Director of Development

Director of Development

University Advancement

St. Edward's University, a nationally ranked, independent Catholic university and Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) invites applications for the Director of Development position. St. Edward's is characterized by its commitment to the Holy Cross educational mission to educate the hearts and minds of a diverse student body that is deeply committed to social justice.

The Director of Development plans, implements, and manages strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and closure of major gifts from alumni, parents, and friends. The incumbent will be responsible for building a donor pipeline through discovery and qualification, and for managing a portfolio of major gift prospects with annual goals for activity and results. Work in concert with other gift officers, volunteers, and key administrators including academic deans, faculty, and program directors in advancing the university's strategic fundraising priorities. The incumbent will work closely with all of the Office of University Advancement divisions including Development and Alumni Relations, Constituent Relations, and Advancement Operations. This position supports the fundraising for the Munday School of Business, Hilltopper Athletics, and Recreation and Wellness.

St. Edward's University is at a pivotal moment in its 140-year history, having welcomed Montserrat Fuentes, Ph.D. in July 2021. Dr. Fuentes is our first Hispanic president and our second woman president. She is leading the university community in an ambitious vision to become a Destination University for a More Just World through work plans that enhance our: academic excellence and distinction; commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice; campus vibrancy and inclusiveness; impact within the City of Austin; and the university's infrastructure and resources. This position will impact all of these strategic pillars, especially by fostering relationships and philanthropic contributions from individuals in Austin and beyond. The successful candidate will join a values-driven, intimate campus community that is driven by our founding Holy Cross mission of inclusiveness and social impact. Located in the heart of South Austin, St. Edward's University offers a successful candidate the unique opportunity to impact the academic success and professional development of approximately 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students.

Qualifications for consideration:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of successful fundraising experience, preferably in higher education, with a demonstrated record of securing philanthropic support.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and build strong relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external stakeholders across the university community.
• Commitment to the mission and values of private higher education.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including political acumen and the ability to cultivate and maintain productive relationships with internal and external constituencies.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Willingness to travel as needed.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass a criminal background check.

Essential Responsibilities Include:

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts from individuals by establishing and strengthening relationships through personal visits and engaging them in the philanthropic priorities that advance and serve St. Edward's University Strategic Plan 2027.
• Conduct research to identify and meetings to qualify major gift prospects through discovery visits, commensurate with portfolio composition; averaging 10+ donor visits per month.
• Solicit gifts of $25,000+ from individual donors with an annual goal of $1M in current use (unrestricted), endowed and/or planned gifts.
• Proactively manage a prospect portfolio of 75-100 households, including completion of the moves management process for each assigned prospect, as well as ongoing replenishment of the portfolio in consultation with Advancement Services and senior development leadership.
• Develop prospect strategies, prepare briefing reports, and coordinate execution of donor activities for key university administrators and volunteer leaders.
• Contribute actively to strategy discussions for all other areas of development and alumni relations to stren