POSITION SUMMARYExecutive Director plays a critical role in the strategic growth and success of the college and CCA Foundation (CCAF) by setting core strategy and implementing streamlined development processes that support the College and Foundation’s strategic plans and priorities. Reporting to the Foundation’s Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as a trusted advisor and strategic thought-partner to the College President and serves on the President’s Cabinet to advance the development activities of the College in alignment with CCA’s vision, mission and BRAVE 2030 strategic plan. The Executive Director is responsible for effectively stewarding CCAF’s mission, achieving its financial and fundraising objectives, and elevating CCAF’s impact on student academic and career success. Key responsibilities include leading all development activities focused on major gifts, planned giving, capital/college advancement, CCA Foundation scholarships, student emergency assistance, and new program launches such as recent expansions in for-credit and non-credit pathways in structural trades, healthcare, and engineering.
About Community College of Aurora Foundation
The Community College of Aurora (CCA) Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing student success and high-quality education at CCA. The Foundation raises philanthropic resources, forges community and industry partnerships, and cultivates donor engagement. CCAF is committed to stewarding contributions with integrity and transparency, guided by the vision to support CCA in being the college where every student succeeds. For more information, visithttps://auroragives.org.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Leadership– 45% - Establish and execute a comprehensive prospect development strategy aligned with the Foundation’s and College’s fundraising goals and objectives to further the efforts of CCAF and support the College’s strategic priorities.
- Develop and lead strategies to promote the image of the College by overseeing events and activities with the Director of Development that advance the College’s mission, vision, and strategic plan to provide innovative and responsive educational opportunities that improve students’ economic mobility.
- Partner with Marketing and other College departments to raise awareness of CCAF’s impact, current fundraising campaigns and events, and champion the outcomes of the college.
- Create CCAF’s annual budget and work with the Director of Development to create the annual development plan that is presented to the CCAF Board of Directors for approval. Analyze and report on forecasted vs. actual performance to inform future strategy.
- Oversee accounting operations and the process for preparing monthly and annual audited financial statements.
- Lead and develop a high performing and joyous team by fostering a strong philanthropic-focused, student-centered, impact-driven work environment. Set clear and achievable goals, establish accountability measures, identify professional development opportunities, and consistently provide timely and relevant feedback.
- Support the Senior Director of Development by taking an active role in planning large-scale fundraising opportunities that contribute to CCAF’s strategic priorities and economic drivers.
- Support the strategic growth and expansion of CCAF scholarships by partnering with College leadership, donors, and development staff to align scholarship funding with student needs and institutional priorities.
External Partnerships & Donor Stewardship – 45% - Develop and refine initiatives to identify, cultivate, and engage major and planned gift donors (individual, corporate, foundation, and institutional), while maintaining and strengthening partnerships with existing donors.
- Mobilize internal and external stakeholders towards a bold vision of how they can impact student success.
- Engage and support the CCA President in their role as chief spokesperson and fundraiser of the College by serving as an advisor in the cultivation and development of engaged partnerships with influential industry and community leaders. Partner with other college Cabinet members and the Workforce division to engage industry partners in the mission, strategies, and priorities of the College and Foundation.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), CCCS Foundation, executive directors of foundations for other CCCS colleges, and national professional organizations such as CASE and AACC.
Board of Directors – 10%- Lead the CCA Foundation in alignment with the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors, seeking their involvement in the six key areas of Board responsibility (keeper of vision and strategy, leadership oversight and development, provide resources, remove obstacles, board self-management, and risk-management oversight).
- Partner closely with the Board President and Vice President to develop and maintain a cohesive, responsive, world-class Board that achieves its annual priorities and goals as it lives out the mission of CCAF.
- Support the CCA Board of Directors in its responsibility for maintaining the fiscal integrity of the Foundation by providing all information necessary for the Board to make informed decisions that fulfill the mission of CCAF through programs, strategic planning, and community engagement.
- Serve as the primary staff person for the Executive Committee, Finance & Investment Committee, and Audit Committee. Participate on the Development and Scholarship Committees as appropriate.
- Lead recruitment of new Board members and the meaningful engagement of each Board member as they endeavor to accomplish their personal Board Engagement Plan goals.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of 6 years of leadership experience, including at the senior or executive level, in advancement, fundraising, nonprofit management, or a related field.
- Demonstrated track record of securing and stewarding significant philanthropic investments, including major and planned gifts, and leading comprehensive fundraising strategies that drive measurable revenue growth.
- Proven experience managing and developing high-performing teams, including setting strategic direction, establishing performance metrics, and achieving organizational outcomes.
