Director of Development, Foundation Relations (Principal Professional)

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Strategist for Major and Principal Gifts and working in close collaboration with the Office of Grants and Contracts (OGC) and the Office of Research Development and Strategy (ORDS), this full-time, University Staff (non-classified) Director of Development for Foundation Relations serves as the primary strategist, relationship manager, and hands-on fundraiser for a portfolio of foundation partners. The position personally drives and executes all aspects of foundation relations activity, including prospect identification, relationship cultivation, proposal development, solicitation strategy, stewardship, and funder engagement. Operating as the primary owner of foundation fundraising efforts, this role translates institutional priorities into compelling funding opportunities while building sustainable partnerships that increase philanthropic investment in support of CU Anschutz priorities.

Supervision Received: Executive Strategist for Major and Principal Gits (pos. 00781435)

Supervision Exercised: No direct reports

Key Responsibilities:

Partnership Development and Strategy – 40%

• Serve as the primary relationship manager and strategic contact for a portfolio of significant local and regional foundations, personally cultivating, stewarding, and advancing relationships to maximize philanthropic investment.

• Independently develop and execute comprehensive engagement plans that build robust partnerships with major foundation funders while expanding and diversifying institutional revenue opportunities.

• Develop and implement comprehensive, tailored strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and long-term stewardship.

• Develop and maintain a deep understanding and awareness of funding opportunities, institutional priorities, academic programs, and centers of excellence in order to translate these assets into compelling funding opportunities and align them with funders’ interests.

• Personally conduct high-impact relationship-building activities through calls, visits, presentations, and strategic engagements that lead to strong, sustained partner relationships and proposal invitations.

• Serve as a primary point of contact (and primary relationship manager) for organizations that wish to partner with CU Anschutz in meaningful ways, facilitating appropriate introductions and exchange of ideas and information that serve to advance campus priorities, as well as the interests of the prospective funder.

• Partner with stewardship coordinators, faculty, OGC and ORDS staff and others, as necessary, to ensure timely and appropriate stewardship of current and previous institutional funders, consistent with the terms and reporting requirements of grant agreements as well as best practices.

Proposal Development, Strategic Writing, and Execution- 60%

• Serve as the lead architect, writer, and project manager for significant foundation proposals, personally driving the development and submission of high-quality funding requests.

• Independently develop, write and refine letters of intent, concept papers, proposals, and related fundraising materials, ensuring alignment with university polices and funder interests.

• Maintain primary ownership and accountability for the timely and accurate completion of proposals, gift and grant agreements, stewardship, and report requirements.

• Maintain accurate records in the university’s database, ensuring timely contact reports and entity updates.

• Collaborate with OGC and ORDS on funder strategy, faculty engagement, proposal development, award negotiation, and compliance.

• Personally identify, assess, and advance institutional funding opportunities by working closely with faculty, hospital relations staff, and campus leaders to align foundation interests with high-priority programs and initiatives.

• Assist with other duties as assigned to support the team and institutional goals.

Work Location:

Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 3 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

Philanthropy brings people together; it’s a driving force in accelerating the pace of discovery, attracting and retaining excellent students and faculty, and delivering world-class prevention and care.

At the Office of Advancement at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, we put our passions to work.

We have the privilege to collaborate with people who want to make a difference in the world – people who want to make an impact on humanity that may be felt long after they have passed. Our office exists to ensure stakeholders within and outside the university know, value, and support the important work being done on this academic medical campus.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 15/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

• Minimum of 3 years of professional fundraising experience or experience in related fields like nonprofit administration, public affairs, or business development, including managing funding relationships with individuals, corporations or foundations.

  • A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive experience soliciting major gifts of at least $50,000 from foundation funders. Experience coordinating large-scale projects that involve multiple partners and interests.

• Demonstrated experience in securing 6-7 figure awards in both philanthropy and sponsored research

• Seven (7) years of successful professional fundraising experience, or experience in related fields.