Colorado Nonprofit Association

Manager, Donor Engagement

About the University of Denver

The University of Denver (DU), a private university, is the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region, with approximately 12,900 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University – very high research activity as a Doctoral/Research University. Financial Times Higher Education, U.S. News, and The Princeton Review have consistently ranked DU among the nation’s top 100 universities and among the top three universities in the state of Colorado.

The University of Denver embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery that define our region and our history. With nationally recognized academic programs, a history of widespread influence, a forward-looking vision for a 21st-century education, and a deep commitment to promoting inclusion, we open a world of opportunity to students and empower Pioneers to make a difference around the world.

About DU Advancement

In preparation for the most ambitious philanthropic campaign in the University’s history, 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.

About the Donor Relations & Stewardship Team

The Donor Relations & Stewardship team is an integral part of the fundraising success at DU. Centrally supporting University-wide efforts, the team consists of a Director, an Associate Director, two Managers, and the Coordinator. It’s a cross-collaborative, highly communicative, supportive, and kind environment where quality, excellence, and initiative are the cornerstones of our work. We serve many constituencies and have a strong focus on delivering good customer service, a pleasant experience, and timely responses to all inquiries.

Position Summary

The Manager, Donor Engagement reports directly to the Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship and
is responsible for scholarship stewardship, donor engagement, student outreach, and stewardship events. This position will work across the Donor Relations & Stewardship team to actively engage and steward a wide variety of DU’s supporters, working closely with the Associate Director and other members of the team. This position will interact frequently with the Advancement Events team, as well as University staff most associated with scholarship awarding and scholarship student engagement. In addition, this position will oversee the ordering, inventory, and management of the donor relations and stewardship gifting closet.

Essential Functions

Events

• Serve as program partner to craft and execute a minimum of 3 signature University-wide events and 6 scholarship events.
• Serve as key partner to plan and execute unit-specific events.
• Manage on-site production of the event and post-event details. Troubleshoot unexpected issues as they arise during the planning and execution process to accommodate and follow through with necessary resolutions.
• Track event expenditures in accordance with the budget and annual plans.
• Create invitation lists and track RSVPs for guest attendance
• Handle and respond to all event participant inquiries while managing multiple email accounts.
• Create run of shows and briefing materials for leadership and colleagues
• Compile reports, post-event data and event summaries to evaluate successes and identify strategies and ideas for enhancements.
• Develop effective and collaborative relationships with donors, leadership, staff, volunteers, and external partners.
• Update event SOPs as needed. Contribute to and lead initiatives to improve processes and procedures.

Scholarship Stewardship

• Execute the scholarship stewardship plan that involves events, communications, and student outreach.
• Coordinate and project manage the collection of scholarship recipient profiles.
• Create and update process documents for all scholarship stewardship initiatives.
• Ability to use technology tools to improve process

Correspondence

• Document relevant information in database
• Assist with writing impact reports, scholarship stewardship communications, and student outreach.

University Citizenship

• Serve as an active and collaborative partner to all central and unit-based advancement functions and other campus colleagues, to foster strategic, effective, and collaborative fundraising practices.
• Model “One DU” thinking

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to manage all aspects of event planning and related finances
• Ability to work independently with exemplary project management skills, multi-tasking, and attention to detail.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Suite, especially Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Must possess exceptional organizational skills and high internal standards of quality service.
• Must work well in stressful, high-pressure situations, and maintain composure and objectivity while under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including verbal, written and organizational skills for developing and maintaining relationships.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and be self-motivated.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, plan and implement short- and long-term goals based on the program needs.
• Ability to understand and appreciate cultural differences that impact constituents and to communicate effectively across cultures.
• An understanding and attitude of customer service; ability to be very flexible and adapt to change.
• Willingness to take initiative, keep a positive attitude, and maintain a professional demeanor.
• Adept at problem-solving, critical thinking, and using judgment in situations that that require sensitivity and tact.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Willingness to commit to event days and potentially work weekends or night hours.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience (Veterans with equivalent combination of military certification/education and experience may substitute for the degree qualification).
• 2 years of donor/constituent/member relations experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or similarly complex environment.
• Experience in events and/or donor/alumni engagement

Working Environment

• Standard open office environment
• Noise level is quiet to moderate
• Eligible for hybrid work

Physical Activities

• Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs. with assistance

Work Schedule
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., some nights and weekends as required

Application Deadline
For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) September 18, 2023.

Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is 9.

Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $50,000-$60,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age (40 years and over in the employment context), religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, veterans status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the university’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended in 2008; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For the university’s complete Non-Discrimination Statement, please see non‑discrimination‑statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.