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Posting Detail Information

Working TitleExecutive Director of Principal Gifts

Position LocationFort Collins, CO

Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work

Research Professional PositionNo

Posting Number202400936AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleProf/Indiv Contrib III

Number of Vacancies1

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary Range$145,000-$190,000

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Desired Start Date08/01/2024

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on06/23/2024

Description of Work Unit

Colorado State University

University Advancement

Executive Director of Principal Gifts

The Division of University Advancement at Colorado State University is seeking an Executive Director of Principal Gifts.

Who We Are

Located in the beautiful town of Fort Collins, Colorado, CSU is a premier land-grant university with world-class programs in education, outreach, and research. CSU has a student body of over 34,000 students, 7,400 employees, 258,000 living alumni, and annual research expenditures exceeding $498 million. Guided by the five supporting Principles of Community: Inclusion, Integrity, Respect, Service, and Social Justice, the University constantly pursues its mission and vision of access, research, teaching, service, and engagement.

Within CSU , the Division of University Advancement is integral to achieving and sustaining the University’s institutional excellence through fundraising and engagement efforts. With one of the leading development teams in the country, the Division most recently reached its $1 billion campaign goal 19 months ahead of schedule.

Reporting to the Vice President of University Advancement, the Executive Director of Principal Gifts designs and implements comprehensive strategies to identify and cultivate the University’s current highest capacity donors and prospective donors.

Position Summary

University Advancement is seeking a highly experienced development professional with a proven track record of success in securing major and transformational gifts, as well as managing organizational strategy and priorities. The Executive Director of Principal Gifts works alongside primary relationship managers to design and implement comprehensive engagement strategies for the University’s highest capacity current and prospective donors. This position focuses on $5M+ gifts, a portfolio of transformational donors with a capacity of 10M+, and gifts that are multi- faceted across many different areas, and also plays an integral role in fundraising for presidential initiatives. This position will advance strategic University objectives by working with the President and University Advancement leadership to manage a portfolio of 20-30, high-capacity, $5 million + donors; as well as build a personal portfolio of 20-25 future principal donors.

Required Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university by hire date

• Minimum of 10 years’ of experience as a development officer, or major gifts officer, in an institution of higher education or other nonprofit setting, or a similarly large, complex organization.

• Demonstrated success in face-to-face solicitation, cultivation, and closing multiple gifts at $5M or more

• Ability to travel in and out of state and work non-standard hours, including early mornings, evenings and weekends

• A demonstrated ability to engage and effectively communicate with diverse audiences

• Must have a valid driver’s license, the ability to obtain a driver’s license, or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Certified Fund Raising Executive ( CFRE ) certification or master’s degree

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

• Proven ability to successfully identify and build relationships with donors to connect their interests with opportunities in a higher education or other nonprofit organization

• Demonstrated knowledge of all facets of fundraising, including annual fund, corporate and foundation relations, planned giving, stewardship, major gift fundraising, etc.

• Ability to problem solve and adapt to rapidly changing situations and successfully manage multiple complex projects from start to finish

• Ability to work cross-functionally with academic and administrative leaders in a collaborative environment to conceive and implement innovative ideas

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Canva, and experience working in a CRM or other relational database such as Ascend or Raiser’s Edge

Diversity Statement

Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryMajor Gift Fundraising and Program Strategy

Duty/Responsibility

• Work with the VPUA to incorporate the President, high-level volunteers and academic leaders in connecting donors to the University to deepen their interest and involvement.

• Oversee major-gift fundraising, and overall development efforts to build engagement of high-net-worth individuals with the University.

• Create gift opportunities based on University priorities in line with donor’s interests.

• Responsible for creating and elevating a prospect portfolio of high-net-worth prospective constituents

• Provide strategic direction for presidential efforts and initiatives

• Able to collaborate with CSU and UA leaders to translate presidential priorities into specific fundraising campaigns and initiatives.

• Work alongside peer primary relationship managers on the University’s top donors utilizing the tenets of moves management.

• Develop, manage, and execute strategies in a University-wide development process to secure support for University academic and capital priorities and special University projects.

• Prepare high-level proposals for primary relationship managers to present to donors, using good judgment and sensitivity to match donor interests to University priorities, so that the probability of proposal funding is enhanced.

• Write and submit timely and thorough contact reports; deliver timely and effective follow-up reports and communications to internal partners.

• Determine appropriate recognition and stewardship plans for significant donors, in conjunction with Donor Relations and Stewardship.

• Proactively develop and maintain an evolving pipeline of principal gift prospects and donors.

• Solve donor related issues that arise quickly and effectively, understanding when to bring any given situation to leadership.

• Responsible for compliance with all CSU policies and procedures, including but not limited to, solicitation and acceptance of gifts, alumni and support group policies and naming policies.

Percentage Of Time85

Job Duty CategoryBudget Oversight and Collaboration

Duty/Responsibility

• Manage a set of internal collaborative partnerships with development leaders and colleagues from across the University, including the Colleges/Units and other University Initiatives, leveraging central resources and enhanced best practices to foster optimum results.

• Manage oversight of the unit including program direction, policy oversight and development.

• Make all decisions and manage an annual operating budget of $30,000+, ensure prudent management in alignment with State of Colorado procurement policies and guidelines.

• Actively engage with both the mission, vision and values of various units within University Advancement and campus-wide. Consistently work toward elevated cultural competency and self-growth on the topic of inclusive excellence.

Percentage Of Time15

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume, and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, feel free to contact Kaitlyn Howell, Kaitlyn.Howell@colostate.edu, with any questions.

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License, Travel

Search ContactKaitlyn Howell, kaitlyn.howell@colostate.edu

EEO Statement

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.

The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.

The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.

The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.

Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested3

Maximum Requested3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have a minimum of 10 years’ of experience as a development officer, or major gifts officer, in an institution of higher education or other nonprofit setting?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have demonstrated success in face-to-face solicitation, cultivation and closing multiple gifts at $5M or more?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have the ability to travel in and out of state, and work non-standard hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date?

• yes

• no

• • Do you have demonstrated ability to engage and effectively communicate with diverse audiences?

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Resume

Optional Documents