Director of Development, Foundation Relations (Principal Professional)

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Strategist for Major and Principal Gifts and working in close collaboration with the Office of Grants and Contracts (OGC) and the Office of Research Development and Strategy (ORDS), this full-time, University Staff (non-classified) Director of Development for Foundation Relations serves as the primary strategist, relationship manager, and hands-on fundraiser for a portfolio of foundation partners. The position personally drives and executes all aspects of foundation relations activity, including prospect identification, relationship cultivation, proposal development, solicitation strategy, stewardship, and funder engagement. Operating as the primary owner of foundation fundraising efforts, this role translates institutional priorities into compelling funding opportunities while building sustainable partnerships that increase philanthropic investment in support of CU Anschutz priorities.

Supervision Received: Executive Strategist for Major and Principal Gits (pos. 00781435)

Supervision Exercised: No direct reports

Key Responsibilities:

Partnership Development and Strategy - 40%

• Serve as the primary relationship manager and strategic contact for a portfolio of significant local and regional foundations, personally cultivating, stewarding, and advancing relationships to maximize philanthropic investment.

• Independently develop and execute comprehensive engagement plans that build robust partnerships with major foundation funders while expanding and diversifying institutional revenue opportunities.

• Develop and implement comprehensive, tailored strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and long-term stewardship.

• Develop and maintain a deep understanding and awareness of funding opportunities, institutional priorities, academic programs, and centers of excellence in order to translate these assets into compelling funding opportunities and align them with funders' interests.

• Personally conduct high-impact relationship-building activities through calls, visits, presentations, and strategic engagements that lead to strong, sustained partner relationships and proposal invitations.

• Serve as a primary point of contact (and primary relationship manager) for organizations that wish to partner with CU Anschutz in meaningful ways, facilitating appropriate introductions and exchange of ideas and information that serve to advance campus priorities, as well as the interests of the prospective funder.

• Partner with stewardship coordinators, faculty, OGC and ORDS staff and others, as necessary, to ensure timely and appropriate stewardship of current and previous institutional funders, consistent with the terms and reporting requirements of grant agreements as well as best practices.

Proposal Development, Strategic Writing, and Execution- 60%

• Serve as the lead architect, writer, and project manager for significant foundation proposals, personally driving the development and submission of high-quality funding requests.

• Independently develop, write and refine letters of intent, concept papers, proposals, and related fundraising materials, ensuring alignment with university polices and funder interests.

• Maintain primary ownership and accountability for the timely and accurate completion of proposals, gift and grant agreements, stewardship, and report requirements.

• Maintain accurate records in the university's database, ensuring timely contact reports and entity updates.

• Collaborate with OGC and ORDS on funder strategy, faculty engagement, proposal development, award negotiation, and compliance.

• Personally identify, assess, and advance institutional funding opportunities by working closely with faculty, hospital relations staff, and campus leaders to align foundation interests with high-priority programs and initiatives.

• Assist with other duties as assigned to support the team and institutional goals.

Work Location:

Hybrid - this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 3 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

Philanthropy brings people together; it's a driving force in accelerating the pace of discovery, attracting and retaining excellent students and faculty, and delivering world-class prevention and care.

At the Office of Advancement at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, we put our passions to work.

We have the privilege to collaborate with people who want to make a difference in the world - people who want to make an impact on humanity that may be felt long after they have passed. Our office exists to ensure stakeholders within and outside the university know, value, and support the important work being done on this academic medical campus.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 15/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

• Minimum of 3 years of professional fundraising experience or experience in related fields like nonprofit administration, public affairs, or business development, including managing funding relationships with individuals, corporations or foundations.

  • A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive experience soliciting major gifts of at least $50,000 from foundation funders. Experience coordinating large-scale projects that involve multiple partners and interests.

• Demonstrated experience in securing 6-7 figure awards in both philanthropy and sponsored research

• Seven (7) years of successful professional fundraising experience, or experience in related fields.

• Project Management - Personal computer proficiency required, especially as related to Microsoft Office Products; MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; and donor tracking software.

• Experience working in a higher education and/or medical campus environment and/or relevant experience working in a nonprofit environment as a fundraiser.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

• National travel may be required for partnership development, fundraising events, and conferences.

• This position requires flexibility in hours, including evenings and weekends for events and meetings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically while personally executing operational and fundraising activities from concept through completion.

• Proven success functioning as the primary owner of complex fundraising initiatives with minimal reliance on staff oversight or administrative delegation.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to independently drive multiple priorities, deadlines, stakeholder relationships, and deliverables simultaneously.

• Demonstrated ability to translate institutional priorities into actionable fundraising strategies and personally execute those strategies to achieve measurable outcomes. Expert knowledge of foundation relationship building and gift management, including cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation.

• Expert ability to communicate verbally and in writing and develop and maintain interpersonal relationships.

• Strong ability to analyze information/situations and solve problems.

• Solid knowledge of the funding landscape and giving climate for foundation partners.

• Expert ability to organize and manage multiple projects/tasks simultaneously

• Must have ability to work independently and collaboratively and adapt to changing priorities.

• Solid experience in grant writing.

• Proven ability to foster and build relationships internally and externally.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position (only use if a cover letter is necessary)

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Shannon Palombi - Shannon.Palombi@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by October 14, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered. Hiring department will need to notify their Talent Acquisition Consultant when they want to have the advertisements removed for the posting.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $103,497 - $108,000

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.