Chief Development Officer: Capital Campaign & Major Gifts

University of Texas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center seeks a Senior Director of Development to lead its comprehensive fundraising program, including major gifts, principal gifts, annual giving, and campaign strategy. You will manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and drive a major capital campaign to advance the Center’s mission.

Reporting to university advancement leadership, you will mentor staff, collaborate with volunteers and university partners, and ensure accurate

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and significant experience in frontline fundraising, preferably in a higher education or complex nonprofit environment.
• Demonstrated success in securing major and principal gifts, including commitments at or above the $1M level.
• Experience leading or playing a senior role in a capital campaign and donor engagement.
• Proven ability to execute full-cycle donor strategy.
• Experience managing and developing professional staff within a results-oriented fundraising program.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with high-level donors.
• Ability to travel frequently to visit prospects and donors.
• Knowledge of UT Austin policies and procedures is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Wildflower Center’s development program, including major gifts, principal gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, and planned giving.
• Lead the execution of a capital campaign, including strategy, case development, prospect identification, and volunteer leadership engagement.
• Manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects; personally solicit and steward gifts at the $1M+ level.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate development staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing team.
• Collaborate with advisory council members and university advancement leadership to expand the donor pipeline.
• Develop funding opportunities and case statements aligned with initiatives and capital priorities.
• Ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and forecasting of fundraising activity; represent the Center in university-wide advancement initiatives.
• Other responsibilities/functions as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Donor engagement

Communication

Fundraising strategy

Project management

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

The University of Texas at Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center seeks a Senior Director of Development to lead its comprehensive fundraising program, including major gifts, principal gifts, annual giving, and campaign strategy. You will manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and drive a major capital campaign to advance the Center’s mission.

Reporting to university advancement leadership, you will mentor staff, collaborate with volunteers and university partners, and ensure accurate