Associate Director of Philanthropy

Texas A&M University; Commerce (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M University in Commerce seeks an Associate Director of Philanthropy to manage a portfolio of 75–100 major gift prospects ($25k+), cultivating alumni and friends to secure outright and estate gifts aligned with the University’s goals.

The role collaborates with deans, faculty, alumni, and Foundation partners to develop fundraising strategies, coordinates donor recognition, and advances dozens of solicitations annually while leveraging Raiser's Edge NXT.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education/experience.
• Minimum of two years professional fundraising experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel roughly 40% annually.

Responsibilities

• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and steward major gift prospects.
• Advances at least 12 solicitations per year at the major gift level.
• Conducts donor visits with a target of 100–120 meaningful visits annually.
• Builds relationships with alumni, friends, and external partners to meet fundraising goals.
• Researches giving capacity, interests, and history to inform proposals.
• Uses Raiser's Edge NXT to track actions and moves management.
• Collaborates with faculty and campus partners on fundraising proposals.
• Serves as liaison to initiatives and program areas for fundraising opportunities.

Skills

Major gifts

Donor relations

Prospect research

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Raiser's Edge NXT

Microsoft Office

Job description

**Job Title**Associate Director of Philanthropy**Agency**East Texas A&M University**Department**Vice President Of Philanthropy & Engagement**Proposed Minimum Salary**Commensurate**Job Location**Commerce, Texas**Job Type**Staff**Job Description****INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:**During the application process the *“My Experience*” page has a section provided “*Attachments (Resume/CV, References, Cover letter, etc.)*” to upload required documents.* Use the Upload button to add each document.* You will be able to upload up to 5 documents. Be aware that the maximum size allowed for any one document is 5MB.* All documents must be electronically submitted through the Texas A&M Online Employment Services website to be considered.* Incomplete or improperly submitted applications may be excluded from consideration.* Please do not withdraw your application in an attempt to upload a missing document, instead please email HR for help.**Please provide the following documents**:* Cover Letter* Resume/CV* Three professional references with complete contact information *(Unsolicited letters of recommendation will not be considered).** Transcripts (Unofficial will be accepted with application. Official transcripts are required upon acceptance of verbal offer). *If transcripts are from an international institution, it is the responsibility of the prospective faculty member to have the transcripts translated and evaluated by an approved credential evaluator.*If you need assistance, please contact us at [e-mail]***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.*****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.