Principal Gifts Officer

WHO WE ARE
The University of Austin (UATX) is a pioneering institution of higher education based in Austin, Texas. UATX has welcomed its inaugural undergraduate class, built a world-class faculty, and established a rigorous, innovative curriculum rooted in the classical tradition and including innovative STEM and entrepreneurial elements, all designed to prepare students for principled leadership in the 21st century.
UATX is revitalizing higher education by reaffirming the essential values of freedom of inquiry, intellectual pluralism, and civil discourse.
Since our public launch in 2021, UATX has rapidly transitioned from vision to reality—raising over $200 million in donations and pledges from thousands of supporters. As we look ahead, we aim to raise $750M+ in the coming decade.

JOB SUMMARY
UATX seeks a Principal Gifts Officer to join its growing advancement team and play a pivotal role in securing philanthropic support to sustain and scale this transformative institution. The fundraiser will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors, with a focus on individuals capable of making six- to eight-figure gifts.This role offers an opportunity for both strategic thinking and independent tactical execution. The successful candidate will bring a deep commitment to UATX’s mission, a proven track record in major gift fundraising, a collaborative spirit, and the ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial, dynamic start up environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reporting to the SVP of Advancement, build and advance a robust portfolio, cultivate and build authentic relationships with prospective donors, and successfully solicit and close gifts for UATX
• Thoughtful, sophisticated engagement will include frequent donor meetings via phone, Zoom, and in person, with a minimum of 35% travel.
• Plan and execute donor events (eg dinners and receptions) in key cities.
• Partner with UATX colleaues to develop UATX donor events, proposals, messaging materials, and more.
• Engage with the SVP of Advancement, the President of UATX, academic leaders, and senior staff to develop and drive donor strategy for portfolio growth.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Substantive development/fundraising experience is required.
• Demonstrable experience in executing major gift fundraising strategies for individual and prospective supporters.
• Skilled communicator
• Ability to balance shifting and competing priorities, and the capacity to adjust strategies and tactics quickly in response to new opportunities and constraints.
• A strong appreciation for the mission of the UATX and an entrepreneurial spirit

EEO / AA STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATIONUATX does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.