Program Manager, Institute for Leaders in Development (ILD)

University of Denver•Denver, CO

42d•$25,000 - $30,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Serving as ILD's primary leader, strategist, and administrator, the Program Manager is currently the sole paid staff member supporting the program. This position works in close partnership with the Executive and Steering Committees, whose thought leadership and volunteer support are integral to ILD's success. The role requires a blend of expertise in fundraising, community partnership, and volunteer engagement to maintain and advance the program's excellence. The ideal candidate brings both the relational acumen of a seasoned fundraiser and the operational discipline of an experienced program manager. They thrive in collaborative, volunteer-driven environments and are passionate about building community, elevating philanthropy, and developing systems that foster creativity and measurable impact. As ILD strengthens its infrastructure and expands its reach, this position is well-positioned for growth-offering the opportunity to shape the program's evolving capacity, resources, and strategic direction.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years' experience in fundraising, program management, or nonprofit leadership.
Proven success in donor cultivation, grant writing, and revenue generation.
Demonstrated ability to manage volunteers and build community partnerships.
Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills.
Deep knowledge of Colorado's nonprofit and philanthropic landscape.
Comfort with digital communication platforms, databases (preference for experience with SalesForce), and online learning tools.
Flexible schedule to accommodate key events during early spring and late summer.

Nice To Haves

Collaborative leader with strong emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills.
Experienced fundraiser who can align strategy with storytelling.
Organized, proactive, and detail-oriented.
Passionate about advancing philanthropy and developing nonprofit leaders.
Innovative thinker who enjoys improving systems and exploring new possibilities.

Responsibilities

Oversee all aspects of ILD's annual program cycle, participant communications, and special events.
Maintain annual timelines and track progress toward program, committee, and strategic goals.
Serve as the central liaison among DU, the Steering Committee, participants, and volunteers.
Support seamless logistics and a high-quality participant experience through clear communication and consistent follow-through.
Coordinate special events, including kick-off and year-end celebrations, and alumni connection opportunities.
Partner with the Executive Committee to recruit, orient, and retain a balanced and engaged Steering Committee.
Support and guide all volunteer committees (Recruitment, Curriculum, Mentor, Capstone, Donor Relations, Volunteer Engagement, Communications, etc.) in developing annual goals and work plans.
Prepare agendas, minutes, reports, and progress updates for committee and Steering meetings.
Promote accountability, collaboration, and shared ownership across volunteer leaders.
In partnership with the Donor Relations and broader Steering Committees, design, lead, and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, and steward individual, foundation, and corporate donors in order to expand ILD's operational capacity and advance its mission.
Develop and manage grant and community partnership proposals, donor communications, and annual reports to funders that articulate ILD's impact and outcomes
Collaborate with DU Advancement and College of Professional Studies to ensure gift processing, acknowledgment, and reporting align with university policy.
Work closely with the Steering Committee to expand donor/community partnership prospecting, sponsorships, alumni giving, and other creative revenue streams.
Ensure fiscal transparency by maintaining accurate income and expense records, issuing monthly reports to the Executive Committee, and presenting full financial statements at each of the five annual Steering Committee meetings.
Serve as an ambassador for ILD in the philanthropic community-promoting its mission, outcomes, and partnership opportunities.
Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, alumni, funders, and peer leadership programs.
Represent ILD at sector events, conferences, and university functions to elevate visibility and engagement.
Strengthen ILD's alumni network through targeted communications, collaboration opportunities, and recognition initiatives.
Collaborate with the Communications Committee to ensure consistent and compelling messaging across web, social media, and outreach materials.
Identify new opportunities to grow ILD's impact, such as alumni programming, professional development offerings, or collaborative learning models.
Bring a creative, data-informed mindset to evolving ILD's programming, funding, and volunteer engagement strategies.
Pilot and evaluate new systems, CRM, technologies, and partnerships that enhance program efficiency and engagement.
Maintain a forward-looking perspective to ensure ILD remains a leading voice in advancing Colorado's philanthropic workforce, staying informed on current trends, innovations, and best practices in fundraising and nonprofit leadership.
Collaborate with the College of Professional Studies and the Steering Committee to develop and manage the annual ILD budget.
Monitor expenditures and revenue in alignment with approved financial plans.
Collect and analyze participant feedback and program metrics to inform continuous improvement and overall impact.
Provide concise written reports, capture and maintain meeting minutes and updates for Steering Committee meetings.