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Development Assistant, McDonald Observatory

The University of Texas at Austin
United Statespart_timeVerifiedPosted 23 Oct 2025
💰 $36,000/yr

About the role

Job Posting Title:

Development Assistant, McDonald Observatory

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Hiring Department:

McDonald Observatory

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General Notes

The University of Texas at Austin's McDonald Observatory and Department of Astronomy comprise one of the world's leading programs for astronomical research, teaching, and public education and outreach. The McDonald Observatory has a strong donor base and two loyal membership groups: The Friends of McDonald Observatory and the Board of Visitors. The part-time development assistant plays an important role in supporting the accurate tracking and reporting of philanthropic contributions and ensuring timely responses to our important supporters.

This part-time position is based in Austin, Texas, on UT's main campus. This is a great opportunity with flexible hours for job seekers who need to balance work with their care responsibilities, academic studies, or who want to augment a creative career with a reliable income.

Purpose

Assist with the gift processing for the McDonald Observatory and philanthropic support of the Astronomy Programs—reports to the Membership Relations and Event Planning Coordinator.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in the maintenance and operation of the gifts processing system, and for fundraising and membership programs.

  • Maintain accuracy of names and addresses of alumni and donors.

  • Reviews reports, interprets and enters gift data, verifies input for accuracy, and retrieves information upon request.

  • Updates and corrects donor records, keys special projects, and performs related clerical or process functions as needed.

  • Enters and proofreads data entry, and writes and proofreads thank-you letters. Composes routine correspondence as needed.

  • Assists with mass mailings to donors.

  • Answers telephones and responds to general questions.

  • Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

  • Diploma (High School) or GED.

  • At least three years of clerical experience, including experience using a personal computer, word processing, and proofreading.

  • Must have strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

  • Strong organizational skills.

  • Ability to adapt, work independently, and collaboratively as part of a team.

  • Excellent computer literacy skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.

  • Experience working in databases, entering data, and searching information.

  • The required competencies include accuracy, attention to detail, effective communications, initiative, strong interpersonal skills, listening, problem-solving, and a commitment to service excellence.

  • Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Hourly Rate

$18.00 per hour.

Work Shift

  • This is a part-time position working 15 to 19 hours per week during the standard work week. The schedule is flexible during the standard workday, with a minimum of 3-4 hour blocks of time.

  • May include limited holiday or event support outside of the standard work week.

Working Conditions

  • Usual office equipment.

  • Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.

  • Use of manual dexterity

  • Climbing of stairs, lifting, and moving

  • May work in all weather conditions

  • Work with confidential information

Required Materials

  • Resume/CV

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

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you can multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.  Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

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Company

The University of Texas at Austin

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