Development Director Jobs in Colorado
Development Director jobs in Colorado are in strong demand, concentrated in nonprofit organizations, higher education, healthcare systems, and arts and culture institutions, with roles ranging from emerging fundraising managers stepping into first leadership positions to seasoned executives overseeing eight-figure campaigns. Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs account for the largest share of openings, anchored by institutions like UCHealth, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and Colorado State University. The most sought-after specialties are major gifts, capital campaign leadership, and corporate and foundation relations. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Denver, CO
Categories: Alumni / Development / Fundraising, Business Operations / Services, Advancement
Division: Advancement
About the University of Denver
The University of Denver (DU) is the oldest independent private university in the Rocky Mountain region, serving approximately 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University, a designation recognizing the highest level of research activity among U.S. institutions.
At DU, we approach higher education with the confident optimism and pragmatic independence that define the Rocky Mountain West. It sets us apart. We’re preparing students to become the solutions in their own stories, empowering them to face uncertainty with confidence and uncommon sense.
We’re fiercely ambitious and forward-thinking, surpassing all expectations to redefine success and how to achieve it. As a top-tier private R-1 institution, we are dedicated to making the world a better place –contributing to our communities and making positive change in the world.
About DU Advancement
DU Advancement drives meaningful connections and partnerships to support DU’s mission of advancing the public good. By championing philanthropy, engaging alumni, and fostering collaborative initiatives, we empower innovation, inspire transformation, and showcase what DU can do to create positive change in the world.
This spirit is at the heart of The Denver Difference campaign. As DU’s most ambitious campaign yet, we are reimagining what the university experience can and should be. By preparing students for success in all aspects of life, DU is setting a new standard for higher education.
DU Advancement reflects the excellence and innovation of the university itself. Through alumni engagement, development, operations, and communications leadership, we are fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy to support our bold vision for the future.
About DU Athletics
The University of Denver is annually one of the top NCAA Division I-AAA athletic departments in the country, boasting 36 team NCAA Championships in Men’s Ice Hockey, Skiing, and Men’s Lacrosse while sustaining elite-level academic success. The Pioneers have tremendous philanthropic opportunities for annual fund, capital, and endowment fundraising. This position will play a major role contributing to the athletics development team and shaping the future of DU Athletics.
About the Opportunity
As a member of the Athletics Advancement team, this position reports directly to the Executive Director of Development for Athletics (Deputy Athletics Director for Development). This frontline fundraiser plays a key role in the athletics annual fund growth, specifically focused on growing the annual giving and leadership annual giving bands for a more robust pipeline of major gift donors.
The Assistant Director will manage a portfolio of leadership annual giving and major gift-rated prospects, with an emphasis on qualifying new donors, securing gifts of $1,000–$49,999 and developing a pipeline for future major gifts. The position will use email, phone, events and visits to deepen relationships and connect donor interests with philanthropic priorities across DU Athletics’ 18 varsity sport programs, capital projects, endowments and scholarships.
Success will require persistence, strong judgment and comfort working at significant volume. Performance will be measured primarily through donor qualifications, visits, leadership annual giving upgrades and acquisition, and pipeline growth. The Assistant Director will also identify major and planned giving opportunities and partner with colleagues to develop and execute strategies and proposals for these prospects.
Position Summary
As a member of the Athletics Advancement team, this position reports directly to the Executive Director of Development for Athletics (Deputy Athletics Director for Development). This frontline fundraiser plays a key role in the athletics annual fund growth, specifically focused on growing the annual giving and leadership annual giving bands for a more robust pipeline of major gift donors.
The Assistant Director will manage a portfolio of leadership annual giving and major gift-rated prospects, with an emphasis on qualifying new donors, securing gifts of $1,000–$49,999 and developing a pipeline for future major gifts. The position will use email, phone, events and visits to deepen relationships and connect donor interests with philanthropic priorities across DU Athletics’ 18 varsity sport programs, capital projects, endowments and scholarships.
Success will require persistence, strong judgment and comfort working at significant volume. Performance will be measured primarily through donor qualifications, visits, leadership annual giving upgrades and acquisition, and pipeline growth. The Assistant Director will also identify major and planned giving opportunities and partner with colleagues to develop and execute strategies and proposals for these prospects.
Essential Functions
Frontline Fundraising and Pipeline Development
- Partner with colleagues to design and implement strategies to identify, qualify and cultivate donors and prospects.
- Manage a portfolio of 100-200 leadership annual giving and major gift-rated prospects to build the donor pipeline.
- Qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects in support of leadership annual giving and future major gifts.
- Solicit leadership annual gifts ranging from $1,000 to $49,999 through personalized and multichannel approaches.
- Identify opportunities for major and planned gifts and partner with major gift and planned giving colleagues to develop and execute strategies and proposals.
- Serve as a development liaison to assigned sport programs and key initiatives, helping connect priorities with donor interests and fundraising opportunities.
Athletics Annual Giving Program
- Oversee the strategy of the Athletics annual giving program, including coordinating closely with University Advancement colleagues and athletics ticket office
- Develop annual fund strategy and calendar in conjunction with the Executive Director of Development for Athletics that includes direct mail solicitations, online campaigns and any other annual campaign activities.
Operational Excellence
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions and contact reports in the CRM system.
- Track and report on qualifications, visits, solicitations and dollars raised.
- Manage projects and initiatives in alignment with University policies and advancement best practices.
- Travel the front range and nationally to deepen DU connections with prospects in partnership with colleagues, when appropriate.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Basic knowledge of fundraising principles and donor-engagement practices.
- Ability to build rapport with entry- to mid-level donors.
- Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare donor correspondence and mass solicitations.
- Ability to adjust to shifting priorities and incorporate feedback.
- Sound judgment and the ability to consider the impact of decisions on donors, colleagues and institutional priorities.
- Ability to work closely with a supervisor to develop effective portfolio-outreach and prospect-management strategies.
- Understanding of the institution’s mission, programs and priorities.
- Ability to coordinate small annual-giving campaigns or events.
- Ability to analyze data for mass solicitations and use research to prepare for internal and external meetings.
- Ability to work effectively with internal and external constituents and collaborate across Advancement and Athletics teams.
- Ability to serve as a positive ambassador for the team and Advancement.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience (Veterans with equivalent combination of military certification/education and experience may substitute for this qualification).
- 3 years of professional experience including at least 1 year of donor, constituent relations, or relationship-based sales experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience closing annual gifts of up to $5,000
- Fundraising experience in higher education or similarly complex non-profit or for-profit environment
Working Environment
- Standard open office environment
- Noise level is quiet to moderate
- Eligible for hybrid work
- Ability to travel to meet with donors regularly
- Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends
Physical Activities
- Ability to use 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.
Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) October 5, 2026.
Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.
Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is 10.
Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $62,000 - $72,000.
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.
Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference.
Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran 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; the Americans with Disabilities Act; 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; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.
All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history and National Sex Offender Registry background check.
Advertised: September 16, 2026
Applications close: October 05, 2026
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Denver, CO
Categories: Alumni / Development / Fundraising, Business Operations / Services, Advancement
Division: Advancement
About the University of Denver
The University of Denver (DU) is the oldest independent private university in the Rocky Mountain region, serving approximately 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University, a designation recognizing the highest level of research activity among U.S. institutions.
At DU, we approach higher education with the confident optimism and pragmatic independence that define the Rocky Mountain West. It sets us apart. We’re preparing students to become the solutions in their own stories, empowering them to face uncertainty with confidence and uncommon sense.
We’re fiercely ambitious and forward-thinking, surpassing all expectations to redefine success and how to achieve it. As a top-tier private R-1 institution, we are dedicated to making the world a better place –contributing to our communities and making positive change in the world.
About DU Advancement
DU Advancement drives meaningful connections and partnerships to support DU’s mission of advancing the public good. By championing philanthropy, engaging alumni, and fostering collaborative initiatives, we empower innovation, inspire transformation, and showcase what DU can do to create positive change in the world.
This spirit is at the heart of The Denver Difference campaign. As DU’s most ambitious campaign yet, we are reimagining what the university experience can and should be. By preparing students for success in all aspects of life, DU is setting a new standard for higher education.
