Managing Senior Director of Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate School, and Libraries
Requisition Number:
67887
Location:
Boulder, Colorado
City
Boulder
State
Colorado
Employment Type:
University Staff
Schedule:
Full-Time
Posting Close Date:
26-Oct-2025
Date Posted:
09-Oct-2025
Job Summary
Advancement at CU Boulder encourages applications for our Managing Senior Director of Development (MSDOD.) This role is a key strategic partner and a senior leader for the College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate School, and Libraries. This position works closely with the Assistant Dean for Advancement and other college and university leaders to drive fundraising strategy, expand philanthropic support, and manage a high-performing advancement team aligned with the college’s broad academic mission. This position is responsible for leading, managing and mentoring a team of seven, including fundraisers and a development assistant, while also carrying a personal portfolio of 60–80 major and principal gift prospects.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination 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.
Who We Are
At CU Boulder Advancement, we are committed to fostering an environment where everyone matters and all can thrive. This dedication is rooted in our core values and our mission to drive impactful fundraising and engagement. Our team actively engages in learning, reflection, and the transformation of systems, policies, and practices that perpetuate oppressive ideologies—including racism, sexism, ableism, and heterosexism. We recognize our responsibility to lead by example in building a supportive and inclusive culture for both internal colleagues and external partners. We hold ourselves accountable through individual and divisional goals that continuously assess our progress, growth, and outcomes—ensuring alignment with our mission and values every step of the way.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Team Leadership & Management
- Lead and manage a team of 5+ development professionals, including oversight of day-to-day operations, performance management, and professional development.
- Supervise a total of 7 FTEs, including a development assistant.
- Provide strategic support on proposal development, donor strategy, and team metrics.
- Serve as a member of the Advancement Management Team, working on broader Advancement division initiatives.
Portfolio Management & Donor Engagement
- Manage a portfolio of 60–80 major and principal gift prospects, with a focus on donors and alumni in the state of Colorado.
- Develop and complete personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans in partnership with campus colleagues and faculty.
- Conduct regular donor travel and represent CAS and CU Boulder at strategic events and meetings.
- Maintain detailed records of donor engagement and activity using Salesforce and other advancement tools.
Strategic Direction & Collaboration
- Provide leadership in setting annual fundraising goals and team performance benchmarks.
- Collaborate with the four college deans, faculty, and university partners to align fundraising strategy with the college’s priorities in instructing, research, and public service.
- Actively support the university’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all engagement and fundraising efforts.
What You Should Know
- This position will require local, regional, and out-of-state travel to meet with donors.
- This position has the ability to work a hybrid schedule with some days on campus and some days remote.
- This position will occasionally be required to work evenings/weekends.
What We Can Offer
The salary range is $155,000 - $185,000 annually. Relocation assistance is available within Advancement guidelines.
Benefits
The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.
Be Statements
Be engaged. Be impactful. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
- Experience: 5+ years of professional, job related experience including 1+ years of team lead or supervision experience.
- Proven success in major gifts fundraising, donor strategy, and relationship building.
What You Will Need
- Shown ability to lead and inspire fundraising teams.
- Deep knowledge of philanthropic standard processes, especially in a higher education or nonprofit setting.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.
- Proficiency in Salesforce, Microsoft Office, LinkedIn, Zoom, and Teams.
- Strong commitment to donor-centered fundraising, inclusivity, and the mission of the College of Arts and Sciences.
What We Would Like You to Have
- 6+ years of dynamic experience in fundraising or donor relations.
- Experience managing a team of gift officers or sales professionals.
- Background in or familiarity with liberal arts subject areas.
- Master’s degree or equivalent experience in management or nonprofit leadership, and/or CFRE certification.
- Experience in a comprehensive higher education fundraising campaign.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- A current resume.
- A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by October 26, 2025 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu