Principal Gifts Strategy Director | Development Lead

University of Texas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Texas at Austin seeks a Senior Executive Director of Development for Principal Gift Strategy. The role leads principal gift fundraising strategy, partnering with campus leaders to set targets and drive funding for major initiatives.

You will mentor 3+ managers, manage a portfolio, and align with President’s Office on high-impact solicitations. Ideal candidates bring 6–8 years of $1M+ gifts experience, strong relationship-building, and a strategic, results-oriented mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3–5 years as a manager of major or principal gift fundraisers.
• 6–8 years closing $1M+ gifts year over year with full-cycle donor strategy.

Responsibilities

• Develop Principal Gift band strategy with development leadership.
• Set year-over-year fundraising targets and track band goal success.
• Collaborate with Chief Development Officers and President’s Office on band expectations.
• Coach gift officers to improve solicitation success and moves management.
• Lead pipeline reviews to identify gaps and create action plans.
• Coordinate donor strategy and warm handoffs across gift bands.
• Partner with learning and development for principal gift training.
• Manage a small personal portfolio and model fundraising expectations.
• Serve on a Metrics Refresh Task Force to set future metric expectations.

Skills

Major gift fundraising

Executive management

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Project management

CRM experience

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

University of Texas at Austin seeks a Senior Executive Director of Development for Principal Gift Strategy. The role leads principal gift fundraising strategy, partnering with campus leaders to set targets and drive funding for major initiatives.

You will mentor 3+ managers, manage a portfolio, and align with President’s Office on high-impact solicitations. Ideal candidates bring 6–8 years of $1M+ gifts experience, strong relationship-building, and a strategic, results-oriented mindset.