Director of Principal Gifts

Job Posting Title:

Director of Principal Gifts

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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:

Mar 16, 2026

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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

What starts here changes the world.

The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, ranks among the best universities in the world. With 76 programs ranked in the top 10, UT Austin is the #1 public university in Texas and the #7 public university in the nation.

Like the state it calls home, The University of Texas at Austin is a bold, ambitious leader supporting more than 55,000 students, 4,750 faculty, 15,000 staff and top national programs across 18 colleges and schools. Amid the backdrop of Austin, Texas, a city recognized for its creative and entrepreneurial spirit, the University provides a place to explore countless opportunities for tomorrow’s artists, scientists, athletes, doctors, entrepreneurs and engineers.

Learn more about UT’s mission and values and leadership.

Why Join Texas Development?

The University of Texas at Austin is a thriving hub of learning and discovery that anchors our city and enables excellence and innovation on the highest level. And it’s only possible because generous supporters believe in the power and promise of our state’s flagship university to change the world. With more than $6 billion raised in the What Starts Here campaign, Texas Development is quickly becoming one of the best fundraising programs in public higher education.

Texas Development is a dynamic community of 500+ 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.

Follow your passion, grow your career and help us change the world.

Benefits

The University provides a competitive benefits package that includes insurance and retirement benefits in addition to other programs and services.

Texas Development supports growth by offering professional development opportunities that help every team member accomplish their goals, enrich their skillset and deepen their engagement with UT.

Purpose

To serve as a Director of Development, Principal Gifts, on Texas Development’s Individual Philanthropy team. This position will raise funds in support of the McCombs School of Business and focus on identifying and cultivating prospects with a capacity of $1,000,000 plus with an emphasis on soliciting gifts of $1,000,000 and above.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an understanding of university priorities, vision and mission.

• Build and carry an active portfolio of 40-80 prospective donors.

• Engage in qualification, strategy, development, relationship building, and closing of principal gifts at $1,000,000+ for the designated college or school.

• Consistently produce $5,000,000 - $8,000,000 per year.

• 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 to reach campaign goals.

• Utilize a fundraising database and prospecting tools. Maintain appropriate electronic documentation on a timely basis, including engagement activities, proposal tracking, contact reports, donor strategies and forecasting.

• Record timely reports, letters, proposals, or gift agreements following a donor contact.

• Work collaboratively, proactively, and in a professional, service-oriented manner with all University development officers to further the development goals of the University.

• Additional duties as assigned.