Denver Academy in Denver, Colorado seeks an Associate Development Director for Annual Giving for the 2025-2026 school year.

 Type:

Staff - Full-Time

Category:

Development

Degree:

Bachelor’s Degree or Higher

Salary Range:

$85,000 - $95,000

Benefits:

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 403B with match, and generous paid time off. Benefits are subject to current Denver Academy policies.

Apply:

Please send your cover letter, resume and DA application to Mr. Michael McNeill, [email protected].

The mission of Denver Academy is to inspire and empower diverse learners through student-centered, differentiated, and transformative education.

Founded in 1972 on the belief that students thrive when taught in the way they learn best, Denver Academy is one of the top schools in the nation dedicated to teaching diverse learners, including those with dyslexia and ADD/ADHD. DA’s innovative learning model is based on the balanced application of classroom management, information processing, and academic literacy. Small class sizes of 12-14 students facilitates differentiated instruction. Flexible placement and several academic levels within each core subject, including Honors classes and advanced coursework, allow faculty to teach to each student’s optimal level. Through this unique approach, students excel in their strengths while receiving the support they need in areas of challenge.

Position Description: The Associate Development Director for Annual Giving is a full-time, on-site position. The Associate Director is a newly created position that will report directly to the Director of Development and will focus on a collaborative approach to building a year-round fundraising plan for the school’s annual fund, promote giving to restricted funds to the school, and provide leadership for the annual gala in support of the school’s robust tuition assistance program. In close collaboration with the Director of Development, this person will spearhead a concerted effort to educate parents about the school’s annual fundraising efforts, help to achieve our goal of doubling parent participation, and provide direction, internal support, and volunteer management for the school’s annual fundraising gala and smaller cultivation and stewardship events as needed throughout the school year.

Strong fundraising requires the ability to create and nurture relationships with constituents. At Denver Academy, we are steadfastly and whole-heartedly attached to the school’s mission to provide an education that meets students where they are. Here, we work with warmth, good cheer and sincere belief in that mission. Abundant donor testimonials show that a DA education changes lives. Working together with the Development Committee, development staff and parent volunteers, the Associate Director will help build and communicate the case for supporting the school in a way that appeals to and resonates with our constituents.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Create and manage a comprehensive fundraising plan and appeal schedule for The Fund for Denver Academy (annual fund):
  • Use a data-informed moves-management approach to grow and recognize donors.
  • Create new ways for parents to get involved
  • Develop and manage a calendar/schedule of multidimensional appeals that leverages a variety of media (electronic, direct mail, video, face-to-face, etc.)
• With the Director, create and manage an annual fund parent ambassador program:
  • Set goals, strategize and organize solicitations
  • Train volunteers
  • Accurately track and communicate progress
• Plan and execute an annual gala and all related administrative, budgetary, and communication needs.
• Work with the Director of Development and alumni volunteers to initiate a less traditional approach to alumni relations, with a focus on connecting, networking, and maintaining relationships with faculty and alumni mentors.
• Utilize Raiser’s Edge to track visits and activity, produce contact notes, and accurately manage fundraising progress.
• Participate regularly in database training modules (events in particular) to maximize results through a data driven effort.
• Coordinate the fundraising efforts and related communications around Colorado Gives Day and/or provide a good alternative for end-of-year online giving.
• With all development staff, provide support for Grandparents’ Day as well as all Development-office hosted events.
• Attend Development Committee meetings, assist with committee member engagement and provide Board reports as assigned by the Development Director.
• Using prospect research tools, identify major donor prospects and create an intentional and thoughtful solicitation plan for the Director, Head of School, Board, and Volunteers as appropriate.
• Participate in at least one professional development activity each school year.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA or equivalent
• 5 to 7 years of non-profit fundraising experience in a development role, ideally in an independent school or an educational environment
• Appreciation of the school’s mission
• Proven success in securing 4- to 6-figure gifts and making in-person asks
• Strong knowledge of Raiser’s Edge Software or equivalent database
• Proven success with event planning, hosting, and management
• Experience managing volunteers
• Strong organizational and writing skills
• Attention to detail
• Willingness to work outside of normal working hours as needed
• Good sense of humor and positive approach

Other Helpful Qualifications

• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge and how to run pre-programmed queries, reports and lists
• Ability to create and send bulk mail using Pushpage / Constant Contact
• Experience with Auction software and/or event management software
• Basic understanding of gift processing and acknowledgement letters
• Excellent time and project management skills

Application Deadline: July 1, 2025

Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or handicap.