Job Details

Program Manager of Implementation, Principal Giving and Strategic Initiatives

Position Number: 7166585
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Development and Fund Raising

Program Manager of Implementation, Principal Giving and Strategic Initiatives

Requisition Number: 72032
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 31-May-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Office of Advancement with the University of Colorado, Boulder is seeking applications for a Program Manager of Implementation, Principal Giving and Strategic Initiatives! This role is responsible for supporting strategic plans, programs, and philanthropic initiatives of $5 million or more. This position translates high-impact benefactor visions into sustainable, operational programs that align with the strategic priorities of CU Boulder. Once philanthropic gifts are committed, this position will take the lead in building out implementation plans and timelines to accomplish each key initiative, program, and recruitment.
This inaugural role is designed to flex across both implementation and strategy within Principal Giving and Strategic Initiatives. While the primary focus is on delivering complex philanthropic initiatives, the Program Implementation Manager will also, as capacity allows, support front-end principal giving efforts, including donor strategy, opportunity development, and early-stage concept design for high-impact gifts. This dual focus ensures continuity from vision through delivery and strengthens the university's ability to realize ground-breaking philanthropy.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

CU Boulder Advancement is committed to a culture of joy, motivated by collaboration, passionate about excellence and driven by impact. These four values define the culture and drive engagement and fundraising success.
We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone matters and all can thrive. This dedication is rooted in our core values and our mission to drive impactful fundraising and engagement. Our team actively engages in learning, reflection, and the transformation of systems, policies, and practices that perpetuate oppressive ideologies-including racism, sexism, ableism, and heterosexism. We recognize our responsibility to lead by example in building a supportive and inclusive culture for both internal colleagues and external partners. We hold ourselves accountable through individual and divisional goals that continuously assess our progress, growth, and outcomes-ensuring alignment with our mission and values every step of the way.
The Principal Giving and Strategic Initiatives team works with members of the campus community to align institutional priorities and donor passions in ways that ignite ground-breaking philanthropy. By doing so, we help donors achieve their philanthropic dreams through partnerships with the University, and we help CU Boulder accelerate its role in world-changing solutions that positively impact our state, the nation, and the world.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Programmatic Oversight/Implementation/Liaison

Developing philanthropic spending plans and timelines for gifts $5M+ to accomplish each key initiative/program/hire. Maintain a portfolio of $5M+ closed gifts to support and work in close collaboration with the Associate Director for Donor Stewardship, who manages a stewardship portfolio of $5M+ donors.
Work with University leaders, faculty and staff in a liaison role to develop and complete plans that advance utilization and fundraising initiatives.
Together with the SCU's and Unit partners, the Implementation Manager will engage and translate between faculty partners, HR and finance staff to implement deliverables within philanthropic plan documents.
Orchestrate quarterly meetings with campus and advancement leadership to provide updates on philanthropic gifts in their portfolio (initial focus on gifts of $5M+), including key deliverables, timelines, and concerns or opportunities.
Ensure smooth progress between pre-and post-gift activities for $5M+ gifts, lead "kickoff" meetings to review spending plan and ongoing execution touchpoints alongside Donor Relations team.
Build out of comprehensive plan for all current and prospective donors of $5M+ including spending, stewardship, etc. and partner with Donor Relations and university colleagues on fulfillment.
Sharing collective responsibility to deliver upon the Office of Advancement's strategy and vision.

Other Duties as Assigned

Serve as a strategic advisor in executive-level forums, providing consultative insight into operational implications, financial risk analysis, and strategic opportunities, while ensuring responsible stewardship of institutional resources.
To the extent time permits, offer strategic guidance related to the development of budget models for principal gift proposals in the early concept development phase.
Proactively assess the assigned portfolio to identify risks, gaps, and untapped opportunities-mitigating potential issues while positioning initiatives for stronger, more ambitious philanthropic investment.
Apply tools such as CU Ascend, WealthX and other research resources to proactively prospect for potential high-impact donors to burgeoning critical initiatives.
Maintain awareness of CU Boulder's strategic fundraising initiatives as well as national philanthropic trends.
As capacity demands, occasionally provide project management support for in-flight, principal-level gift conversations. Tracks action and circulates follow-up with campus partners to support the development of principal gift proposals in coordination with advancement leadership and the university's academic and administrative leadership.

What You Should Know

This position has the ability to work a hybrid schedule with some days on campus and some days remote.

What We Can Offer

The salary range is $65,000 - $78,000 annually. Relocation assistance is available within Advancement guidelines.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be game-changing. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
1 year of professional, job-related experience.

What You Will Need

The role requires extensive interpersonal skills and creative thinking.
Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
Ability to establish and maintain strong, respectful and collaborative working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
Outstanding customer service skills supporting our faculty, staff and team members.
Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion.
Expert knowledge of ethical and effective fundraising techniques.
The ability to set high expectations, exude positive energy and motivate staff towards excellence yet not perfection to achieve desired results.
Skilled in having crucial conversations with team members when expectations are not met or values-based culture is in question.
Expert ability to analyze data and use evidence-based standard methodologies to solve problems.
Expert ability to handle sensitive information discreetly and maintain confidentiality.
Solid ability to organize and manage multiple projects/tasks simultaneously; proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively and adapt to changing priorities.
Solid knowledge of current issues facing public universities and interests of assigned school, students, faculty, and alumni.
Proven track record to steward donations from individuals in the principal gift level $3M and above.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

A current resume.
A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by May 31, 2026 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Program-Manager-of-Implementation-Principal-Giving-and-Strategic-Initiatives/72032