Director of Regional Development, Texas

Marquette University Clg-Nurse; Town of Texas (WI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Marquette University seeks a Director of Regional Development based in Texas to lead a regional advancement program, cultivating relationships with major gift prospects and traveling regularly to Milwaukee, WI to engage campus leadership.

You will manage a portfolio of about 40 prospects with capacity for gifts of $125K+ and achieve a substantial annual production, while coordinating with university partners to craft solicitation strategies and advance gifts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 4+ years development experience in higher education preferred.
• Proven ability to manage a personal major gifts portfolio and secure gifts at $125K+.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work in a team.
• Must be able to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Manage portfolio of ~40 prospects with capacity for $125K+ gifts and annual goal >$1,000,000.
• Meet with prospects and volunteers to move toward philanthropic commitments.
• Prepare solicitation materials and coordinate strategy meetings for leadership.
• Direct and refer solicitations to identified prospects in portfolio for planned gifts.
• Maintain contact with prospects and record interactions in advancement system.

Skills

Portfolio management

Major gifts fundraising

Relationship building

Communication skills

Travel flexibility

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

4+ years development experience

Job description

If Limited Term (End Date of Assignment, Project, or Grant)

Position Type

Position Type Staff

Job Family

Job Family Advancement

Position Overview

The Director of Regional Development works in a regional advancement operation raising philanthropic support for university priorities by establishing, developing, and maintaining relationships with supporters in the region. This position will be regionally based within Texas and requires regular (quarterly) travel to campus in Milwaukee, WI. This role will directly manage a portfolio of major gift prospects who have an interest in supporting the University.

Duties and Responsibilities

Portfolio Management

• Assist in executing an annual fundraising business plan, developed by the leader.
• Meets regularly with their leader to assess projects, review strategies and track progress toward meeting fundraising performance benchmarks.
• Manages a portfolio of approximately 40 prospects with capacity to make gifts of $125,000 and more with an annual production goal in excess of $1,000,000; regularly identifies and contacts additional prospects through research and referrals.
• Meets individually with prospects and volunteers designed to move prospects toward making a philanthropic commitment to the university.
• Makes personal gift solicitations. Management of the process includes maintaining a comprehensive understanding of university priorities, preparation of the solicitation materials, conducting strategy meetings, and preparing briefing materials for President/Vice President of Advancement/Dean/others involved in solicitation.
• Directs and refers a solicitation to identified prospects in portfolio for a planned gift, including, but not limited to bequests and annuities. Partner with the Planned Giving fundraising team to manage, as needed.
• Maintains appropriate contact with prospects and records all contact in University Advancement prospect management system.
• Track and timely submit P-card activity.

Build Community

• Creates regional annual plan and strategy for programming, leadership engagement and fundraising outcomes in the region.
• Provides oversight of fundraising activity in region and acts as a liaison to regionally based volunteer committees.
• Attends relevant university events and meetings, some during the evenings and weekends, representing the university to external constituents.
• Participates in all UA, Regional Advancement, or other required team or staff meetings.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor's degree
• A minimum of 4 years of development-related experience in higher education, including a successful track record of personal portfolio management and securing gifts at the $125K or above level is required; relevant sales experience may also be considered.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work with colleagues in a team environment.
• The ability to travel is also required.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Department

University Advancement

Posting Date

07/14/2026

Closing Date

Special Instructions to Applicants

EOE Statement

It is the policy of Marquette University to provide equal employment opportunities ( EEO ) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classification.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Optional Documents

Posting Specific Questions

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