• Work in concert with fellow Development Office personnel, and through individual contributions, to effectively execute stewardship activities designed to enhance the relationship between donors and the University.

Reporting and Data (15%)

• Ensure integrity of donor data. Report on annual gift activities and ensure gift programs are in line with CU strategies.
• Expertly utilize donor database Advance/CU Ascend and similar systems for accurate record maintenance, proposal management, and development of reports to assess/develop donor and other fundraising strategies.
• Provide necessary documentation and follow‑up for donors and internal campus partners as needed.

Engagement Initiatives (10%)

• Represents the University at events and community functions in order to support the University to cultivate and steward donors.
• Supports, coordinates and selective implementation of engagement initiatives tied to strategic priorities.

Tentative Search Timeline

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by: July 29th, 2026
• Potential interview dates: August 5th‑21st, 2026
• Potential start date: September 1st‑16th, 2026

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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

Qualifications

• Completion of a bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 3 years successful higher education fundraising experience or a combination of fundraising experience and similar transferable work experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Database Management Software, particularly Salesforce CRM.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and digital communication and efficiency tools.
• Must be able to handle high‑profile and high net worth individuals with a focus on donor confidentiality while enhancing the donor experience.
• 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 with minimal to moderate supervision.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs has implemented a misconduct history check program with respect to final candidates for specific appointments. The misconduct history check program is intended to allow UCCS to collect and review information about a candidate's conduct at their previous institutions, specifically conduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or discrimination – before making hiring decisions. All final candidates to these appointments are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information and provide contact information for their previous institutions.