DU Advancement reflects the excellence and innovation of the university itself. Through alumni engagement, development, operations, and communications leadership, we are fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy to support our bold vision for the future.
About DU Athletics
The University of Denver is annually one of the top NCAA Division I-AAA athletic departments in the country, boasting 36 team NCAA Championships in Men’s Ice Hockey, Skiing, and Men’s Lacrosse while sustaining elite-level academic success. The Pioneers have tremendous philanthropic opportunities for annual fund, capital, and endowment fundraising. This position will play a major role contributing to the athletics development team and shaping the future of DU Athletics.
About the Opportunity
As a member of the Athletics Advancement team, this position reports directly to the Executive Director of Development for Athletics (Deputy Athletics Director for Development). This frontline fundraiser plays a key role in the athletics annual fund growth, specifically focused on growing the annual giving and leadership annual giving bands for a more robust pipeline of major gift donors.
The Assistant Director will manage a portfolio of leadership annual giving and major gift-rated prospects, with an emphasis on qualifying new donors, securing gifts of $1,000–$49,999 and developing a pipeline for future major gifts. The position will use email, phone, events and visits to deepen relationships and connect donor interests with philanthropic priorities across DU Athletics’ 18 varsity sport programs, capital projects, endowments and scholarships.
Success will require persistence, strong judgment and comfort working at significant volume. Performance will be measured primarily through donor qualifications, visits, leadership annual giving upgrades and acquisition, and pipeline growth. The Assistant Director will also identify major and planned giving opportunities and partner with colleagues to develop and execute strategies and proposals for these prospects.
Position Summary
As a member of the Athletics Advancement team, this position reports directly to the Executive Director of Development for Athletics (Deputy Athletics Director for Development). This frontline fundraiser plays a key role in the athletics annual fund growth, specifically focused on growing the annual giving and leadership annual giving bands for a more robust pipeline of major gift donors.
The Assistant Director will manage a portfolio of leadership annual giving and major gift-rated prospects, with an emphasis on qualifying new donors, securing gifts of $1,000–$49,999 and developing a pipeline for future major gifts. The position will use email, phone, events and visits to deepen relationships and connect donor interests with philanthropic priorities across DU Athletics’ 18 varsity sport programs, capital projects, endowments and scholarships.
Success will require persistence, strong judgment and comfort working at significant volume. Performance will be measured primarily through donor qualifications, visits, leadership annual giving upgrades and acquisition, and pipeline growth. The Assistant Director will also identify major and planned giving opportunities and partner with colleagues to develop and execute strategies and proposals for these prospects.
Essential Functions
Frontline Fundraising and Pipeline Development
- Partner with colleagues to design and implement strategies to identify, qualify and cultivate donors and prospects.
- Manage a portfolio of 100-200 leadership annual giving and major gift-rated prospects to build the donor pipeline.
- Qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects in support of leadership annual giving and future major gifts.
- Solicit leadership annual gifts ranging from $1,000 to $49,999 through personalized and multichannel approaches.
- Identify opportunities for major and planned gifts and partner with major gift and planned giving colleagues to develop and execute strategies and proposals.
- Serve as a development liaison to assigned sport programs and key initiatives, helping connect priorities with donor interests and fundraising opportunities.
Athletics Annual Giving Program
- Oversee the strategy of the Athletics annual giving program, including coordinating closely with University Advancement colleagues and athletics ticket office
- Develop annual fund strategy and calendar in conjunction with the Executive Director of Development for Athletics that includes direct mail solicitations, online campaigns and any other annual campaign activities.
Operational Excellence
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions and contact reports in the CRM system.
- Track and report on qualifications, visits, solicitations and dollars raised.
- Manage projects and initiatives in alignment with University policies and advancement best practices.
- Travel the front range and nationally to deepen DU connections with prospects in partnership with colleagues, when appropriate.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Basic knowledge of fundraising principles and donor-engagement practices.
- Ability to build rapport with entry- to mid-level donors.
- Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare donor correspondence and mass solicitations.
