There was never a more important time to work for the ACLU of Colorado. We are a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization guided by a mission to protect, defend, and extend the civil rights and civil liberties of all people in Colorado through litigation, education, and advocacy. As the oldest and largest civil rights organization in Colorado, its work is guided by the Bill of Rights, ensuring the freedoms contained within are available for members of marginalized communities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ people, women, immigrants, people experiencing poverty, unhoused people, incarcerated people, and students. ACLU of Colorado envisions a future where the civil rights and civil liberties of all people in Colorado are honored, respected and upheld. For more information about the work of the ACLU of Colorado and the civil liberties principles we uphold, please visit our website at www.aclu-co.org.

Summary of Position

The ACLU of Colorado seeks applicants for the full-time position of Major Gifts Manager in the Philanthropy Department of the ACLU of Colorado in Denver, Colorado. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month.

The mission of the Philanthropy Department is to unlock the full potential of our community of donors to invest funding, time and expertise in the creation of a more perfect union, with an emphasis on moving resources in a reparative way to build a more equitable future.

Reporting to the Director of Philanthropy, the Major Gifts Manager will be responsible for using their knowledge of personal solicitation and prospect management to create new and deepen existing donor relationships, solicit gifts, and help donors realize their full giving capacity.

Primary Responsibilities

• Secure leadership gifts from a vetted portfolio of 100-125 donors, composed of donors giving at a high level and who have established relationships with ACLU of Colorado.
• Develop and implement strategies for identification, discovery, qualification, and cultivation, and engage in personal solicitation, negotiation, and closing of gift. Identify, develop, and manage relationships with new prospects, including through networking with current donors and prospects.
• Secure, plan, and engage in face-to-face donor visits tied to annual key performance indicators.
• Maintain working knowledge of ACLU of Colorado programmatic priorities and issues.
• Build productive working and collaborative relationships with development colleagues and ACLU of Colorado team members across all departments.
• Empower program and other staff to deepen relationships with donor and prospects and prepare them for their role with coaching, strategy briefings, and feedback.
• Undertake special projects within the Philanthropy Department as needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely entry of donor information, interactions, and prospect research into the donor database, ensuring data integrity and leveraging the system for effective donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU of Colorado.
• Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives.
• Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience building and maintaining relationships with major donors and prospects that help unlock their full potential as partners.
• A minimum of a bachelor's degree is preferred but not required for this position.
• Experience managing a portfolio of major donors and prospects and creating and implementing long- and short-term solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship strategies.
• Demonstrated success prospecting, proposing, and soliciting gifts from the five to six figure range.
• Experience applying effective interpersonal and communication skills include ability to positively influence and persuade, and to use listening, diplomacy, and tact to build relationships, inspire, and motivate donors and colleagues.
• Ability to apply strong organizational skills, including planning, prioritizing, managing projects, following-through, meeting tight deadlines, and attending to details.
• Experience coaching solicitation partners and providing and receiving feedback on donor strategies and portfolio development.
• Ability to apply sound judgement and to maintain the highest standards of donor data integrity and confidentiality.
• Willingness and desire to travel when necessary for donor visits across Colorado.
• Deep commitment to justice, equity, and liberty.

ACLU of Colorado’s Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Belonging, and Inclusion

ACLU of Colorado is an equitable opportunity employer. It believes that having a board, staff, and volunteer base with diverse personal and professional backgrounds enhances its ability to meet its mission and creates an environment where all community members can thrive. It strongly encourages applications from all qualified persons, including people of color, immigrants, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have been formerly incarcerated, and other members of underrepresented and marginalized groups.

ACLU of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other basis protected by State or federal requirements. It is committed to providing a providing a work environment that practices equitable and inclusive treatment and is quick to act to prevent and address harassment or discrimination of any kind.

Essential Job Functions

The following activities are essential for success in this role:

• Ability to remain at workstation for long periods of time.
• Ability to work in office at least two days a week.
• Communicate with others effectively in verbal and written formats.
• Use a computer.
• Answer and make phone calls/text messages.
• Have a reliable form of transportation to commute to and from the office in downtown Denver.
• Ability to travel between locations across the state of Colorado.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position. It is grant-funded for two years, with a strong likelihood of becoming a permanent position. The compensation range for this position is $85,000 to $100,00 based on skills and years of experience and within pay scale parameters of the ACLU of Colorado. ACLU of Colorado offers comprehensive benefits including medical, vision, and dental insurance, life and long-term disability insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, 401(k) contribution, paid vacation, and holidays.

Salary Range: FTE $85-100,000 annual salary.

Application Instructions

Send a cover letter, résumé, and references in an email with “Major Gifts Manager” in the subject line to [email protected]. No phone calls please. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of ACLU of Colorado as well as the responsibilities and qualifications presented in the prospectus. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the successful candidate has been selected. To request an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [email protected].