Associate Director of Philanthropy

Texas A&M University System; Commerce (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

East Texas A&M University invites applications for the Associate Director of Philanthropy. The role manages a portfolio of 75–100 major gift prospects and coordinates with the Philanthropy & Engagement team to solicit outright and estate gifts in alignment with strategic plans.

The position focuses on cultivating alumni and friends, building donor relationships, and coordinating stewardship activities across colleges and priority programs, with travel and engagement across campus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional work experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of relational fundraising and ability to articulate needs to motivate gifts.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills and strong organizational abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft tools and ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects.
• Advance at least 12 solicitations annually at the major gift level.
• Conduct 100–120 donor visits per year and qualify at least 24 prospects annually.
• Build and strengthen relationships with individuals and organizations within and beyond the University.
• Develop fundraising and stewardship strategies in collaboration with philanthropy operations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Time management

Multitasking

Relational fundraising

Travel readiness

Microsoft tools

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

SUMMARY

The Associate Director of Philanthropy acts in conjunction with the Philanthropy & Engagement team, managing a personal portfolio of 75 – 100 major gift (currently defined as $25,000+) prospects and donors. The primary focus of this position will be to identify and cultivate relationships with alumni and friends in order to actively solicit major outright and estate gifts on behalf of the University, its colleges, and priority programs, and in alignment with the University’s and Division’s strategic plans. Develops, coordinates, and maintains comprehensive fundraising and stewardship strategies for assigned prospects. Works closely with deans, Alumni Association and Foundation Board members, philanthropy operations, and other faculty and staff to promote and grow a robust culture of philanthropy to meet the financial goals of the institution.

ETAMU is a fast-growing public university with a strong reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and student success. With over 140+ degree programs, a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and nationally ranked online and graduate programs, ETAMU is committed to transforming lives through quality education. Our employees benefit from a collaborative community, cutting-edge research opportunities, and outstanding resources.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major gift prospects in collaboration with directors of philanthropy, deans, faculty, and the Philanthropy and Engagement team.
• Advances at least 12 solicitations each year at the major gift level.
• Conducts donor visits regularly with a goal of 100 - 120 meaningful visits per year, including qualifying at least 24 prospects per year.
• Builds, maintains, and strengthens relationships and partnerships with individuals and organizations within and external to the University community.
• Proactively pursues major and planned gift fundraising initiatives, helping ensure and execute appropriate donor recognition and stewardship.
• In collaboration with philanthropy operations, performs research regarding individuals’ giving capacity, interests, and giving history.
• Updates actions, such as donor visits, gift opportunities, communications, and moves management in Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Collaborates with faculty and other campus partners to assist in the research and development of appropriate fundraising proposals.
• Serve as a liaison to assigned initiatives and program areas, ensuring that the Philanthropy & Engagement team and other stakeholders are aware of key fundraising and engagement opportunities.
• Achieves performance goals, as outlined in the Division’s strategic plan and by the Director of Philanthropy.
• Regularly attends and participates in community and university-wide functions and alumni events.
• Regularly attends and participates in division meetings and retreats.
• Maintains a schedule of professional development and training in appropriate areas, including fundraising, operations (annual Raiser’s Edge training), and others as identified or needed.
• Provides flexible officing from the Dallas and Commerce campuses, with the primary location being the Commerce campus.

This job description shall include, but is not necessarily limited to, the above duties. May temporarily perform other duties assigned to maintain operations and services.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Marginal Functions will vary with the specific assignment and depend on the particular unit or function for which the person is responsible. Consideration will be given on a case-by-case basis and reassignment of marginal duties will be made when appropriate.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience / Knowledge / Skills: Minimum of two (2) years of professional work experience. Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Demonstrated understanding of relational fundraising and excellent interpersonal and presentation skills to articulate needs and goals that motivate meaningful gifts. Outstanding organization and time management skills to function efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented, and self-motivated environment. Strong work ethic, personal integrity, and strategic thinking. Proficiency with Microsoft tools.

Ability to: Multitask, follow through, and work cooperatively with others. Ability to present information clearly and concisely. Ability to manage numerous multi-phased proposals and projects simultaneously. Ability to quickly learn and utilize people, resources, and information across the campus.

Licensing/Professional Certifications: Valid Driver’s license required.

Physical Requirements: None

Other Requirements: Regular travel – on average, 40% of the time is spent out of the office. Travel will include air travel and overnight stays.

PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE

• Preference given to candidates with Higher Education fundraising and/or face-to-face solicitation experience.
• Preference given candidates with database application experience.

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS

None

WHY WORK AT EAST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Competitive Benefits & Work-Life Balance

• ETAMU contributes to employee health and basic life insurance premiums.
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays , plus up to eight hours of paid sick leave and vacation each month.
• Access to cutting-edge research opportunities at a designated R2 Research Institution.

Academic Excellence

• ETAMU is ranked among the top 30% in five online degree programs and offers national recognized academic programs.
• Over 140 degree programs , including nationally ranked online and graduate options.
• First accredited institution to offer a competency-based bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
• Distance education offerings in Corsicana, Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Mesquite, Bryan, and online.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

• Work in advanced facilities such as the 113,470-square-foot Nursing and Health Sciences Building , featuring a state-of-the-art simulation hospital and a 1,300-acre agricultural research farm.
• Engage with over 95 student organizations and 14 NCAA Division I athletic teams , contributing to a thriving campus community.
• Enjoy the benefits of working in rapidly growing regions, with abundant career opportunities at six locations across Dallas and Northeast Texas.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Texas A&M University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University subject to this fee.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

Location Hybrid - Commerce, Texas, United States