Assistant Vice President for Development

Texas A&M•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

Texas A&M University–San Antonio (A&M–SA), a dynamic and growing institution on the South Side of San Antonio, seeks a strategic, relationship-driven, and mission-centered Assistant Vice President for Development (AVP) to advance individual giving and major gifts in support of A&M-San Antonio. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape a high-impact fundraising portfolio during a pivotal period of institutional growth. The AVP will serve as a frontline fundraiser, advancing meaningful partnerships with individual donors who are inspired by A&M–SA’s mission of access, opportunity, and academic excellence. With a primary charge of successfully connecting individual donors’ philanthropic passions with the needs of students, faculty, and programs, the AVP will influence the trajectory of the university in a profound way. In addition to frontline efforts to facilitate major investment in A&M-SA, the AVP will manage the Director of Development for Corporate and Foundation Relations and the division’s Athletic and Annual Giving Officer to support pipeline continuity between annual giving and major gifts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in applicable field or higher in related field.
Ten (10) years of progressively responsible work experience in higher education.
Demonstrated ability to develop new and emerging relationships leading to philanthropic support.
Proven track record securing five-, six- and seven-figure gifts personally and in concert with organizational leadership and stakeholders.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with an authentic and compelling presence.
A mission-driven orientation with a passion for expanding educational access and advancing student success.
Commitment to ethical fundraising and leadership principles.
Strong personal accountability and initiative that drives action and results.
Understands the critical need for responsive, discerning, and thoughtful communications with community stakeholders and internal colleagues as the university develops a comprehensive culture of philanthropy.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in advancement and frontline fundraising, with significant focus on major gifts.
Experience with CRM databases and moves-management practices.
Frontline fundraising experience in a higher education setting, preferably at a public university.
Experience supervising staff and building or growing a development program.
Familiarity with the San Antonio philanthropic landscape and/or regional donor networks.

Responsibilities

Serve as lead frontline fundraiser with a developing portfolio of major gift and principal gift prospects.
Design and implement strategies for identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors who align with the mission and strategic priorities of A&M–SA.
Collaborate with university leadership, faculty, and advancement colleagues to craft compelling funding opportunities rooted in student success, academic innovation, and community impact.
Build and maintain strong donor relationships through a deeply donor centered and values-based approach.
Manage the Director of Development and their assigned skip level report (Philanthropic Grants Officer/grant writer).
Supervise the Athletic and Annual Giving Officer to develop and execute annual campaigns, including direct mail, online giving, strategic events, and giving days.
Ensure annual giving initiatives are thoughtfully integrated into the division’s overall strategic plan and activities.
Provide strong leadership and mentorship that inspires, guides, and develops direct reports to foster a culture of collaboration and growth.
As the institution grows, lead other unit-based development officers.
Partner with the advancement team, A&M-San Antonio Foundation Board, and campus colleagues to support and/or design cultivation and stewardship events that deepen donor relationships and celebrate impact.
Represent A&M-San Antonio at strategic community events to build visibility and expand the university’s reach in pursuit of philanthropic investment.