Description

About the University of Denver

The University of Denver (DU), a private university, is the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region, with approximately 12,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University.

At the University of Denver, we’re doing higher education our way: authentic to the Rocky Mountain Wests confident optimism and pragmatic independence. It sets us apart. We’re preparing young people to be the solutions in their own stories, empowering them to face uncertainty with confidence and uncommon sense.

We’re fiercely ambitious and forward-thinking, surpassing all expectations to redefine success and how to achieve it. And we’re true to our mission as a top-tier private R-1 institution dedicated to making the world a better place – contributing to our communities and making positive change in the world.

About DU Advancement

The Denver Difference campaign is our most ambitious campaign yet. It marks a dramatic shift in conventional thinking about what the university experience can and should be. DU is setting the bar with our approach to higher education, developing and preparing students to be successful in life in every way. The University of Denver is building an advancement enterprise that mirrors the excellence and innovation of our great institution. Inclusive of alumni engagement, development, operations, and campaign leadership, DU Advancement is building and fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy in support of our bold vision.

About the Donor Relations & Stewardship Team

The Donor Relations and Stewardship team plays a central role in advancing the University of Denver’s philanthropic mission by designing and delivering meaningful experiences that deepen engagement and foster lasting relationships with donors of the University. The team is responsible for implementing thoughtful, creative, and high-touch stewardship and donor relations strategies that ensure all donors feel genuinely connected to DU and confident in the impact of their support. Working in close partnership with advancement colleagues and campus leaders, the team upholds the highest quality standards while continuously refining practices that recognize generosity, strengthen trust, and sustain long-term philanthropic commitment.

Position Summary

The Director, Donor Relations and Stewardship is a leader, thought partner, and subject-matter expert in the field of advancement, reporting directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Principal Gifts, Donor Relations and Stewardship. This role provides strategic direction for donor relations and stewardship efforts, overseeing a team of 4–6 professionals and guiding the development and execution of high-touch strategies that deepen engagement and philanthropic commitment across the University’s community of alumni, families, faculty, staff, students, and friends. The Director also serves as a key advisor to advancement leadership and campus colleagues, ensuring alignment, innovation, and continuous improvement in donor engagement practices.

The successful incumbent for this position will have a keen eye for donor engagement and stewardship approaches that make members of the University of Denver community feel truly connected and appreciated thus increasing donor retention and additional support from existing donors. They will also serve as a strong manager, coach and mentor to the donor relations and stewardship team and will possess an unwavering commitment to the highest quality standards.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following qualifications and experience:

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• At least seven years of progressive professional experience.
• A minimum of five years of donor, constituent, or member relations experience.
• Leadership or supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and implementation.
• Proven ability to proactively prioritize work and effectively manage resources in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of leadership or supervisory experience
• Program and event management experience in a complex or mission-driven organization.
• Experience leading initiatives that advance engagement, stewardship, or relationship-based outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution across multiple priorities.

The position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with approval and will require attendance at approximately 5-10 evening and weekend events annually.