Senior Director of Development & Philanthropic Strategy

University of Texas at Dallas; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Wellness programs

Job summary

University of Texas at Dallas seeks a Senior Director of Development & Philanthropic Strategy to drive a comprehensive fundraising program aligned with brain health priorities in Dallas.

The role leads major and principal gifts, advises executives, grows donor relationships, and expands the development function for sustained growth in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with ten years in related field required.
• Advanced degree and 15+ years in complex nonprofits preferred.
• Experience leading major and principal gifts across campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Lead a comprehensive philanthropic strategy advancing mission and growth.
• Secure transformational gifts from ultra-high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and partners.
• Manage strategic donor portfolios with sophisticated engagement plans.
• Advise executive leadership on fundraising strategy and donor opportunities.
• Build deep stakeholder relationships to expand philanthropic support.
• Oversee a unified fundraising function spanning major, principal, and planned giving.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to align funding priorities.
• Represent the center to elevate visibility and partnerships.
• Leverage data and metrics to drive fundraising effectiveness.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Major gifts

Donor relations

Team leadership

Strategic partnerships

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Posting Details

• Posting Number: S07187P
• Position Title: Senior Director of Development & Philanthropic Strategy
• Functional Title: Senior Director of Development & Philanthropic Strategy
• Department: CBH CR_Development
• Salary Range: $150,000 to $170,000, Dependent on Qualifications
• Pay Basis: Monthly
• Position Status: Regular full-time
• Location: Dallas
• Posting Open Date: 08/07/2026
• Open Until Filled: Yes
• Desired Start Date: 09/01/2026

Job Summary

Driving visionary philanthropy to position Dallas as a global leader in brain health, resilience, and cognitive well-being.

This position provides strategic leadership for a comprehensive development program driving transformational philanthropic support aligned with long-term priorities. Leads multi-year fundraising strategy and personally advances major and principal gifts. Serves as a key advisor to leadership, drives cross-institutional alignment, and cultivates high-level donor relationships while elevating visibility and building a high-performing development function positioned for sustained growth.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree with ten years of work experience in related field.

Preferred Education and Experience

Preferred candidates will have an advanced degree and 15+ years of demonstrated success within complex, high-performing nonprofit organizations leading principal gift strategies, comprehensive campaigns, and partnerships with executive leadership and high-level volunteer boards.

Other Qualifications

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Lead and execute a comprehensive philanthropic strategy that advances Center for BrainHealth's mission, strategic priorities, and long-term growth objectives.

Secure transformational philanthropic investments by cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding principal and major gift prospects, including ultra-high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.

Manage a strategic portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, developing sophisticated engagement and investment strategies aligned with organizational priorities.

Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership, providing counsel on fundraising strategy, philanthropic opportunities, donor engagement, and resource development initiatives.

Build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, board members, community leaders, and strategic partners to expand philanthropic support and engagement.

Lead an integrated fundraising function encompassing major gifts, principal gifts, planned giving, foundation relations, corporate partnerships, and donor stewardship.

Partner with academic, research, and administrative leaders to identify funding opportunities, align philanthropic priorities, and advance institutional goals.

Represent Center for BrainHealth to elevate organizational visibility, strengthen strategic partnerships, and advance its reputation among the donor community.

Leverage data, analytics, and performance metrics to inform decision-making, evaluate outcomes, and optimize fundraising effectiveness and growth.

Build, lead, and develop a high-performing development team to foster accountability, innovation, stewardship excellence, and fiscal compliance in support of sustainable philanthropic growth.

Remote Work Notice

A hybrid remote work environment is available and a UT Dallas Remote Work Agreement is required upon employment. Use of personal computer and other standard office equipment may be required. Must be located within the DFW Area and have the ability to be on campus with 24 hours of notice.

What We Offer

UT Dallas aims to attract and retain talented staff and faculty to support the University's students and mission. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical with prescription drug coverage (100% paid for full-time employees), dental, and, vision insurance plans
• Life, AD&D, and disability insurance plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement plans
• Employee tuition assistance
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Employee wellness and employee assistance programs and much more!

Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.

Special Instructions Summary

In your cover letter, please address your experience with major gift fundraising in an academic or other nonprofit setting. Include specific examples of donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, portfolio management, fundraising outcomes, and collaboration with key stakeholders. If your experience was gained outside higher education, describe how it is relevant and transferable to this position. Please highlight your individual contributions and measurable results where possible.

Important Message

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.