- Ability to adjust to shifting priorities and incorporate feedback.
- Sound judgment and the ability to consider the impact of decisions on donors, colleagues and institutional priorities.
- Ability to work closely with a supervisor to develop effective portfolio-outreach and prospect-management strategies.
- Understanding of the institution’s mission, programs and priorities.
- Ability to coordinate small annual-giving campaigns or events.
- Ability to analyze data for mass solicitations and use research to prepare for internal and external meetings.
- Ability to work effectively with internal and external constituents and collaborate across Advancement and Athletics teams.
- Ability to serve as a positive ambassador for the team and Advancement.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience (Veterans with equivalent combination of military certification/education and experience may substitute for this qualification).
- 3 years of professional experience including at least 1 year of donor, constituent relations, or relationship-based sales experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience closing annual gifts of up to $5,000
- Fundraising experience in higher education or similarly complex non-profit or for-profit environment
Working Environment
- Standard open office environment
- Noise level is quiet to moderate
- Eligible for hybrid work
- Ability to travel to meet with donors regularly
- Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends
Physical Activities
- Ability to use 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.
Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) October 5, 2026.
Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.
Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is 10.
Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $62,000 - $72,000.
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.
Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference.
Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran 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; the Americans with Disabilities Act; 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; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.
All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history and National Sex Offender Registry background check.
Advertised: September 16, 2026
Applications close: October 05, 2026
See All 69 Development Director Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Development Director JobsDevelopment Director Jobs by City in Colorado
Where Colorado roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Development Director Job Market in Colorado
A snapshot from current Colorado openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Energy
- Education
- Construction & Real Estate
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Colorado Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in development director jobs across Colorado.
- Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a related field required
- Five or more years of progressively responsible fundraising or development experience
- Demonstrated success managing major gift portfolios and cultivating individual donors
- Experience leading capital campaigns, annual funds, or planned giving programs
- Proficiency with donor management software such as Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or Blackbaud
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for grant writing and board engagement
Development Director Jobs in Colorado: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a development director in Colorado?
Most development directors in Colorado come up through fundraising coordinator, major gifts officer, or grants manager roles within nonprofits, universities, or healthcare foundations before moving into director-level leadership. Colorado has no state license or exam for this role. Employers consistently favor candidates with a bachelor's degree and a portfolio showing measurable campaign results. The Certified Fund Raising Executive credential, administered nationally by CFRE International, is widely respected by Colorado hiring committees and can distinguish candidates without a graduate degree.
Which companies hire development directors in Colorado?
Colorado development director roles are posted by IQVIA, Rocket Lab USA, and University of Colorado and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Colorado's large nonprofit sector, research universities, and integrated health systems are among the most consistent sources of development director openings in the state.
Which Colorado cities have the most development director jobs?
Denver, Colorado Springs, and Littleton have the most development director openings in Colorado. Denver dominates due to its concentration of nonprofit headquarters, hospital foundations, and arts institutions, while Boulder's research university ecosystem and Fort Collins's growing nonprofit and higher-education sector drive strong hiring in those markets.
Are there remote development director jobs in Colorado?
Yes, and more than many comparable leadership roles. About 72% of development director openings tied to Colorado are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the nature of major gifts and stewardship work that often happens through calls, travel, and relationship management rather than in a fixed office. Grant writing, donor communications, and portfolio management are the functions most commonly performed remotely.
How can I get hired as a development director in Colorado with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is to start in a development coordinator, annual fund associate, or grants administrator role at a mid-size Colorado nonprofit or university foundation, then build toward director-level responsibility. Institutions like the University of Colorado system, Centura Health Foundation, and Denver Human Services regularly hire for entry and associate-level development positions that lead into director roles. Earning the CFRE credential and building a portfolio of measurable campaign results, even from volunteer or junior work, accelerates the transition significantly.
Where can I find and apply to development director jobs in Colorado?
You can find and apply to development director jobs in Colorado on Migrate Mate, which lists current Colorado openings updated regularly. Search for roles that match your experience level and focus area, whether that is major gifts, planned giving, or capital campaigns, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 69 Development Director Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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