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Development Research Analyst

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Position Number: 6335224
Location: Denver, CO
Position Type: Development and Fund Raising

Development Research Analyst

University of Colorado Denver

Development Research Analyst-37200

University Staff

Description

Join Our Team and Make a Difference in Higher Education!

At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose.

By joining our team, you'll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado's system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU's campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities.

We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you're passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey. Learn more about CU System Administration.

Position Summary:

The University of Colorado's (CU) Office of Advancement manages and coordinates administrative functions that support the campus-based fundraising field staff. These functions include communications, data management, CRM operations, reporting & analytics, estate gift planning, gift processing, marketing, research, and other services. These centralized services place the institution in an optimal position to attract substantial support from the philanthropic sector.

The Development Research Analyst is a member of the Research & Analytics team, which supports fundraising "advancement" activities conducted throughout the CU community including by the University's four unique campuses, System Administration, the President's Office, and the CU Foundation. These functions include research, marketing and communications, gift processing, database management, estate gift planning, and other services. The analyst supports efforts to increase fundraising by identifying new donor prospects, providing fundraisers with timely information on existing donor prospects, using data and analysis to help fundraising leaders inform strategy, and more. They work closely with fundraising partners on campuses and are assigned as liaison to certain fundraising units. Incumbents are expected to seek opportunities for professional development that enhance job performance, develop and maintain a network of contacts with other prospect research professionals nationwide, and understand and apply national best practices, processes, and technologies. See Apra, our professional organization, for more information on the prospect development profession.

This position reports to the Assistant Director of Research & Analytics and is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified Staff system.

Where You Will Work:

This position can be either hybrid (part work from home, part in-office) or fully in-office. System Advancement is in the uptown neighborhood of Denver. Travel to campuses to meet with fundraising partners will be expected under either a fully in-office or a hybrid schedule, and analysts choosing the hybrid model might generally end up filling their "in person" time via on-campus work as part of their liaison responsibilities. However, they will still need to come into the Denver office for team or other meetings on occasion. Most members of the Research & Analytics team will be working the hybrid model, so most team interaction will continue to be virtual.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

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.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Research

Research, synthesize, and analyze biographical and financial information on specific individuals, foundations, and corporations for major gift fundraising needs
- Follow ethical guidelines to utilize intuitive and creative approaches in all aspects of research
- Critically assess information identified to determine relevance
Utilize print, online media, and online vendor tools and screenings to identify new high potential individual, foundation, or corporate donor prospects
- Locate timely information about alumni, business transactions, market trends, and/or and higher education status or affiliation
- Identify potential prospects related to pertinent situations and projects
Serve as a liaison between Advancement and assigned system and campus partners by meeting with stakeholders as necessary to build relationships and effectively collaborate with unit partners
Support CU President with event bios, briefings for personal meetings, prospect lists, and analyses as needed
Collaborate with fundraisers and internal partners to research, build, and maintain quality prospect pools and to move prospects through the process of identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
- Maintain an active awareness of organizational vision, mission, goals, objectives, and directions of CU Advancement, the CU System, and its four campuses
- Participate in strategy meetings to share pertinent information already obtained, determine research needs, and ensure research efforts provide useful information that supports fundraising efforts
- Participate in training with fundraising staff as needed to educate and increase awareness of services and information available through their own efforts, and information that can be obtained through research staff, materials, and databases.
Manage request queue, including negotiating deadlines and scope of work, keeping track of upcoming deadlines, and quickly completing low-effort research or training requests
Proactively develop new ideas and projects
Participate in special projects as requested

Data Analysis, Management, and Maintenance

Update donor database (Salesforce Ascend) with information on donors, alumni, and prospects
Analyze, prioritize, and disseminate results of database screenings with the purpose of informing decision-making and increasing private support
Conduct descriptive analysis projects for system and campus fundraising partners and leadership, including analysis of giving patterns, historic giving and projections, pool demographics, etc.
Create data visualizations or narratives and presents on results as needed
Maintain a high level of professionalism with sensitive and confidential information

Professional Development

Develop and maintain a network of professional contacts with the purpose of cultivating an understanding of the best national practices, principles, techniques, and technologies for fundraising performance
Learn about technologies, products, and tactics that could improve the effectiveness of the CU Advancement program and apply relevant information to grow and achieve an industry-leading program

What We Offer:

Salary: The anticipated hiring range has been established at $62,000 - $67,000.

CU System Administration takes into consideration a combination of the selected candidate's education, training and experience as it relates to the position, as well as the position's scope and complexity, internal pay equity and external market value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Benefits: With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness.

No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.
6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.
A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
Free RTD EcoPass and Free Onsite Parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.
Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.

For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide.

Access our Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards could be at CU. (This position is a University Staff position)

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Please ensure your resume includes any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against these qualifications. You must meet all minimum requirements listed at the time of application to be considered for this role.

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent professional experience (professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis).
One (1) year of equivalent experience related to at least one of the following:
- Fundraising
- Research
- Data-related work (analysis, management, and maintenance)

Preferred Qualifications:

Two (2) years' equivalent experience, as stated above
Non-profit experience, preferably in a higher education fundraising environment
Experience with Salesforce Ascend donor database or similar Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to use internet navigation and research tools (e.g., on-line, printed, etc.)
Ability to establish and maintain partnerships with development staff
Ability to analyze and synthesize complex financial and/or constituent information
Ability to follow ethical guidelines and uphold high ethical standards
Ability to deal with confidential material
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, and to be cognizant of and address details.
Ability to analyze issues and solve problems.
Knowledge of Securities and Exchange Commission documents and financial terminology
Proficient personal computer skills, especially as they relate to donor tracking software and the Microsoft Office Suite of products (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.)

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please attach the following as separate documents to your application:

A cover letter identifying the job specific minimum qualifications you possess
A resume including any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting.

Please ensure you check the "Job Specific Attachments" box next to each document on the "Required Documents" page of the application for the appropriate documents to be attached.

Per the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, you are not required to provide your date of birth, dates of school attendance, or dates of graduation on your resume or cover letter. If an application requires additional materials, such as a transcript or certification, you may redact identifying information relating to your date or birth, dates of school attendance, or dates of graduation.

When to Apply:

For full consideration completed applications must be submitted by Monday, July 14, 2025. Reference checking is a standard step in our hiring process. You may be asked to provide contact information, including email addresses, for up to five references as part of the search process for this position. *Please note: All application materials must be submitted through CU Careers; emailed materials will not be considered.*

Sponsorship Statement:

We are unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial history, motor vehicle history and/or fingerprinting background check. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that a verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

ADA Statement:

We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting. Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: systemhr@cu.edu.

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Job Category: Development

Primary Location: Denver

Department: S0001 -- System Administration - 50206 - Advancement Operations

Schedule: Full-time

Posting Date: Jun 30, 2025

Unposting Date: Ongoing

Posting Contact Name: System HR Recruiting

Posting Contact Email: SystemHR.Recruiting@cu.edu

Position Number: 00793375

To apply, please visit: https://cu.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=37200&lang=en