Director of Development, Texas Science & Natural History Museum

Job Posting Title:

Director of Development, Texas Science & Natural History Museum

----

Hiring Department:

Texas Memorial Museum

----

Position Open To:

All Applicants

----

Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

----

FLSA Status:

Exempt

----

Earliest Start Date:

Dec 16, 2024

----

Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

----

Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

----

Job Details:

General Notes

Texas Science & Natural History Museum is developing new exhibits, programs, and experiences that spark curiosity, promote belonging, and tell stories about Texas science and natural history. Texas Science & Natural History Museum seeks a Director of Development to secure philanthropic support for the museum’s annual and campaign gifts.

Purpose

To serve as Director of Development to provide leadership and management of all aspects of fundraising for Texas Science & Natural History Museum, including annual gifts, major and principal gifts, planned gifs, corporate and foundation relations, and donor stewardship.  Position reports to Managing Director.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for the museum’s comprehensive fundraising program with an emphasis on major gifts ($100,000+).  Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.  Develop, write, and present comprehensive fundraising proposals and solicitations to prospective donors.  Prepare briefings for visits made to current and prospective donors.

• Identify prospective donors by extensive analysis of constituent databases, volunteer prospects review, and personal visits to prospects. Develop giving strategies that are appropriate and meaningful including systematic cultivation and stewardship programming and necessary follow-up.  Maintain appropriate electronic documentation on a timely basis, including proposal tracking, contact reports and forecasting. Coordinate with museum staff to cultivate museum members for additional giving and work closely with Advisory Council to broaden network of supporters.

• Work collaboratively, proactively, and in a professional service-oriented manner with development colleagues in College of Natural Sciences and across the university to widen the prospect base, review strategy, and meet funding goals. Serve as a liaison with University Development Office and all UT Austin development colleagues to increase awareness of Museum funding priorities and facilitate collaborative prospect strategies.

• Other related duties and functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and eight years’ experience in major gift fundraising at museums or higher education institutions. Demonstrated ability to execute successful full-cycle donor strategy and record of successful fundraising from individuals, corporate, and foundations, with an emphasis on closing 6-figure gifts. High degree of emotional intelligence and demonstrated ability to drive results.  Highly effective communications skills (written, verbal, interpersonal.) Ability to think strategically and creatively and work well under pressure.  Capable of working independently, while also engaging in collaboration between teams. Experience working with VIP or other similar CRM.  Ability to travel to visit prospects and donors.  Ability to use discretion and maintain integrity and professionalism.  Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree and 10 years’ experience in fundraising.  Experience working at museums or cultural institutions at The University of Texas at Austin. Experience working with VIP CRM system.  Knowledge of UT Austin policies and procedures. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Salary Range

OPEN

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment (Working at a desk and computer for extended periods, including repetitive use of a keyboard and manual dexterity).

• Occasional nights and weekends.

• Occasional travel to develop funding opportunities and reach campaign goals.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV

• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.

• Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: