The University of Denver (DU) is the oldest independent private university in the Rocky Mountain region, serving approximately 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University, a designation recognizing the highest level of research activity among U.S. institutions.
At DU, we approach higher education with the confident optimism and pragmatic independence that define the Rocky Mountain West. It sets us apart. We’re preparing students to become 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. As a top-tier private R-1 institution, we are dedicated to making the world a better place –contributing to our communities and making positive change in the world.
DU Advancement drives meaningful connections and partnerships to support DU’s mission of advancing the public good. By championing philanthropy, engaging alumni, and fostering collaborative initiatives, we empower innovation, inspire transformation, and showcase what DU can do to create positive change in the world.
This spirit is at the heart of The Denver Difference campaign. As DU’s most ambitious campaign yet, we are reimagining what the university experience can and should be. By preparing students for success in all aspects of life, DU is setting a new standard for higher education.
DU Advancement reflects the excellence and innovation of the university itself. Through alumni engagement, development, operations, and communications leadership, we are fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy to support our bold vision for the future.
The University of Denver Sturm College of Law, led by Dean Bruce Smith, is a nationally recognized, mission-driven community dedicated to preparing future leaders, advocates, and changemakers. Located in the heart of Denver, the Sturm College of Law is known for its deep commitment to public impact with nationally recognized practical training in trial advocacy, dispute resolution and legal writing, as well as more than 700 externship placements. Across fields that shape everyday life—from housing and business to workplace rights and environmental and natural resources law—faculty and more than 20,000 alumni serve as judges, public officials, nonprofit leaders, advocates, entrepreneurs, executives and attorneys across nearly every sector—people deeply invested in the city and region they call home.
The Sturm College of Law offers employees the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that shapes students' lives and strengthens communities. Grounded in a mission to advance the public good through scholarship, teaching, and engagement, Sturm College of Law fosters a collaborative, inclusive environment where faculty and staff play an essential role in supporting student success and advancing access to justice.
The Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts, is a frontline fundraiser responsible for building philanthropic support for the Sturm College of Law and the University of Denver. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Engagement, the Associate Director will join a collaborative and ambitious five-person advancement team connecting donors with the people, programs and ideas that make the law school a powerful force in Denver and beyond.
The Associate Director will build and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects; develop and execute strategies to qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors; and raise $500,000-$1,000,000+ annually. The role will place a strong emphasis on qualifying new prospects, creating momentum within the portfolio and developing opportunities for both current and planned gifts.
Working closely with Dean Bruce Smith, faculty and advancement colleagues, the Associate Director will translate academic priorities and community impact into compelling philanthropic opportunities and cases for support. A legal background is not required; success depends on curiosity, strong relationship-building and the ability to connect donor interests with meaningful work. The position will also partner with planned giving colleagues on deferred gifts and gifts of complex assets. Success will be measured through qualifications, visits, solicitations, and dollars raised.
Major Gift Fundraising and Pipeline Development
Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration
Operational Excellence
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) October 5, 2026.
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.
The salary grade for the position is 12.
The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000.
The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.
The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.
All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history and National Sex Offender Registry background check.
