What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Development, Research Advancement position at Colorado State University?

Posting Details

Posting Detail Information

Working Title

Assistant Director of Development, Research Advancement

Position Location

Fort Collins, CO

Work Location

Position qualifies for hybrid / in-office work

Research Professional Position

Posting Number

202500223AP

Position Type

Admin Professional / Research Professional

Classification Title

Prof / Indiv Contrib II

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours / Week

Proposed Annual Salary Range

60,000 - $68,000

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, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Review our detailed benefits information here.
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here .
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in !

Desired Start Date

04 / 01 / 2025

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11 : 59pm (MT) on

03 / 02 / 2025

Description of Work Unit

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, research, and outreach. CSU has a student body of over 34,000 students, 7,400 employees, 245,000 living alumni, and annual research expenditures over $500 million. Guided by the five supporting Principles of Community : Inclusion, Integrity, Respect, Service, and Social Justice, the University constantly pursues its mission and values around 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. Our purpose is to connect our alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations to raise the financial support necessary to advance the University's mission and vision.

The Vice President for Research Advancement unit (VPRA) fundraises for the world-class research enterprise and programs at Colorado State University. VPRA's goal is to support the sustained growth of CSU's research by diversifying the funding portfolio for its research programs. VPRA reports to both the University Advancement division and the Office of the Vice President for Research, and collaborates across the University, with academic leadership, development directors, and other key personnel, to lead, create, and implement successful fundraising strategies. The Office of the Vice President for Research has overall responsibility for facilitating the research enterprise on campus with efforts and successes highlighted here : https : / / www.research.colostate.edu / .

Position Summary

University Advancement and the Office of the Vice President for Research seek a full-time Assistant Director of Development (ADoD). This is an entry-level development professional position directly responsible for securing major funding ($25,000 and above) for university-wide interdisciplinary research.

With a service orientation and focus, the ADoD will advance the university's research mission by managing the identification, cultivation, successful solicitation, and stewardship of donors for assigned programs and related areas.

CSU's world-class priority research programs make a global impact and are all interdisciplinary in scope. They involve faculty, researchers, and leadership from multiple colleges and academic departments. Because of the cross-campus nature of these programs and faculty involved therein, the ADoD is expected to frequently work in collaboration with college / unit-based fundraising teams as well as partner with central fundraising units who specialize in distinct donor and giving categories.

The ideal candidate for this position will be a consummate professional and will thrive in a fast-paced, metrics / results-driven fundraising environment. The candidate will have a demonstrated ability to maintain focus and employ adaptability while working with donors, alumni, friends of the University, colleagues, faculty and staff, and students. Eligible candidates will understand how they can make a difference in supporting the future direction of both CSU and the VPR Institutes and Centers, while meeting targeted timelines. This position will be committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, incorporating it into their role to contribute to inclusive excellence and to ensure colleagues and donors of all backgrounds feel represented and included.

This position reports to the Director of Development for Research Advancement.

Required Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university by employment start date

Minimum of 3 years' experience as a development officer or major gifts officer, in an institution of higher education or non-profit OR equivalent experience in a complex organization such as sales, banking, business development, client management, or marketing

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

Demonstrates active engagement and support of diverse individuals, opinions and perspectives, and actively engages with and supports the University's mission, vision and values.

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

Passion for research and innovation

Experience working in science-related sales, or science-related fundraising roles

Encompass traits of good judgment, confidentiality, and discretion in communicating with colleagues and constituents

Proven ability to successfully identify and build relationships and connect donor / client interests with opportunities in a complex organization Demonstrated knowledge of facets of fundraising, such as annual fund, corporate and foundation relations, planned giving, stewardship, major gift fundraising, etc.

Ability to problem solve and adapt to rapidly changing situations

Ability to work cross-functionally with academic and administrative leaders in a collaborative environment

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience working in a CRM or other relational database such as Salesforce

Essential Duties

Job Duty Category

Frontline Fundraising and Pipeline Development

Duty / Responsibility

Build and manage an evolving portfolio of approximately 50-70 donors and prospective donors. Manage one-on-one relationships with each entity in the donor portfolio, growing and strengthening their positive relationship with CSU.

Identify target audiences and develop appropriate messaging strategies that highlight the value and impact of philanthropy for funding opportunities provided by program partners.

Execute 15 strategic interactions and 12 meeting (virtual or in person) per month with current and prospective donors. This includes qualifying visits to determine if an entity has the capacity and inclination to make a major gift to CSU.

Initiate and execute daily tasks associated with cultivation, stewardship, engagement, and responsiveness to donors and prospective donors. Create successful cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies, with a 6-24 month time horizon, for each entity. Continuously and repeatedly move entities through the donor cycle.

Present 2 major gift solicitations per month, after an initial period of establishing relationships with prospective donors and portfolio-building.

Write, prepare, and present persuasive proposals that match the donor's interests with the team's fundraising priorities. Proposals should be comprehensive and include varied gift types such as outright gifts ($25,000 ), pledges, and planned gifts (bequest) solicitations fulfilled through varied fiscal mechanisms (checks, stocks, equities, retirement fund distributions, et al.).

Achieve an annual fundraising goals. Fundraising and performance goals to be set in coordination with the Director of Development, with approval from UA leadership.

Percentage Of Time

Job Duty Category

Relationship Management and Collaborations

Duty / Responsibility

Collaborate with VPRA team, VPR leadership, faculty, and Foundation staff to ensure the internal and external relationships are well-managed and maintain positive communications.

Work with Prospect Research Management team to identify and qualify prospects.

Collaborate with central University Advancement teams (such as Alumni Relations, Annual Giving, Donor Relations and Stewardship, Gift Planning, Marketing / Communications, and other teams) to enhance awareness of VPR fundraising priorities and partner on initiatives.

Use cultural competency and inclusive excellence to develop successful relationships of partners with various identities.

Represent UA and OVPR at University sponsored events.

Percentage Of Time

Job Duty Category

Administration

Duty / Responsibility

In collaboration with VPR and Foundation staff, provide information to further gift paperwork including gift agreements, naming documents, annual giving campaigns, and pledge forms to document gifts.

Manage internal communication, submit contact reports, and produce accurate and well organized, and easily understood written and oral communications, including briefings and agendas for university personnel involved in donor development.

Actively participate as a staff member in the Division of University Advancement, attend division-wide meetings and trainings, support Division-wide priorities and initiatives, and serve on University committees and one-time projects as assigned.

Contribute to the total effectiveness of the VPR Advancement team, communicating openly, solving problems proactively, offering creative ideas and working as a supportive, positive, and engaged team member.

Other duties as assigned; this is not meant to be an all-encompassing list.

Percentage Of Time

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should submit :

A cover letter that demonstrates any and all of the required and preferred qualifications that they meet

A resume

Three professional references noting name, phone number, email address, and professional relationship (one should be a current or former supervisor)

For tips on how to craft a successful application, please review the FAQ document on our Careers site at : giving.colostate.edu / careers / current-opportunities / .

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.

Questions regarding the position or anything else related to careers with UA may be directed to the University Advancement Talent & HR team at UA_TMHR@colostate.edu

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver's License, Travel

Search Contact

Jennifer Healy, jennifer.healy@colostate.edu

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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.

Salary : $60,000 - $68,000

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