The Colorado State University Pueblo Foundation supports CSU Pueblo in its private fundraising and charitable efforts for the purpose of supplementing and enhancing university programs, activities, and educational opportunities.

SUMMARY

The Director of Academic Philanthropy serves as the primary liaison to Academic Affairs at CSU Pueblo. This role focuses on cultivating relationships with current and prospective donors, coordinating and implementing development initiatives specific to academic endeavors and student success. Responsibilities include major gift fundraising, fostering alumni and corporate engagement, and supporting fundraising efforts aligned with the university’s mission and goals. The Director of Academic Philanthropy will report to the President/CEO of the CSU Pueblo Foundation and collaborates closely with the academic Deans and CSU Pueblo vice presidents to identify fundraising priorities and shape compelling cases for support.

Perform a variety of university development activities, including cultivating donors and potential donors, coordinating and assisting with implementation of development initiatives such as annual giving programs, managing development and donor records.

The Director of Academic Philanthropy will assist with the CSU Pueblo Foundation in order to:

• Work collaboratively with numerous internal and external stakeholders, including leadership and others from our Foundation and institution to develop a portfolio of potential funding opportunities, providing innovative and transparent donor development, and advocating for the success of the academic mission such as the learning and support systems needed to ensure student success and financial sustainability for the University.
• Develop and implement strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects with the capacity for a major gift of $25,000 and above.
• Oversee and manage a portfolio of up to 150 current, lapsed and potential CSU Pueblo partners
• Cultivate, steward, and solicit donor and investment prospects for gifts ranging from $25,000 and above.
• Identify potential private, and governmental grant opportunities and support in writing of those grants that align with the mission of the institution.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

The Director of Academic Philanthropy reports to the president/CEO of the CSU Pueblo Foundation or his designee. She/he interfaces with campus departments and external university constituencies and works closely with Foundation development and operations staff, and board members.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES

• Plans, organizes, and directs major gift fundraising efforts in southern Colorado, Colorado’s Front Range, and donors/partners located outside of Colorado.
• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major gift prospects, donors, and investment opportunities using specific metrics to track all activity and provide reports on Utilizes a “return on investment” strategy in managing donor and investment portfolios.
• Completes 10-12 face to face visits each month; present 2-3 gift proposals each month
• Craft compelling written, digital and/or oral proposals for solicitation of individual, corporate, and/or foundation donor or investment prospects.
• Uses best practice fundraising methodologies and tools, including wealth screening and internal databases, in order to implement university fundraising goals and objectives.
• Attends events, meetings, and conferences, and serves on internal/external committees as a representative of the campus, as necessary.
• Demonstrated effective communication and analytical skills including writing technical and financial reports, presenting information in a clear and persuasive manner, and the ability to analyze, model, and present data. The candidate must be able to adapt and present ideas and information to a variety of different stakeholder groups including campus, community, industry, government, and system-level governance.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, and institutional/system/statewide fundraising policies.
• Advanced skill to meet predetermined goals and objectives through effective program/project planning, organization, execution and evaluation.
• Assist in writing, and collaborate with the university for private and/or governmental grants opportunities, and support in award oversight and reporting of funds for continuation of funding.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will be an individual who believes in the mission of Colorado State University Pueblo and the Colorado State University Pueblo Foundation, willing to establish communication with current and new donors, is results- and people-oriented, and possesses a strong work ethic and superb attention to detail. The candidate will also have proven communication skills with an ability to write and speak persuasively about the role of educational philanthropy. Some night and weekend work is required. Must be willing to travel.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited

• A minimum of five years of demonstrated success in progressively advanced fundraising and a record of accomplishments in donor cultivation, higher education advancement, and administrative operations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the best practices employed in higher education fundraising

Preferred:

• Ability to build new relationships and enhance established relationships with donors and constituents
• Development of move management processes in donor cultivation cycle
• Knowledge of planned giving techniques and vehicles
• Knowledge and experience in Raisers Edge and crowdfunding platforms
• Demonstrated success with grassroots and/or education fundraising programs
• Membership in Council Advancement Support Education (CASE) and/or Association of Fundraising Professionals preferred.
• Graduate degree in relevant
• Ten years of direct, proven fundraising experience cultivating and managing donor
• Extensive training or certifications in fundraising methods and best practices (such as CFRE).

Salary

$65,000 – $75,000 commensurate of experience with bonus structure, and an extensive benefit package which includes health, dental, vision, retirement and short-term disability.

To Apply

To apply, email cover letter, your resume and three professional references to: daniel.minich@csupueblo.edu or CSU Pueblo Foundation Attn: Daniel Minich 2200 Bonforte Blvd. Pueblo, CO 81001

For more information call: 719-549-2858