Assistant Director of Development, Graduate School of Social Work and Graduate School of Professional Psychology

About the University of Denver

The University of Denver is a private institution dedicated to the public good. Here, we create a better future for all.

Through the 4D Experience, our community members build skills, knowledge and perspective at our campuses nestled in the vibrant city of Denver and the Rocky Mountains. As globally-minded citizens, we strive to make a difference in the world and create real, lasting change through collaborations and cutting-edge research designed to solve real-world challenges. For over 150 years, DU has offered a multitude of disciplines, majors and degrees designed to prepare students for lives and careers of purpose.

About DU Advancement

The Denver Difference campaign is our most ambitious yet. It marks a dramatic shift in conventional thinking about what the university experience can and should be. DU is setting the bar with our approach to higher education, developing and preparing students to be successful in life in every way. The University of Denver is building an advancement enterprise that mirrors the excellence and innovation of our great institution. Inclusive of alumni relations, development, and student and alumni career services, DU Advancement is building and fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy in support of our bold vision.

The University of Denver and DU Advancement deeply value inclusive excellence, recognizing that its success is dependent on how well it values, engages, and includes the rich diversity of constituents. As a part of that effort, we are continuing to grow a team of inclusive, collaborative, inquisitive, innovative, ethical, and transparent advancement professionals who possess deep mutual respect for one another and for our shared profession.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Development (ADOD) will be dedicated to growing the base of philanthropic support for the Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) and Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP). Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Development for GSSW and GSPP, the ADOD will work closely with the Executive Director of Development, the Senior Director of Alumni Engagement for GSSW and GSPP, and the deans and faculty in the assigned academic units.

Through both supporting proactive donor outreach and project management, the ADOD will focus on donor retention and stewardship, prospect identification to confirm philanthropic interest and capacity, and solicitation of gifts (primarily gifts of $5,000). Key performance indicators for this position may include effective management of assigned projects and increased annual giving performance and donor retention.

The successful candidate will have experience navigating complex organizations, be motivated to grow their skills in development and frontline fundraising, have strong project management and writing skills, and be skilled at building relationships.

Essential Functions

Expand the base of support

• Partner with Central Annual Giving to increase donor retention and acquisition for GSSW and GSPP through targeted, data-informed strategies.
• Utilize annual gift solicitations to determine philanthropic inclination and capacity. Solicitations may be multi­channel, as well as multi-year pledges. Metrics may include number of visits and solicitations.
• Assist in identifying and qualifying prospects for GSSW and GSPP referring to the EDOD or partnering with other fundraisers to solicit and secure major gifts.
• Build and manage a limited portfolio of prospects who have the capacity and affinity to contribute to DU at the leadership annual giving level (primarily gifts of $5,000).

Stewardship and Communication

• Develop a working knowledge of the assigned academic units in general and funding priorities specifically to articulate a compelling case for support to donors and prospects.
• Support development of fund-level and donor specific stewardship reports to elevate donor retention and maximize the potential for additional philanthropic investment.
• Partner with staff and faculty in assigned units as well as Donor Relations and Stewardship to ensure accurate and timely reporting on scholarship awards and impact of current and endowed funds.

Project Management

• Support the activities of the established advisory board in GSPP and a volunteer board to be established in GSSW under the leadership of the EDOD.
• Manage the strategy and implementation of 1Day4DU and Giving Tuesday for the assigned units.
• Effectively and responsibly steward budgetary and other resources.

University Citizenship

• Serve as an active and collaborative partner to all central and unit-based advancement functions, and other campus pa