Director of Annual Giving

ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY

Title (Function): Director of Annual Giving
Department: Development
Reporting To: VP of Development/Foundation CEO
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation: $70,000.00-80,000.00. Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
Open Date: 07/16/2025
Close Date: 08/03/2025 11:59 PM MST

SECTION
I - OUR VALUES CULTIVATE OUR VISION AND CULTURE

At CMU, we believe
in acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage to
form meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors and take risks in the
pursuit of new possibilities. It's this courage that enables the Mavily to explore
new ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, no
perfect idea.

From this place of humility and courage, we've built a culture of resilience.
We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcoming
challenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change is
constant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endless
curiosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeing
opportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this community
rooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunities
for growth and advancement.

Inspired by the soul of the West-the spirit that our region embodies-we emerge
as a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build a
Human Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our shared
vision of the world we aspire to create.

Colorado Mesa University Core Values
Love - Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and
others
Dignity - Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and
believing that others act from a foundation of goodwill
Courage - Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities
Humility - Suspending one's ego and pride to recognize that no idea
is perfect and being open to the input of others
Resiliency - Investing in the future by adapting to changes,
overcoming challenges and pursuing Opportunity
Curiosity - Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown
Power - The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to
achieve our goals

SECTION
II - THE SEAT

At CMU, we look at
every position as a seat. Every seat is vital and the individual in the seat
contributes significantly to our mission of providing an affordable and
accessible education and forming meaningful and mutually enriching partnerships
that support the well-being and vibrancy of our community. As a human centric
organization, a priority is to ensure we have the "right seats" in our
organization, and that the expectations, ownership and accountabilities are
defined and communicated clearly for the success of the individuals holding the
seats.

Reporting to the Foundation Vice President of Development, The Director of Annual Giving is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing a comprehensive annual giving program that supports the university's fundraising goals. This position plays a critical role in cultivating and soliciting annual gifts from alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, businesses and friends, with an emphasis on increasing participation, revenue, and donor retention. The Director will utilizing data-driven strategies to enhance donor engagement and support the university's mission and vision.

OVERVIEW AND ROLE SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKS

Program Strategy

• With support from the Foundation Communications Director, design, implement, and manage a comprehensive annual giving strategy, targeting key constituencies such as alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the university.
  
• Set annual fundraising goals, monitor performance, and adjust strategies to meet and exceed objectives.
  
• Utilize best practices and innovative approaches to inspire ongoing donor engagement and maximize annual revenue.
  
• Work closely with the Foundation Communications Director to coordinate a communications strategy for all campaigns and the CMU Foundation.
  
• Work closely with senior leadership to align annual giving efforts with the broader development and university priorities.
  
• Collaborate with colleagues across the university, including alumni relations, major gifts, athletic development director, marketing/communications, and student affairs, to align annual giving efforts with institutional goals.
  
• Work closely with the Foundation CEO on cultivating and stewarding business relationships and sponsorships.

  
  Donor Engagement & Cultivation



• Working with Foundation Communications Director, develop and implement targeted solicitation strategies for different donor segments, including giving societies, monthly donors, and leadership donors.
  
• Oversee donor stewardship programs to ensure donors feel appreciated, valued, and engaged in the university community.
  
• Working with the Foundation Communications Director, leverage social media, email marketing, and other digital platforms to engage and solicit donors effectively.
  
• Advocate for public higher education, in general, and Colorado Mesa University in particular.
  
• Direct sensitive inquiries to development leadership as appropriate.
  
• Represents the Foundation at community events to support the University and cultivate donors.
  
  Data-Driven Decision Making
  In collaboration with the Donor Development Research Director:
  
• Utilize donor data and analytics to assess program performance, identify trends, optimize fundraising efforts and build strategies for moving donors to higher giving levels.
  
• Develop and manage a comprehensive donor database to track giving history, preferences, and engagement activities.
  
• Prepare regular reports for senior leadership, board members, and other stakeholders on program performance and outcomes.
  
  Budget Management & Fund Allocation
  
• Develop and manage the annual giving program budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to maximize impact.
  
• Oversee the financial tracking of annual giving revenue, ensuring accuracy and accountability.

  Travel and some weekend and evening work is required. Flexibility in hours is required to accommodate outreach to donors and other stakeholders.

  Other related duties may be assigned.

  SECTION
  III - OUR DESIRES FOR RIGHT FIT

  For the success of
  our mission and our teams, we desire to have individuals who are a "Right Fit"
  in our seats. We define "Right Fit" as those who embrace our culture,
  demonstrate our values, understand the seat and what is required. We seek
  individuals who want this seat, desire to be a part of a bigger vision and have
  the capacity to be a successful member of our CMU team.

  
  
  ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE FOR RIGHT FIT



• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; advanced degree preferred.
  
• Minimum of three, and a preferred five years' experience in fundraising, public relations, customer service, or sales.
  
• Experience in writing and editing.
  
• Higher education or non-profit experience is preferred.
  
• Sensitivity to long-term relationship building and stewardship with donors and potential donors is preferred.
  
• Ability to advocate for public higher education and Colorado Mesa University in particular is preferred.
  
• A high standard of professional integrity is preferred.
  
• Exceptional written and communication skills, strategic thinking, and experience in gift negotiation and solicitation is preferred.
  
• Desire to apply fundraising techniques with imagination and an entrepreneurial spirit is preferred.
  
• Ability to think strategically and implement tactical plans to achieve goals is preferred.
  
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with diverse groups of stakeholders is preferred.
  
• Proficiency with MS Office and CRM software or databases is preferred.
  
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of donors, students, parents, the Board of Directors and the general public is preferred.
  
• Strategic and analytical reasoning skills is preferred.
  
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists is preferred.
  
  Reasonable
  accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
  the essential functions.
  
  DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typical
  functions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and
  areas of accountability.
  
  DIRECT INQUIRIES
  CONTACT: Robin Brown, robinbrown@coloradomesa.edu
  
  HOW TO APPLY: Applicants will be
  asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then
  providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared
  to upload a:
  
• Cover letter
  
• Resume
  
• Include the name,
  phone number, email address and relationship of at least three professional
  references who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applying
  for. Professional references should include at least one current or former
  supervisor. Professional reference may also include current or former
  employers, colleagues or other professionals who have first-hand knowledge and
  can recommend you for employment.
  
• Copy of
  transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social
  security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading
  the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)

  ABOUT
  COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY

  A comprehensive
  university in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional
  educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado's
  largest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction,
  its satellite campus in Montrose, its technical college, CMU Tech, and via
  online offerings.

  Colorado Mesa
  University serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of western
  Colorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, and
  international importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling
  10,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.
  
  At the heart of
  the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher
  education that encourages students to think differently and empowers them to
  challenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars and
  thinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gain
  the skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they will encounter in
  life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong
  liberal arts core that supports students' interests and regional employment
  needs, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforce
  demands.
  
  The Grand Valley is
  home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and you
  will not have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by the
  Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs, and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-class
  mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and a mountain resort that's
  less than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country
  skiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore one
  of Colorado's best kept secrets.
  
  Colorado Mesa
  University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working
  with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment
  to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students
  within higher education.
  
  Colorado Mesa
  University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living
  community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all
  final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations
  include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when
  appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able
  to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal
  Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and
  student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a
  disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided
  reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an
  employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU
  Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide
  additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional
  limitations and the type of accommodation needed.

  
  Colorado Mesa University
  
  Attn: Human Resources Office
  
  1100 North Avenue
  
  Grand Junction, CO 81501

  
  970.248.1820