Assistant Director of Major Gifts in Denver, Colorado at Denver Scholarship Foundation

Assistant Director of Major Gifts

Full-time, Exempt
Reports to Senior Director of Individual Philanthropy

Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) is seeking a passionate, driven individual with the desire to learn, grow, and excel in a culture that values every member of the team. DSF was named one of the Denver’s Top Workplaces in 2026 (7 year recipient of Top Workplaces), a testament to our team and to our intentionality in co-creating a positive, inclusive work environment. When you join the DSF team, you will enjoy a supportive, and innovative environment where your work has a profound impact on the lives of students and their families.

As a nonprofit organization, DSF’s mission is to inspire and empower DPS students to enroll in and graduate from postsecondary institutions of higher education, by providing the tools, knowledge, and financial resources essential for success. By embodying the core values of equity, innovation, leadership, learning, relationships, and integrity in everything we do. DSF strives to be a leader within the community, as we constantly seek to improve our services, we build strong relationships with college staff members, partners, students, team members and the broader community. We are committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, believing in the value and ability of all students and team members.

We seek candidates who will model, live, and reinforce DSF’s mission and core values with colleagues, students, families, and the broader community. If you are passionate about the philosophy and mission of DSF, then we invite you to join us and help make college possible for Denver's students.

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Major Gifts serves as a frontline fundraising leader and is responsible for executing Denver Scholarship Foundation’s (DSF) individual giving strategy with a focus on soliciting major and midlevel gifts, reporting to the Senior Director of Individual Philanthropy. The Assistant Director leads the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors, with a focus on advancing relationships, increasing giving, and moving donors through the pipeline in alignment with established portfolio standards. This individual manages a portfolio of donors and prospects and prioritizes relationship-driven engagement that balances stewardship with intentional growth strategies.

Working in close partnership with the Senior Director of Individual Philanthropy, this role contributes to revenue goals by executing and ensuring consistent, coordinated engagement across the donor journey. The Assistant Director collaborates across the Growth and Engagement team, including the Chief Growth & Engagement Officer, Director of Corporate Relations, Development Operations, and Marketing & Communications in support of DSF’s overall fundraising strategy.

Job Responsibilities

Portfolio Management

• Manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects, leading all stages of the fundraising cycle from identification through stewardship
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies aligned with portfolio standards
• Implement tailored strategies across major and mid-level donors
• Actively manages and grows their portfolio of donors

Strategy Execution and Metrics

• Execute DSF’s individual giving strategy in partnership with the Senior Director of Individual Philanthropy
• Drive progress toward revenue goals through portfolio management and donor engagement
• Maintain accurate pipeline tracking, donor activity, and performance metrics in Salesforce
• Regularly assess portfolio performance and adjust strategies to improve giving outcomes

Donor Experience

• Partner with the Senior Director, Chief Growth & Engagement Officer, CEO, and volunteers to coordinate donor strategies and engagement
• Collaborate inter-departmentally to ensure aligned messaging and a cohesive donor journey
• Execute donor acknowledgment, recognition, and stewardship strategies that enhance the overall donor experience
• Support strategic engagement for principal, planned, and endowment-level donors as appropriate
• Collaborates and coordinates with staff in all departments to maximize donor relationships and philanthropic giving

Pipeline Development

• Apply prospect research to identify, qualify, and prioritize new donors
• Contribute to broader strategies including annual giving, alumni engagement, events, and campaign efforts
• Support the development of a sustainable donor pipeline, with particular attention to mid-level donor growth
• Serve as a knowledgeable ambassador for DSF, effectively communicating mission, impact, and funding opportunities

Required Skills and Abilities

• Ability to build strong relationships with a donor centric approach
• Ability to understand the needs and interests of major donors to develop relationships between them and DSF
• Dedication to promoting DSF’s fundraising priorities through developing excellent working relationships with DSF staff, board, committees, and other volunteers
• Ability to initiate, analyze, monitor, evaluate, and alter strategic development plans
• Experience working with all Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, analytical, and organization skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Ability to deal professionally and courteously with a wide variety of people, both in person and over the phone
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Optimistic attitude and flexibility in a changing work environment
• Experience working with culturally diverse and communities with low-income
• Commitment to the DSF mission
• Hybrid position 3 days onsite and two days remote

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of training and experience
• Five or more years of individual major gift fundraising experience
• Experience with Salesforce preferred

Benefits

• $74,000 to $97,500
• 401(k) plan with $ for $ match of up to 5%
• Group health, dental, and vision insurance, low-cost premium plans offered. DSF pays for 90% of employee only and 70% of dependent plans.
• Life Insurance that provides 2 Times Your Annual Salary
• Free Annual Eco RTD Bus Pass
• Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Short Term Disability Supplement (Based on Years of Service)
• Paid holidays (includes Winter Break and Summer 1/2 Fridays in June and July) and 2 Floating holidays each year
• Trusted Time Off (unlimited vacation policy following 90 days)
• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave (Based on Years of Service)
• ID Theft Protection and Will Preparation Assistance
• Reduced cost for Legal Counseling
• Free Financial Counseling
• Four Professional Wellness Sessions and $300 annual wellness reimbursement
• Free Employee Assistance and Confidential Counseling Services

Job posting will remain open until 06/10/2026 and may be extended if additional time is needed to gather qualified applicants.

Denver Scholarship Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Learn about DSF’s commitment to Equity & Inclusion.