Summary
Description
The Director of Advancement (DoA) is a senior executive leader responsible for the strategic direction, management, and execution of all fundraising and philanthropic activities for Urban Peak. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the DoA leads a comprehensive development program that supports an approximately $12 million annual operating budget and advances Urban Peak’s mission to end youth homelessness.
This role balances hands-on fundraising leadership with departmental management and organizational strategy. The Director of Development builds and leads a high-performing development function; partners closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leaders; and ensures that fundraising efforts are aligned with programmatic priorities, organizational values, and long-term sustainability.
This is a mission-critical role for a fast-paced, highly recognized organization and is ideal for a seasoned development professional who thrives in dynamic environments, values accountability, and is energized by working closely with a capable and visionary CEO.
Who You Are:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, or Nonprofit Management or other related field
• Minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressive, successful nonprofit fundraising experience
• Preferred certifications and/or licensure
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or commensurate years of leading development efforts.
• Demonstrated experience leading development teams and managing complex fundraising programs.
• Proven success in major gifts, institutional fundraising, and donor relationship management.
• Strong strategic thinking, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building abilities.
• Commitment to equity, trauma-informed care, and positive youth development.
• Lived experience reflective of the youth we serve encouraged but not required
• Understanding of the provision of and commitment to trauma-informed care and positive youth development
• Ability to travel locally and represent the organization at external meetings and events.
• Ability to use second language in written and verbal communication is desired but not a requirement (most common languages in the Denver Metro area).
• Must be team-oriented and able to coordinate with various departments and staff.
• Must be computer proficient and possess experience of Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• Must be insurable as a driver on Urban Peak’s auto liability policy in order to conduct business on behalf of the agency or transport youth using an Urban Peak vehicle and an approved personal vehicle.
• Ability to pass both federal and state background checks
• Ability to pass pre-employment TB Screening
• Ability to pass pre-employment physical examination.
What You Will Do:
1. Organizational & Development Leadership
• Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team on organizational growth, sustainability, and external engagement.
• Lead, manage, and develop the Development team, including hiring, supervision, performance management, and professional development.
• Oversee and coordinate external consultants and contractors related to fundraising, marketing, and communications.
• Establish and manage development systems, policies, procedures, and infrastructure to support efficient and scalable fundraising operations.
• Create and manage the Development department annual budget, ensuring fiscal accountability and alignment with organizational goals.
2. Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Generation
• Design, implement, and oversee a comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising strategy that includes:
o Major gifts and individual giving
o Corporate partnerships and sponsorships
o Foundation and government grants (local, state, and federal)
o Special events and campaigns (including capital campaigns, as applicable)
o Donor communications, appeals, and stewardship
• Personally manage a portfolio of major donors and high-capacity prospects.
• Lead relationship-based fundraising and moves management strategies across the development team.
• Analyze fundraising performance data and donor trends; adjust strategies to meet or exceed revenue goals.
3. Board & Development Committee Leadership
• Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to build a strong culture of philanthropy.
• Staff and lead the Board Development Committee, including agenda setting, materials preparation, and follow-up.
• Recruit, train, and support board members in fundraising roles, including donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Ensure board members are meaningfully engaged and accountable for agreed-upon fundraising expectations.
4. Donor Relations, Marketing & Communications
• Ensure best-in-class donor stewardship practices that build long-term relationships and donor loyalty.
• Oversee donor communications, marketing campaigns, and fundraising-related messaging in collaboration with internal staff and external partners.
• Ensure accurate donor tracking, reporting, and analytics through Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM systems.
• Represent Urban Peak externally with donors, funders, community leaders, and partners.
5. Cross Department Collaboration & Compliance
• Collaborate with Finance to ensure accurate revenue forecasting, gift processing, and financial reporting.
• Partner with Programs and Evaluation to align funding strategies with outcomes, impact data, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all ethical, legal, and regulatory standards related to fundraising and donor relations.
PERFORMANCE METRICS & SUCCESS INDICATORS
The Director of Advancement will be evaluated based on the following key performance areas:
Fundraising & Revenue Outcomes
• Meet or exceed annual fundraising revenue goals aligned with the organizational budget.
• Year-over-year growth in unrestricted and flexible funding.
• Growth in major donor revenue and average gift size.
• Successful renewal and growth of foundation, corporate, and government funding.
Strategy & Execution
• Timely development and execution of an annual fundraising plan with clear goals, timelines, and accountability.
• Effective use of data and donor analytics to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Successful execution of signature events and campaigns within approved budgets.
Leadership & Team Development
• Development team performance against individual and collective fundraising goals.
• Staff retention, engagement, and professional growth within the Development department.
• Clear performance expectations, regular feedback, and documented evaluations for direct reports.
Board Engagement & Governance
• Active, productive Board Development Committee with clear goals and participation.
• Increased board member engagement in fundraising activities.
• Demonstrated board accountability to fundraising commitments.
Donor Experience & Stewardship
• High donor retention rates, particularly among major donors.
• Timely, meaningful donor acknowledgments and stewardship touchpoints.
• Positive donor feedback and strengthened long-term relationships.
Organizational Impact
• Alignment of fundraising strategies with programmatic priorities and organizational values.
• Strong cross-department collaboration and internal stakeholder satisfaction.
• Demonstrated contribution to Urban Peak’s long-term financial sustainability.
Benefits
• Salary: $ 160,000 / annually
• Shift Schedule: Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM
• 100% Employer paid Medical and Dental plans – Buy-up plans available
o Vision Plan
o Flexible Spending Plan – Health & Dependent Care
o Accident Coverage | Critical Care & Hospitalization Ancillary Plan
o Employer paid Basic Life and AD&D
o Employee Voluntary Life Insurance
o Employer paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
o Colorado Paid Famli Leave Private Plan – Employee / Employer Split @ 50%
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 2% Agency Match
• Employer paid RTD Eco Pass
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 48 hours Paid Sick Time
• 120 hours of Vacation to start on an accrual basis
• Robust Employee Assistance Program
• Second Language pay differential
• Staff support for lateral growth through training and mentorship
How to Apply
https://www.urbanpeak.org/about#jobs
