Director of Development for Principal Gifts

University of Texas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin seeks a high-impact Major Gifts professional to build and manage a portfolio of 60-80 prospective donors and close gifts of $500k and above. You will drive strategy, engage academic leaders, and collaborate with development staff to reach campus-wide funding goals.

With a track record of $5M-$8M per year in funding, you will travel to meet prospects, craft compelling proposals, and steward relationships while upholding UT Austin policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 5+ years in major gifts fundraising.
• Demonstrated ability to execute full-cycle donor strategy and close gifts at $1M+.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal communication; high emotional intelligence.
• Ability to travel frequently to visit prospects and donors.
• Experience with VIP donors and fundraising databases/CRM.
• Knowledge of UT Austin policies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a portfolio of 60-80 prospective donors and close gifts $500k+.
• Deliver $5M-$8M in funding proposals annually.
• Collaborate with faculty and development staff to create campus-wide funding opportunities.
• Prepare proposals, track contacts, and forecast donor strategies.
• Record reports and gift agreements in a timely manner.
• Travel frequently to visit prospects.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Emotional intelligence

Project management

Communication skills

Travel frequently

Independent work

VIP donor/fundraising CRM

Education

Bachelor's degree

Graduate degree or CFRE

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Job description

* Maintain an understanding of university and the College of Liberal Arts priorities, vision and mission.* Build and carry an active portfolio of 60 to 80 prospective donors.* Engage in qualification, strategy, development, relationship building, and closing of principal gifts at $500,000 or more for the College of Liberal Arts.* Consistently produce $5M - $8M per year.* Participate in goal setting, proposal preparation, strategy development, and stewardship as required for donors in the portfolio.* Successfully and consistently deliver funding proposals to prospective and current donors.* Effectively work with, communicate with, and collaborate with faculty, academic leaders, and other development staff to develop campus-wide funding opportunities to reach campaign goals.* Utilize fundraising database and prospecting tools. Maintain appropriate electronic documentation on a timely basis, including engagement activities, proposal tracking, contact reports, donor strategies and forecasting.* Record timely reports, letters, proposals, or gift agreements following donor contact.* Work collaboratively, proactively, and in a professional, service-oriented manner with all University development officers to further the development goals of the University.* Additional duties as assigned.* Bachelor's degree.* Demonstrated ability to execute successful full-cycle donor strategy.* A minimum of five years' experience in major gifts fundraising or related fields.* High degree of emotional intelligence.* Demonstrated ability to show tenacity and be nimble.* Ability to drive results.* Highly effective communication skills (written, verbal, interpersonal).* Ability to think strategically and creatively and work well under pressure.* Project management skills.* Capable of working independently, while also engaging in collaboration between teams.* Experience working with VIP, Raiser's Edge or other similar CRM.* Ability to travel frequently to visit prospects and donors.* Ability to use discretion and maintain integrity and professionalism.* More than the required years of fundraising and/or planned giving experience.* Graduate degree and/or CFRE certification.* Experience working in a large-scale complex academic research university.* Knowledge of UT Austin policies and procedures.* Demonstrated success closing gifts at $1M+ in complex academic setting.**Start Here, Change the World**At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas' flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world.Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you'll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world.Please see our .**Comments and Inquiries:**Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact .Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page:. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone].