Executive Director for Leadership Principal Giving

University of Texas; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for an Executive Director of Development for Leadership Principal Giving within the University Development Office. You will manage a 40–60 donor portfolio focusing on leadership gifts of $5M+ and work with campus partners to advance transformational funding.

This role requires 6–8 years closing $1M+ gifts annually, strong emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 6–8 years’ experience closing $1M+ gifts year over year and demonstrated ability to raise $5M+.
• High degree of emotional intelligence and ability to drive results.
• Strong communication skills (written, verbal) and strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an active portfolio of 40–60 prospective donors.
• Identify and cultivate prospects with a capacity of $5M+ for Leadership Principal Gifts.
• Close seven- and eight-figure gifts and build the LPG pipeline.
• Collaborate with campus leaders and development staff to create transformational gift opportunities.

Skills

Donor strategy

Communication skills

Project management

Emotional intelligence

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Job description

Job Posting Title: Executive Director for Leadership Principal Giving

Hiring Department: University Development Office ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA ---- Earliest Start Date: Immediately ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue ---- Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS ---- Job Details: About The University of Texas at Austin "What starts here changes the world." The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, ranks among the best universities in the world. With 76 programs ranked in the top 10, UT Austin is the #1 public university in Texas and the #7 public university in the nation. Like the state it calls home, The University of Texas at Austin is a bold, ambitious leader supporting more than 55,000 students, 4,750 faculty, 15,000 staff and top national programs across 18 colleges and schools. Amid the backdrop of Austin, Texas, a city recognized for its creative and entrepreneurial spirit, the University provides a place to explore countless opportunities for tomorrow’s artists, scientists, athletes, doctors, entrepreneurs and engineers. Learn more about UT’s mission and values and leadership.

Why Join Texas Development?

The University of Texas at Austin is a thriving hub of learning and discovery that anchors our city and enables excellence and innovation on the highest level. And it’s only possible because generous supporters believe in the power and promise of our state’s flagship university to change the world. With more than $6 billion raised in the What Starts Here campaign, Texas Development is quickly becoming one of the best fundraising programs in public higher education. Texas Development is a dynamic community of 500+ fundraising professionals across the Forty Acres. We strive to reach the highest levels of achievement and success in all that we do by creating meaningful and powerful experiences for our donors. Follow your passion, grow your career and help us change the world.

Benefits

The University provides a competitive benefits package that includes insurance and retirement benefits in addition to other programs and services. Texas Development supports growth by offering professional development opportunities that help every team member accomplish their goals, enrich their skillset and deepen their engagement with UT.

Purpose

To serve as an Executive Director of Development for Leadership Principal Giving on Texas Development’s Fundraising Vertical. Successful candidates will collaborate with colleagues, leaders and faculty across campus and will have an emphasis on leadership principal gifts ($5M – $24.9M). The Executive Director will focus on identifying and cultivating prospects with a capacity of $5M+ with an emphasis on soliciting gifts of seven- and eight-figure gifts consistently. Responsibilities Maintain an understanding of University and Texas Development’s priorities, vision, and mission. Build and carry an active portfolio of 40-60 prospective donors. Engage in qualification, strategy, development, relationship building, and closing of leadership gifts at $5M+ for Leadership Principal Gifts as primary focus of portfolio. Secondary focus of closing seven- and eight-figure gifts to lead to pipeline building for the LPG program. Produce $25M+ annually within three years. 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, communicate, and collaborate with faculty, academic leaders, and other development staff to develop campus-wide transformational gift funding opportunities. Utilize a 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 a 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.

Salary

OPEN

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree. Demonstrated ability to execute successful full-cycle donor strategy and work high-capacity prospects through a principal giving strategy quickly. A minimum of 6-8 years’ experience closing $1M+ gifts year over year and demonstrated ability to raise $5M+ through strategic proposal development, solicitation and closures. High degree of emotional intelligence. Demonstrated tenacity, adaptability and earned trust across campus. Ability to drive results. Highly effective communication skills (written. Verbal, interpersonal). Ability to think strategically and creatively with an entrepreneurial mindset while working 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. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Record of closing $10M+ gifts. 10+ 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.

Working Conditions

This position is based in Austin, Texas. Must be eligible to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University Development Office does not sponsor work visas for this position. Works in standard office conditions, in a shared office environment, with repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation. Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM on-site work is the standard expectation for this position. May require additional hours during peak periods and special events. Regular and consistent attendance is required in this job.

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin

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. Looking for a student job? Please see our Student Employment site.

Comments and Inquiries

Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone]. UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus.