Position: Western Colorado University invites applications for the full-time position of Director of Development. The position reports to Assistant Vice President, Development, works closely with the Development Team (Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director, WCU Foundation, Director of Donor Relations and Outreach, Director of Advancement Services, and Director of Finance), and is responsible for traveling at least one week per month to meet with major donors.
Responsibilities: The Director of Development (DoD) is responsible for securing major gifts of $7,500 or more by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors, with a focus on supporting Athletics, the Mountaineer Gala, and other key campus projects. This role offers an exciting opportunity to collaborate strategically with WCU Board of Directors, the Development team, Athletics staff and coaches, University leadership, faculty, staff, and students to engage donors and prospective donors in meaningful ways. The DoD will manage a portfolio of donors, with a significant emphasis on cultivating new and existing relationships on Colorado’s Front Range, while developing innovative strategies to meet and exceed annual fundraising goals.
One impactful aspect of this role is leading the fundraising components of the Mountaineer Gala, WCU’s premier fundraising event, in Denver, CO. The DoD will also play a critical role in utilizing Raiser’s Edge for tracking donor engagement, supporting Athletics fundraising with a focus on Elevation Club donors, and building fundraising strategy alongside campus partners. Success in this role involves regular travel and active participation in University events, making it a dynamic and highly visible position within the University community.
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree. Prior fund raising experience. Ability to travel for at least one week each month. Will work occasional nights and weekends. Must have the ability to handle sensitive information confidentially. Must be proficient with technology including CRM databases (Raiser’s Edge), Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Outlook.
Preferred Qualifications: Higher education fund raising experience. Graduate Degree. A degree from Western Colorado University. Business, sales, communications, advertising, or marketing experience. Fundraising certificates including Certified Fund Raising Executive. Experience working with Blackbaud products including Raiser’s Edge.