Principal Gifts Strategy Executive Director

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin's University Development Office seeks a Senior Executive Director of Development for Principal Gift Strategy to lead principal gifts strategy across campus. You will work with faculty and leaders to set fundraising direction and manage a team of fundraisers toward high-impact gifts.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's degree, have extensive experience closing $1M+ gifts, and demonstrate emotional intelligence, strategic execution, and collaboration across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 3–5 years as a manager of major/principal gifts.
• 6–8 years closing $1M+ gifts year over year.
• High emotional intelligence and strategic thinking.
• Willingness to travel within the US.
• Experience with VIP donors and a major gifts portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Develop the Principal Gift band strategy with leadership.
• Set and drive year-over-year fundraising targets.
• Translate targets into band expectations for senior leaders.
• Coach gift officers to achieve solicitation success.
• Lead pipeline reviews and action planning with teams.
• Coordinate donor strategy and warm handoffs across gifts.
• Monitor metrics and report variances to leadership.
• Support training for principal gift officers.

Skills

Emotional intelligence

Strategic thinking

Project management

Written and verbal communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge CRM

Job description

The University of Texas at Austin's University Development Office seeks a Senior Executive Director of Development for Principal Gift Strategy to lead principal gifts strategy across campus. You will work with faculty and leaders to set fundraising direction and manage a team of fundraisers toward high-impact gifts.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's degree, have extensive experience closing $1M+ gifts, and demonstrate emotional intelligence, strategic execution, and collaboration across