Senior Director of Development

Job Posting Title:

Senior Director of Development

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Hiring Department:

University Development Office

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

May 15, 2025

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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Job Details:

General Notes

About The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, ranks among the 40 best universities in the world with top national programs across 19 colleges and schools. By creating educational opportunities for all and leading cutting-edge research at scale, the University fosters positive social change, technological advancement, and economic progress showing the world that change really does start here.

Following our 10-year strategic plan, UT will become the world’s highest-impact public research university, unleashing knowledge, opportunity and innovation from the heart of Texas. 

Learn more about UT’s mission and values, leadership and Change Starts Here strategic plan.

Why Join Texas Development?

The University of Texas at Austin is on the front lines of the future: sparking the imagination, driving discovery and transforming lives. And it’s only possible because generous supporters believe in the power and promise of our state’s flagship university to change the world.

Together, through one of the largest fundraising efforts in our state’s history, we will support our people, amplify the unmatched potential of our place, and lead innovation through world-changing pursuits. With nearly $5 billion raised over the past six years, Texas Development is quickly becoming one of the best fundraising programs in higher education.

Texas Development is a dynamic community of more than 450 fundraising professionals across the Forty Acres. We strive to reach the highest levels of achievement and success in all that we do by creating meaningful and powerful experiences for our donors.

Join us and change the world.

Purpose

To serve as a Senior Director of Principal gifts within the University Development Office and raise philanthropic support focusing on principal gift donors with a capacity of $1,000,000 soliciting gifts of $1,000,000 plus annually. Successful candidates will work on a team focused on soliciting gifts in the entrepreneurship, finance, and economic fields. Gift officer will work to assess and cultivate prospects in entrepreneurial companies and business start-ups with a regional focus in the Northeast. Work with colleagues and leadership across campus to deliver proposals that impact these areas on campus.

Responsibilities

• Build and carry an active portfolio of 25 - 75 prospective donors.
• Engage in qualification, strategy development, relationship building and closing of major gift(s) at $1,000,000+ entrepreneurship, finance and economic fields.
• Within 18 months of start date, consistently produce $3,000,000 - $5,000,000 per year.
• Lead a team of gift officers to raise funds for entrepreneurship, finance and economic fields.
• Establish performance goals and assess policies for direct subordinates.
• Ensure fundraising dollar goals and deadlines are met for Principal and Major Gifts team.
• Track and ensure that principal gift prospects are being visited and that a fundraising strategy is in place; if appropriate, utilize faculty and leadership.
• Partner with Executive Director of Principal Gifts to identify and prioritize funding opportunities.
• Participate in goal setting, proposal preparation, strategy development, and stewardship as required for donors in the portfolio.
• Successfully and consistently deliver funding proposals to prospective and current donors.
• Effectively work with, communicate with, and collaborate with faculty, academic leaders, and other development staff to develop campus-wide funding opportunities and reach campaign goals.
• Maintain appropriate electronic documentation on a timely basis, including engagement activities, proposal tracking, contact reports, donor strategies, and forecasting in VIP.
• Record timely reports, letters, proposals, or gift agreements following a donor contact.