Job Summary
Advancement at CU Boulder encourages applications for Assistant
Director of Foundation Relations! The Assistant Director uses
knowledge of fundraising techniques to coordinate and implement
development activities for the Industry and Foundation Relations
advancement team and has a strong desire to work towards becoming
an expert level fundraiser.
This position is responsible for building and managing a portfolio
of private foundation partners to increase philanthropic support
for the University. The Assistant Director will secure foundation
grants, typically starting at $25K+, while developing and
sustaining a pipeline of opportunities that evolves overtime in
alignment with funder priorities and portfolio composition.
Key responsibilities include identifying and qualifying prospects,
aligning funding opportunities with institutional priorities, and
advancing proposals from initial engagement through award and
stewardship. Occasional travel is required to support relationship
development, conduct discovery meetings, and move prospects toward
funding decisions.
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.
Who We Are
CU Boulder Advancement is committed to a culture of joy,
motivated by collaboration, passionate about excellence and driven
by impact. These four values define the culture and drive
engagement and fundraising success.
We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone
matters, and all can thrive. This dedication is rooted in our core
values and our mission to drive impactful fundraising and
engagement. Our team actively engages in learning, reflection, and
the transformation of systems, policies, and practices that
perpetuate oppressive ideologies—including racism, sexism, ableism,
and heterosexism. We recognize our responsibility to lead by
example in building a supportive and inclusive culture for both
internal colleagues and external partners. We hold ourselves
accountable through individual and divisional goals that
continuously assess our progress, growth, and outcomes—ensuring
alignment with our mission and values every step of the way.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Portfolio Management and Donor Engagement
- Manage a portfolio of 50-70 foundation prospects capable of
making gifts of $25,000+. Build and cultivate strategic
relationships with foundation staff and program officers to build
institutional partnerships.
Conduct discovery meetings and lead effective site visits with
foundations, university faculty, staff, and leadership. Initiate
appropriate and timely follow-up communication and activities and
document contact reports.
Manage annual/cyclical grant applications for assigned
foundations. Monitor Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and identify
aligned faculty and support proposal development and submission.
Partner with the Research and Innovation Office, and Office of
Contracts and Grants on limited proposal submission process when
applicable.
Partner with faculty and staff to research and identify funding
opportunities that align with their research, projects, and
institutional goals.
Assist in preparing grant proposals, ensuring alignment with
foundation funder priorities and gathering required documentation.
Review and supervise the progress of submitted proposals and manage
the follow-up process. Collaborate with the Office of Contracts and
Grants and CU Foundation on proposal submissions and grant
agreements where appropriate.
Steward foundation awards, including supporting required
reporting on foundation funding outcomes.
In partnership with the Managing Senior Director, develop
annual goals around development work (face to face meetings,
proposals, and dollars raised).
Other Development Duties as Assigned
- Grow philanthropic totals by deepening collaboration with
advancement and other campus colleagues for enhanced donor
engagement. This involves participating in regular internal
meetings and engagement opportunities (task forces, frontline
fundraiser meetings, etc.).
- Embrace a self-learner/self-starter approach and continuously
look for opportunities to match donor interests with leadership
initiatives in pursuit of meeting established goals and
objectives.
- Facilitate productive relationships daily between donors and CU
administrators, faculty and staff to ensure effectiveness of
programs.
- Represent the University at events to support CU and cultivate
donors.
- Other duties as assigned.
What You Should Know
- This position will require local, regional, and out-of-state
travel to meet with donors.
- This position has the ability to work a hybrid schedule with
some days on campus and some days remote.
- This position will occasionally be required to work
evenings/weekends.
What We Can Offer
The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000 annually.
Relocation assistance is available within Advancement
guidelines.
Benefits
At the
University of Colorado Boulder , we are
committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our
employees. Our comprehensive
benefits package includes medical,
dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition
assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local
transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder
offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class
outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of
Forbes' America's Best
Large Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado
and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and
programs through the
CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be authentic. Be engaged. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, or a
combination of education and experience may substitute.
- Experience: 1+ years of professional, job-related
experience.
- Software Used: Microsoft Office products, donor tracking
software (Salesforce), Zoom, Teams, LinkedIn, Foundation
Directory.
What You Will Need
- Knowledge of fundraising techniques, especially in a higher
education/nonprofit environment.
- Desire to learn about major gift solicitation techniques.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to interact with
new people on a regular basis.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and adapt to
changing priorities; able to appropriately manage time and meet set
timelines.
- Ability to take constructive feedback from leadership and
campus partners.
- Ability to champion the shared values of the Office of
Advancement.
- Ability to exercise a high degree of tact, discretion, and
collaboration in working with a diverse range of constituents
including employees, students, volunteers, alumni, donors, and
campus colleagues.
- Phenomenal relationship building skills.
- Growth mindset, resilience and perseverance.
- Ability to travel regularly and practice fiscal management and
responsibility.
- Active listening skills.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Experience working in a non-profit or higher education
environment.
- Background in foundation relations fundraising.
- Experience with public speaking.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- A current resume.
- A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background
and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and
responsibilities of the position.
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by
November 1, 2026 for
consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For
consideration, please apply through
CU Boulder Jobs .
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in
any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying
information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school
attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting
or removing this information.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu