Summary
Description
Who We Are:
The Colorado Community College System is the state’s largest provider of higher education and workforce training, consisting of 13 colleges and over 35 locations across the state, educating approximately 130,000 postsecondary students annually. In addition, we train more than 4,000 Coloradans each year through customized employer training programs and coordinate delivery of career and technical education (CTE) programs to over 165,000 K-12 learners annually. Our mission is to provide accessible, responsive learning environments where students can achieve their educational, professional and personal goals in an atmosphere that embraces academic excellence, diversity and innovation. We are an organization that encourages individuals to bring their whole selves to work.
Founded in 1987, the Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges advances the mission, vision, goals, and objectives of the Colorado Community College System. Specifically, the Foundation actively seeks contributions from public and private sources to make scholarships available statewide, advance key programmatic initiatives, provide training and support for CCCS college foundations, and develop partnerships to implement state-of-the-art programs that meet the workforce needs of the 21st century.
Job Summary:
The Director of Philanthropy serves in the Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges (CCCS Foundation). This entrepreneurial leader is responsible for growing and managing a dynamic portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation, including national foundations, donors with a mandate to double the number of active donors at the $1,000+ level within the next 2–3 years. You will be accountable for meeting and exceeding annual fundraising goals. At is core, this role is responsible for major and transformation gifts, but also oversees donor engagement strategies, including stewardship initiatives, mailings, e-solicitations, and special convenings, with no reliance on fundraising events.
Note: Three days per week in our Lowry office is required for meetings with other System Office staff. Extensive travel, primarily within Colorado, will also be required.
This position is currently funded through 12/31/2028.
This recruitment is being posted until filled, with a priority deadline of November 3, 2026.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Responsible for the full donor pipeline—from identification and acquisition to stewardship and renewal.
- Design, implement, and manage comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure major gifts and lead annual fund gifts from individuals, corporations, and national foundations.
- Advise and prepare CCCS leadership, including the Chancellor, Chief Development Officer, and Executive Director, for donor meetings and solicitations.
- Work closely with constituents to advance donor relationships, drive new/renewed giving, coordinate gift arrangements and documentation, and oversee stewardship of assigned donors.
- Cultivate and steward relationships through one-on-one meetings, personalized outreach, and strategic communications.
- Proactively identify, research, and engage new donor prospects, leveraging entrepreneurial approaches and sales techniques to build a robust and diverse donor base.
- Personally solicit and close gifts, including major and lead annual fund gifts, with a focus on five-figure and above commitments.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree. An equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience may substitute for the degree.
- Three years of successful experience in fundraising, major gifts, sales, business development, or a comparable relationship-driven role.
- Experience cultivating relationships and securing gifts, sales, or commitments, including at the five-figure level and above.
- Experience building and managing a portfolio of donors or prospects across the full relationship lifecycle – from identification and cultivation through solicitation, stewardship and continued engagement.
To view the full job announcement, visit https://hr.cccs.edu/jobs/director-of-philanthropy-aurora-colorado-united-states-denver.
