Development Manager, Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs

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. 

Founded in 1964 by Czech diplomat and refugee Josef Korbel, the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs has prepared generations of students for purposeful careers in public service. Named for its founder in 2008, the School carries a distinctive legacy: Korbel was the father of Madeleine Albright, the first woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State, and a mentor to Condoleezza Rice. Their stories reflect the School’s enduring belief in diplomacy, democratic ideals and engaged citizenship.

Korbel brings global affairs and public policy to the defining challenges of our time, including human rights, democracy, security, sustainability, migration and economic opportunity. Its programs combine rigorous study with practical experience, preparing students to work across differences and turn ideas into action. Alumni carry that mission into government, diplomacy, nonprofits, international organizations, advocacy, business and community leadership in Colorado and around the world.

Korbel’s research centers and public programs extend that impact beyond the classroom. The Sié Chéou-Kang Center advances work on peace, security and social justice; the Pardee Institute helps leaders understand possible futures; and the Scrivner Institute promotes practical policy solutions and nonpartisan civic participation. Alongside the Denver Democracy Summit and nationally recognized work in international human rights, these efforts give donors meaningful ways to strengthen public service, expand opportunity and support a more just, secure and democratic future.

The Development Manager plays a central project-management role in advancing philanthropic engagement for the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Engagement, the Manager will coordinate development projects, donor communications, events, appeals, and stewardship activities that connect alumni and donors with the School’s mission and priorities.

This position will work closely with Korbel’s unit-based development team and central Advancement partners to manage annual giving initiatives, produce impact reports, coordinate scholarship recipient engagement, support boards and councils, and keep special projects moving on schedule and within scope. The Manager will also serve as a responsive liaison to major gift donors and longtime supporters with stewardship needs, providing thoughtful service and clear follow-through in partnership with the fundraisers who manage those relationships.

Success will require exceptional organization, judgment and attention to detail; the ability to coordinate many contributors and deadlines; and a commitment to producing polished work. The Development Manager will anticipate issues, recommend practical solutions and strengthen the systems and processes that help the Korbel advancement team operate effectively.

Annual Giving 

• Serve as the point of contact to the central annual giving team, sharing unit-level insights and supporting alignment on campus-wide appeals.
• Manage the development and execution of mini-campaigns and appeals, both ad hoc and annual, in partnership with the Korbel development team and the School’s research centers and programs.
• Coordinate Korbel’s 1DAY4DU and Giving Tuesday participation, working closely with central annual giving and the unit advancement team to ensure smooth, well-executed efforts.

Stewardship 

• In partnership with the Korbel development team, manage stewardship for annual and leadership annual giving donors to targeted priorities and funds through thoughtful, impact-based communications.
• Partner with Donor Relations and Stewardship to manage unit-based impact reports for Korbel funds and programs.
• Support project management for creation of donor proposals and collateral in collaboration with the unit-based development team.
• Coordinate scholarship recipient engagement with donors, including letters, testimonials and meetings.
• Collaborate with Korbel Marketing and Communications and Advancement Communications to support coordination around donor and alumni efforts.
• Serve as a responsive liaison to major gift donors and longtime supporters with stewardship needs, coordinating follow-up with relationship managers and campus partners.

Event Management 

• Partner with central and unit event teams in the planning and execution of Korbel Advancement events, managing logistics and ensuring details are handled smoothly.
• Coordinate advancement support for board and council meetings, including scheduling, agenda preparation and minutes.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for event participants, donors and board members, ensuring clear and timely communication.
• Support post-event follow-up, including thank-you communications, feedback collection and reporting on outcomes.

Special Projects 

• Manage the planning, execution and tracking of special projects, ensuring tasks stay on schedule and within scope.
• Serve as the point of contact among project stakeholders, keeping communication clear and consistent.
• Troubleshoot project challenges as they arise and recommend practical solutions to keep work moving, flagging issues early to support informed decision-making.
• Contribute ideas for best practices and process improvements to strengthen how projects are managed.

• Expert user Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel. 
• Knowledge of database software platforms; high level of technological proficiency required. Must be able to maintain large quantities of data accurately and efficiently. 
• Excellent project management skills and ability to communicate strategy, task details, deadlines and other deliverables with a range of campus and vendor partners. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including verbal, written and organizational skills. 
• Exceptional attention to details, high level of organization, and commitment to quality. 
• Highly ethical and able to maintain confidential information. 
• Adept at problem-solving, critical thinking, and using judgment in situations that that require sensitivity and tact. 
• High level customer service skills and customer service ethic. 
• Must be able to manage time well, particularly while managing competing priorities. 
• Strong critical thinking skills and ability to recognize opportunities for improvement in the completion of tasks and projects.  
• Ability to anticipate, recognize, and address threats to budget and deadlines. 
• Willingness to take initiative, keep a positive attitude, and maintain a professional demeanor. 
• An understanding and attitude of customer service; ability to be very flexible and adapt to change. 
• Willingness to commit to event days and potentially work weekends or night hours. 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience (Veterans with equivalent combination of military certification/education and experience may substitute for this qualification).
• 2 years of experience in development, alumni or constituent relations, advancement events, or project management, including work with sophisticated internal and external stakeholders.

• Experience working in a higher education and/or a similarly complex non-profit environment (e.g. healthcare). 
• Experience working as or with professionals in development, engagement, sales, or a similar external-facing business function. 
• Experience liaising with philanthropic volunteers, including volunteer boards/committees. 

Advertised: September 21, 2026
Applications close: October 12, 2026

• Standard open office environment
• Noise level is quiet to moderate
• Eligible for hybrid work
• Limited travel responsibilities to meet with donors
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends

• Ability to use a computer for an extended period
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs. with assistance

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) October 12, 2026.