Associate Director of Foundation Relations

Advancement at CU Boulder encourages applications for an Associate Director of Foundation Relations. This role uses knowledge of fundraising techniques to coordinate and implement development activities for the Industry and Foundation Relations advancement team, with a focus on becoming an expert-level fundraiser. The position is responsible for building and managing a portfolio of private foundation partners to increase philanthropic support for the University.

About the Role

The Associate Director will secure foundation grants, typically starting at $25K+, while developing and sustaining a pipeline of opportunities aligned 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 Boulder Advancement is committed to a culture of joy, collaboration, excellence, and impact. We foster an environment where everyone matters and all can thrive, actively engaging in learning, reflection, and transformation of systems that perpetuate oppressive ideologies. Our team holds itself accountable through individual and divisional goals to ensure alignment with our mission and values.

Responsibilities

• Portfolio Management and Private Foundation Engagement
  • Develop and manage a portfolio of 50-70 private foundation prospects with a capacity of $100K+ awards.
  • Cultivate and manage relationships with foundation staff and program officers to build institutional partnerships.
  • Conduct discovery meetings and lead effective site visits with foundation partners, university faculty, staff, and leadership.
  • Initiate appropriate and timely follow-up communication and activities.
  • Work with the Managing Senior Director to develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to enhance support from foundations, including researching potential funders for specific initiatives.
  • Review and supervise the progress of submitted proposals and manage the follow-up process, ensuring timely communication with foundations.
  • Partner with faculty and staff to identify funding opportunities that align with their research, projects, and institutional goals.
  • Assist in preparing grant proposals, including writing, editing, ensuring alignment with foundation funder priorities, and gathering required documentation.
  • Research prospective foundations and funders, regularly updating faculty and staff on new funding opportunities, and seeking out opportunities to qualify foundations and move them into the pipeline.
  • Collaborate with the Office of Contracts and Grants and CU Foundation on proposal submissions and grant agreements where appropriate.
  • Develop annual goals around development work (face-to-face meetings, proposals, and dollars raised) in partnership with the Managing Senior Director.
  • Document prospect strategies and contact reports, evaluate new prospects, and generate stewardship reports and general correspondence to cultivate private foundation prospects.
• Other Development Duties As Assigned
  • Grow philanthropic totals by deepening collaboration with advancement and other campus colleagues for enhanced prospect engagement, including 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 private foundation interests with leadership initiatives in pursuit of meeting established goals and objectives.
  • Facilitate productive relationships daily between private foundation funders 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.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, or a combination of education and experience may substitute for the degree on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience: 3+ years of professional, job-related experience.
• Knowledge of fundraising techniques particular to private foundations, 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Software Used: Microsoft Office products, donor tracking software (Salesforce), Zoom, Teams, LinkedIn.
• Experience working in a non-profit or higher education environment.
• Background in foundation relations fundraising.
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification.
• Experience with public speaking.

Schedule

• This position requires some local, regional, and out-of-state travel to meet with foundation representatives.
• This position has the ability to work a hybrid schedule with some days on campus and some days remote.
• Occasionally required to work evenings/weekends.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $83,000 - $93,000 annually. Relocation assistance is available within Advancement guidelines.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and retirement plans.
• Generous paid time off.
• Tuition assistance for you and your dependents.
• ECO Pass for local transit.
• Access to world-class outdoor recreation and additional perks through the CU Advantage program.