University of Colorado Anschutz
Department: Office of Advancement
Job Title: Director of Development
Position #: 00725102 – Requisition #: 40689
Job Summary:
The Director of Development is a strategic leader responsible for cultivating and strengthening philanthropic relationships to advance the organization's mission. This position will focus on the College of Nursing. This person will be a thought partner for the Dean of the College for all fundraising. This person will work with faculty, staff, alumni, board members, community leaders, and third-party organizations to create experiences that will cultivate annual, major, and principal gifts.
Supervision:
Received: Reports to 00669735 - Executive Strategist of Institutional Engagement
Exercised: No direct reports
Key Responsibilities:
Philanthropic Strategy: 30%
In partnership with the Executive Strategist for Institutional Engagement:
Develop and implement strategic plans for engaging the community and stakeholders in philanthropic support of the College of Nursing, including strategy on individual donor cultivation, expanding the College’s donor base, foundation relations, and corporate partnerships.
Serve as a strategic advisor to the Dean of the College of Nursing in developing a robust community of potential supporters.
Serve as a partner to faculty to increase philanthropic support to the programs and centers of the College.
Develop a multi-year fundraising operating plan to establish fundraising goals built on portfolio projections, historical fundraising, and prospective donor analysis.
Develop and maintain a deep understanding of institutional priorities, academic programs, and centers of excellence in order to translate these assets into compelling funding.
Fundraising: 50%
Major and Principal Gift Fundraising: 30%
Lead all major and principal gifts, working closely with organizational leadership to ensure a positive philanthropic experience for current and potential benefactors. Cultivate and maintain relationships with key philanthropic partners, ensuring their alignment with the organization’s vision.
Direct the development of event concepts, messaging, and marketing strategies to maximize attendance and donor engagement.
Engage high-profile individuals and community leaders to serve as event hosts, chairs, and ambassadors, leveraging their networks for fundraising success.
Analyze event outcomes and campaign performance, using insights to inform future strategies and initiatives.
Facilitate productive relationships between benefactors and ColoradoSPH administrators, faculty and staff to ensure effectiveness of outreach and alignment with the College’s needs and priorities.
Annual Giving Fundraising: 20%
Maximize annual giving donations to the College and support effective pathways of the future of major and principal gifts to the College.
Direct the development of annual giving campaigns, including messaging, and marketing strategies to maximize attendance and donor engagement.
Analyze the effectiveness of annual giving efforts.
Development Operations: 20%
Expand upon and maintain expertise on philanthropic opportunities at the College of Nursing.
Serve as a solutions oriented main point of contact between the College of Nursing and the Office of Advancement, providing a high level of customer service to the College on development related inquiries.
Manage process and issues around accurate reporting, gift stewardship, faculty support on development efforts.
Manage projects from conception to completion, including continuous evaluation and improvement of strategies.
Monitor and analyze fundraising data to identify areas of improvement and to support strategy development.
Work closely with and support generalist gift officers on opportunities within the College.
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 college or university
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.
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Preferred Qualifications:
4 years of leadership experience in community engagement, development, or a related field, with a proven track record in board development, strategic partnerships, and major and principal fundraising success.
Minimum of 5 years of successful professional fundraising experience, or experience in related fields like nonprofit administration, public affairs, or business development.
Master’s degree in business administration, public relations, management, communications, or similar fields.
Conditions of Employment:
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.
National travel may be required for partnership development, fundraising events, and conferences.
This position requires flexibility in hours, including evenings and weekends for events and meetings.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
Outstanding customer service skills.
Demonstrated experience in fostering a community that values a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Project Management: Personal computer proficiency required, especially as related to Microsoft Office Products; MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; and donor tracking software.
Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and mobilize diverse groups towards common goals.
Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and the ability to envision and implement high-impact engagement strategies.
Excellent negotiation and presentation skills, with experience in high-level partnership development.
Knowledge of the latest trends in community engagement, fundraising, and non-profit management.
Strong development skills including comfort with cold calling, leading effective one-on-one visits, and utilizing multiple modes of communication to achieve results.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to be both proactive and responsive in a metrics driven environment.
Ability to handle sensitive information discreetly and maintain confidentiality.
Solid ability to organize and manage multiple projects/tasks simultaneously; must have ability to work independently and collaboratively and adapt to changing priorities.
Flexibility and adaptability to evolve in an emerging and changing environment.
Proven ability to foster and build relationships internally and externally.
How to Apply:
For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position (only use if a cover letter is necessary)
Curriculum vitae / Resume
Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address
Questions should be directed to: Shannon Palombi – Shannon.Palombi@cuanschutz.edu
Screening of Applications Begins:
Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by August 14, 2026.
Anticipated Pay Range:
The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $103,497 - $108,000
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
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.
ADA Statement:
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.
Background Check Statement:
The University of Colorado Anschutz is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.
Vaccination Statement:
CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.
Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, List of References Job Category: Development Primary Location: Hybrid Department: U0001 -- Anschutz Med Campus or Denver - 21560 - ADM-CHAN Advancement Anschutz Schedule: Full-time Posting Date: Jul 31, 2026 Unposting Date: Ongoing Posting Contact Name: Shannon Palombi Posting Contact Email: Shannon.Palombi@cuanschutz.edu Position Number: 00725102