Development Manager, Individual & Corporate Giving, Foundation

• 5 (five) years of additional applicable work experience and/or degrees higher than minimum qualification degree. Degrees higher than the minimum qualification degree can be used in combination with additional work experience.
• A combination of related education, on-the-job work experience, certifications and/or licenses that results in a candidate successfully meeting the minimum qualifications of the position, may be considered.

The stated salary amounts are not guaranteed in the event employment ends with Aims during any fiscal year.

Included with Aims Full-time Employment is a generous package of Benefits, most are listed below:

• Benefits are effective immediately
• 100% employer provided medical & dental coverage employees (employee only option)
• 85% employer provided medical & dental coverage for employee's spouse and/or family
• Voluntary vision insurance
• Staff Annual Leave (minimum accrual of 15 days) & Sick (minimum accrual of 12 days)
• 17 paid holidays and 3 personal days each year
• Summer schedule: 4-day work week - Fridays Off
• Employer paid long-term disability and life insurance premiums
• Tuition waiver & reimbursement for employees
• Tuition waiver for dependents
• PERA employer (see www.copera.org for comprehensive benefits)
• Additional supplemental benefits & retirement programs available
• Access to the PERC (Aims gym) for employee & one guest
• Free parking on all campuses

Job Description:

Aims Community College actively supports an environment that embraces the College's Mission, Vision, Values and a culture of innovation and care. The College embraces and seeks to hire individuals who want to be a part of this environment and have the skill sets necessary to be successful in this position.

At the Aims Foundation, we're dedicated to fostering meaningful connections that make a lasting impact for students and our community. We partner with individuals, businesses, and industry leaders across Northern Colorado to align their philanthropic goals with opportunities that fuel student success and strengthen Aims Community College.

As a key member of our team, the Development Manager will help grow and nurture these relationships, connecting donors' passions with programs and initiatives that create lasting impact. This role is ideal for someone who's energized by relationship-building, storytelling, and helping people see the difference their generosity can make.

You'll collaborate closely with the Foundation Executive Director to develop and manage customized philanthropic proposals, secure and sustain gifts, and support marketing and event efforts that celebrate our donors and community partners. You'll also help ensure our fundraising systems and operations run smoothly and be ready to step in to provide guidance when needed.

This is a great opportunity for someone who's ready to grow, lead with heart, and play an active role in advancing the mission, vision, and values of Aims Community College and the Foundation.

Flexibility in work hours is required, as daily schedules may vary to accommodate participation in internal and external events.

Foundation Administration Collaboration:

• Works closely with the Executive Director to develop and roll out fundraising processes and best practices.
• Partners with the Database Manager to ensure donor information is accurately captured and reports are meaningful.
• Teams up with the Foundation crew and Executive Director to plan outreach, fundraising strategies, and program goals, then turns those plans into action to support students.
• Steps in as needed to back up the Executive Director.
• Leads strategic fundraising efforts, including campaigns and program plans, to identify, engage, and secure support from current and prospective donors.
• Manages a portfolio of 50+ individual and corporate donors, building strong relationships and encouraging long-term giving.
• Oversees specific mail campaigns, makes calls, and connects with donors in person or virtually to secure gifts.
• Provides thoughtful stewardship to ensure donors feel appreciated, recognized, and engaged over time.
• Collaborates on gift opportunities, annual budgeting, and evaluates fundraising program effectiveness for continuous improvement.
• Identifies and prioritizes donor prospects across Northern Colorado, focusing on direct engagement to create tailored giving opportunities.
• Applies a relationship-focused approach to connect with key industries and high-potential individuals in alignment with fundraising goals.
• Researches additional funding avenues, grants, sponsorships, and partnerships to support Foundation initiatives.
• Works with the Foundation team and college departments to foster collaborative giving opportunities.
• Provides regular updates on fundraising activities, pipelines, and outcomes.

Corporate Philanthropic Partnership Development & Relationship Networking:

• Builds and nurtures relationships with local companies to support education-to-employment pathways and encourage philanthropic investment.
• Engages in networking both inside and outside the college, attends sector meetings, and stays informed on local economic development to align efforts with community needs.
• Partners with the Executive Director to create and implement outreach plans targeting corporate partners, including research, proposals, campus tours, and events.
• Provides ongoing stewardship to corporate partners through events, sponsorship opportunities, communications, and recognition activities.
• Represents the Foundation at community events, conferences, and committees to showcase workforce development and student support initiatives.

Strategy Development:

• Keeps a pulse on the fundraising landscape, local talent needs, and industry trends to shape smart, actionable development strategies.
• Focuses on the most promising opportunities across Northern Colorado's business and community sectors.
• Shares knowledge about workforce, training, and fundraising opportunities to raise awareness and build community connections.
• Collaborates with the Foundation team, college colleagues, and community partners to plan and carry out outreach and fundraising initiatives.

Other Duties as Assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in nonprofit management, business communications, or related field; plus three (3) years of fundraising experience with a solid history of securing annual, mid-level, and major gifts, including individual gifts of $25,000+ and annual totals of $300,000 or more.
• This position may require the use of a company vehicle for business travel. The selected candidate must successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check.

Knowledge of: You bring both the heart and the know-how of effective fundraising, understanding that ethical, strategic, and creative approaches all work together to inspire lasting support.

• Solid understanding of fundraising ethics, regulations, and best practices (CASE standards, IRS charitable giving laws, AFP Code of Ethics, and the Donor Bill of Rights)
• Working knowledge of key fundraising areas, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, capital campaigns, and grant writing.
• Familiarity with marketing and communications strategies that strengthen donor engagement and tell the story behind the mission.
• Experience planning events and implementing thoughtful donor stewardship practices that leave a lasting impression.

Skills / Experience: You're a thoughtful connector who knows how to listen first, build trust, and inspire generosity. You're comfortable engaging with people from all walks of life and can adapt your approach to fit Aims' diverse and welcoming community. You bring professionalism and integrity to everything you do-and you're not afraid to make the ask when the time is right.

• Deep respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion with the ability to connect authentically across cultures and communities
• Spanish language proficiency strongly preferred
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in handling confidential information
• Self-starter who thrives in a dynamic environment, managing multiple projects with creativity and follow-through
• Genuine passion for education and community development, aligned with the mission of Aims Community College and the Foundation

Education and Credentials:

• CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) designation, or willingness to pursue certification (optional but desirable).

Who are you?

• Authentic, inclusive, and mission-driven. You listen well, build trust easily, and connect with people from all backgrounds. You're collaborative, adaptable, and confident in making the ask, with a skillful ability to align donor passions and philanthropic goals with programs and options that create real impact.

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) designation, or willingness to pursue certification (optional but desirable)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five (5) years of fundraising experience, with a solid history of securing annual, mid-level, and major gifts-including individual contributions of $75,000 or more and achieving annual fundraising totals of $750,000 or more.
• Customer Relationship Management system/database experience.
• Donor Acquisition Training or Certifications.
• Negotiation Training or Certifications.
• Customer Service Skills