Director of Development

University of North Texas at Dallas; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Texas at Dallas is seeking a Director of Development to lead comprehensive fundraising programs. You will build and manage donor relationships, develop strategies aligned with university priorities, and collaborate with senior leadership to drive philanthropic support across campuses.

The role requires strategic planning, strong communication, and a proven ability to manage donor portfolios and staff, with a commitment to ethical fundraising and advancement excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and seven (7) years of professional related experience in managing, directing, and initiating fundraising or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of donors capable of making significant gifts to UNT Dallas and related entities.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors and prospective donors through personal visits, written communications, proposals, engagement opportunities and follow‑up strategies.
• Develop individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies that align donor interests with university priorities.
• Partner with the Vice President for University Advancement and university leaders to plan targeted outreach that expands the donor pipeline.
• Ensure donors are acknowledged, recognized and stewarded in timely and meaningful ways.
• Maintain detailed records of contacts, solicitations, proposals, awards and stewardship activities in Raiser’s Edge.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relationships

Strategic planning

Communication

Team mentorship

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

Job Title

Director of Development

Employee Classification

Director, Development

Campus & Location

University of North Texas - Dallas; Job Location: Dallas

Division & Department

DAL-University Advancement; Department: DAL-University Advancement-545000

Salary

Commensurate with experience

Full-Time Equivalent

1.000000

Retirement Eligibility

TRS Eligible

About Us – Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas‑Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people‑first values‑based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System at www.UNTSystem.edu.

Department Summary

The Office of University Advancement at the University of North Texas at Dallas is dedicated to advancing the university’s mission through philanthropy, alumni and community engagement, strategic partnerships, marketing, and communications. The department works closely with donors, alumni, corporate partners, foundations, and community stakeholders to cultivate relationships, secure financial support, and provide stewardship that enhances student success, academic excellence, scholarships, and institutional growth. University Advancement also leads efforts to promote the university’s achievements, strengthen its brand, and increase visibility through strategic marketing and communications initiatives. By fostering meaningful engagement and securing critical resources, the Office of University Advancement plays a key role in expanding opportunities for students and supporting the continued growth and long‑term success of UNT Dallas.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement (VPUA), the Director of Development is responsible for planning and executing fundraising strategies that advance the mission and priorities of the University of North Texas at Dallas. The Director builds and manages relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors and prospects; develops philanthropic support for university priorities; and coordinates donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activities in partnership with university leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and seven (7) years of professional related experience in managing, directing, and initiating fundraising or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of philanthropy and fundraising principles.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining effective professional relationships with internal and external constituents.
• Ability to plan, organize, develop and execute strategies.
• Ability to mentor and coach colleagues or direct reports.
• Ability to manage time, personnel, financial, and physical resources effectively.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Ability to master University policies and procedures and apply these in specific situations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education fundraising or a mission‑driven nonprofit environment.
• Experience managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and securing philanthropic commitments.
• Experience with corporate and foundation fundraising, philanthropic grants or sponsorship development.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or a comparable advancement CRM.
• Experience supporting fundraising for athletics, academic programs or institutional priorities.

Job Duties

• Manage a portfolio of individual and family foundation prospects capable of making significant gifts to UNT Dallas.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors and prospective donors through personal visits, written communications, proposals, engagement opportunities and follow‑up strategies.
• Develop and document individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies that align donor interests with university priorities.
• Partner with the VPUA and appropriate university leaders to plan targeted outreach activities that expand the donor pipeline and deepen existing donor relationships.
• Ensure donors are acknowledged, recognized and stewarded in timely and meaningful ways.
• Maintain accurate and timely contact reports, strategy updates, proposals and portfolio records in Raiser’s Edge or the university’s designated advancement system.
• Participate in prospect strategy meetings and support effective prospect management practices and protocols.
• Work with the VPUA to identify and cultivate corporate and foundation relationships that can advance UNT Dallas priorities and strengthen the university’s community impact.
• Research prospective corporate and foundation funders and coordinate internal review of funding opportunities with relevant university partners.
• Arrange opportunities for university leadership to engage with prospective corporate and foundation donors and philanthropic partners.
• Develop compelling proposals, case statements, presentations and related fundraising materials for corporate, foundation and philanthropic grant prospects.
• Monitor proposal deadlines, coordinate submissions and ensure required stewardship reports and deliverables are completed accurately and on time.
• Maintain detailed records of contacts, solicitations, proposals, awards and stewardship activities.
• Collaborate with academic deans and administrative leaders, under the direction of the VPUA, to identify fundraising priorities and translate those priorities into donor opportunities.
• Assist in building a pipeline for major and principal gifts through intentional donor engagement and solicitation strategies.
• Provide fundraising insight, analysis and recommendations to the VPUA regarding donor opportunities, portfolio progress and development activity.
• Coordinate with UNT Foundation leadership and volunteers, when appropriate, on donor cultivation and engagement strategies.
• Represent University Advancement professionally with campus partners, donors, volunteers and community stakeholders.
• Coordinate with the Athletics Director and the VPUA on athletics fundraising priorities, strategies and opportunities.
• Support annual giving, campaign or special fundraising initiatives when aligned with assigned responsibilities and divisional priorities.
• Represent the Division of University Advancement on committees and at university or community events as assigned by the VPUA.
• Maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, donors, volunteers and external partners.
• Communicate effectively, appropriately and accurately in writing and verbally. Manage multiple priorities and projects in a timely, efficient and effective manner.
• Exercise sound judgment, professionalism, discretion and confidentiality in donor and university matters.
• Complete other duties as assigned. – (Essential)

Physical Requirements

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Moving self in various positions to perform tasks in tight and confined spaces.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Environmental Hazards

• No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, refer to internal resources.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit – and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.