- Experience partnering with executive leadership (e.g., President/CEO and Cabinet-level leaders) and engaging effectively with a governing Board of Directors, including supporting board development, engagement, and governance responsibilities
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills, with the ability to represent the Foundation and college with credibility and influence across diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while maintaining clarity, focus, and strong execution.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Experience leading or playing a senior role in a comprehensive fundraising campaign or large-scale advancement initiative.
- Established relationships and credibility within the Aurora, Centennial, Commerce City, DenverMetro, or broader Colorado philanthropic, corporate, and civic communities.
- Experience advancing workforce-aligned education initiatives, including partnerships with industry, government, or education systems that support career pathways and economic mobility.
- Familiarity with higher education advancement, community college systems, or similarly complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
- Experience collaborating with marketing and communications teams to elevate organizational visibility, donor engagement, and storytelling.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Compensation:
The salary range for this position will be $110,000 - $165,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits package includes up to 10% annual performance bonus, health and dental insurance, long-term disability insurance, 3% matching retirement plan, cell phone reimbursement, and a generous vacation and sick time package. CCA Foundation has a remote work policy.
Deadline to Submit Application Material:Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. A formal review of applications will begin on Monday, April 20. Applications received prior to this date will be given priority consideration. If you have questions regarding the application process for this position, we do request that you send an email to HR@ccaurora.edu.
Application Process:When submitting your online application, please include a cover letter clearly shows how the applicant’s professional experiences align with the minimum qualifications, current resume, and professional references. Official transcripts showing the highest degree achieved should be submitted to HR@ccaurora.edu upon offer of employment. If you have questions regarding this position, please contact us at HR@ccaurora.edu.
By applying for this announced position, applicants are certifying that all statements, information and documents provided are true, complete and correct to the best of their knowledge and are made in good faith. Further, applicants understand that omissions, misleading, false or untrue information, or any attempt at fraud or deceit in any manner connected with this application and/or subsequent testing may result in them not being considered for jobs with the Community College of Aurora; may constitute grounds for discipline and/or termination after hire; and/or constitute grounds for further actions pursuant to law.
Application Checklist
Complete Applications must include the following documents:
- A complete online application
- A cover letter that describes how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position
- A current resume uploaded as an attachment to your online application
- Candidates identified as finalists must provide three to five professional references, at least two of which must include a current direct supervisor and most recent supervisor. If you cannot provide two supervisor references, an opportunity will be afforded for discussion and consideration of alternative references with the CCA Human Resource Office. Please note, out of professional courtesy to you, we will not contact your listed references without first providing notice to you as a candidate prior to beginning the reference check-process.
- A copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing that your degree has been conferred and the name of your school, or your NACES accreditation is required as part of your application. Please submit this as an attachment to your application. Please note that you have the right to redact dates from your transcript during the application process. A full, unredacted copy will be required upon hire.
- For any questions or technical issues please contact HR@CCAurora.edu.
Notice to all Applicants:
Community College of Aurora Foundation Inclusive Excellence Statement:
The CCA Foundation embraces Inclusive Excellence because we want our students, staff, and faculty to learn and contribute within an inclusive environment. This means members of our college community will be active, respectful, and mindful of equity, diversity, and inclusion at all levels of engagement.
Inclusive Excellence will provide a foundation for student and institutional success. Recognizing our diversity is only the first step toward Inclusive Excellence.
We must also be intentional in valuing cultural differences and experiences, while incorporating them into practices, curricula, and policies.
Welcoming, Respectful, Inclusive - Together, we are CCA.
ADAAA Accommodations:Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact Lacey Golonka lacey.golonka@molsoncoors.com or Kara Jorgensen Kara_Jorgensen@comcast.com at least five business days before the assessment date to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.
Pregnancy Related Accommodations, Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA):The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA), allows applicants to request a reasonable accommodation for health conditions related to pregnancy or the physical recovery from childbirth. Candidates wishing to request reasonable accommodations must do so as soon as possible, preferably at least three days prior to the exam or interview. If you are an individual who wishes to request reasonable accommodations, please contact Lacey Golonka lacey.golonka@molsoncoors.com or Kara Jorgensen Kara_Jorgensen@comcast.com
Non-Discrimination Statement:The Community College of Aurora Foundationprohibits and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment that violates federal or state law, Board Policy 3-120 or Board Policy 4-120. The College and the CCA Foundationdo not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender, race, color, age, creed, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, religion or sexual orientation. The College complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974; Executive Order 11246, and sections 24-34-301, C.R.S. et seq.
