Associate Director of Development

University Staff Description

Associate Director of Development

University Development

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

Who We Are

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 Associate Director of Developmentto 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 captivated 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 : $65,734 - $76,689 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

Benefits at a Glance

At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:

• 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 Associate Director of Development coordinates, directs, and implements philanthropic fundraising activities for the broad campus, scholarships and a select number of assigned campus units. Strong collaborative skills and a team-focused approach is crucial in this role. The Associate Director of Development is 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 typically between $15K-$25K and higher. This position typically handles mid-level, moderately complex gift prospects, with the intent of cultivating, sustaining, and increasing donor relationships.

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

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, and manage/retain assigned existing donors, leading to additional investments for the benefit of the institution:
  • Solid ability to cultivate and solicit donations at major gift level with strong focus on identifying and cultivating new donors to the institution.
  • Demonstrated experience in successfully managing a donor/client portfolio, preferably in a university setting.
  • Manages portfolio consisting of a minimum of 90-120 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 to cultivate existing and new donor relationships (individual, corporate, and foundation) 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.
  • 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.
  • Able to demonstrate a solid knowledge of fundraising techniques.
  • Proven ability to conduct cold-calls resulting in future support for the institution.
  • Work in concert with fellow Advancement and Engagement Division personnel, and through individual contributions, to effectively execute stewardship activities designed to enhance the relationship between donors and the University.
  • Ability to travel both in and out-of-state (15% out of state, 60% in state).

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.

Organizing and coordinating projects and events (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.
• Solid ability to contribute to a team-focused advancement and engagement division.

Tentative Search Timeline

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by: August 23, 2026
• Potential interview dates: Starting August 25 - September 8, 2026
• Potential start date: October 1, 2026

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.

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 4 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.

Special Instructions to Applicants: * Applications submitted by 8/23/2026 will receive full consideration.
* Applications submitted through email or surface mail will not be considered. Please apply at cu.edu/cu-careers (job #: 40721).
* Official transcripts will be required upon hire.
* Upon request, please be prepared to provide five professional references (at least two previous/current supervisors), including their email contact information If you have technical difficulties with your application, please contact the CU Careers help desk at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Job-related inquiries should be directed to the posting contact.
This position does not include new visa sponsorship for individuals outside the U.S. Candidates must already be in the United States with valid work authorization or an employment-based visa. The university will not initiate sponsorship for those who do not currently hold a U.S. work visa or authorization. If you already have valid U.S. work authorization or are on a visa that permits employment, we welcome your application.
Applicants should either reside in Colorado or be prepared to relocate within two months of starting employment. We're excited to welcome new team members and will provide support and resources to help make your transition to Colorado as smooth as possible. Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV Application Materials Instructions: Please identify the job specific minimum qualifications you possess in your cover letter and be sure your resume includes any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting.
To apply, please submit the following application materials to this posting.
1. A current resume. Must include date ranges to include month and year (mm/yyyy) and whether the position was full time or part time.
2. A cover letter that specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications.
When submitting the materials, check the Job Specific Attachments box next to each document in order for the search committee members to see your materials. Job Category: Development Primary Location: Colorado Springs Department: C0001 -- Colorado Springs Campus - 40250 - VCUA-University Development Schedule: Full-time Posting Date: Aug 6, 2026 Unposting Date: Ongoing Posting Contact Name: Sara Daum Posting Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io Position Number: 00794568