Development Specialist, Cockrell School of Engineering

University of Texas at Austin

4d•Onsite

About The Position

As a top-10 engineering school with the No. 1 program in Texas, the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) has been a global leader in technology innovation and engineering education for over a century. With 11 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs, over 20 research centers and a faculty community that boasts one of the highest number of National Academy of Engineering members among U.S. universities, Texas Engineering has launched some of the nation’s most accomplished leaders and pioneered world-changing solutions in virtually every industry, from space exploration to energy to health care. Situated in the heart of Austin — named “America’s Coolest City” by Expedia and “The Best Place to Live in the U.S.” by U.S. News and World Report — the Cockrell School embodies the city’s innovative spirit. Major companies with Austin campuses, such as Dell, National Instruments, Apple, IBM, Samsung, Google and many others, continue to recruit Cockrell School students at a remarkable rate, launching thousands of successful careers and developing Texas Engineers into industry leaders. UT Austin, recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Large Employers, provides outstanding employee benefits and total rewards packages that include: Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%) Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 8.25% employer matching funds Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b) Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities Tuition assistance Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card Purpose The Development Specialist partners with the Cockrell School of Engineering (CSE) Development Office to further the School’s strategic priorities by acting as administrative and operational support to Cockrell Development team. This position will oversee endowment process and compliance for the team and support creation of best practices. This position reports to the Chief Development Officer (CDO). This position will also assist with the supervision of the Development Associate, who provides administrative support to the team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, management or related field.
One year of experience in specialized development, administration, or related field.
Experience providing administrative or operational support to a multi-faceted team.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively, work well under pressure, and manage details of several concurrent projects.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment or independently.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree in English, Journalism, or Communications.
Two or more years of relevant experience.
More than a year of experience in a supervisory role.
More than two years of experience with fundraising at UT Austin.
Demonstrated knowledge of project management skills.
Thorough understanding of the development process and the integral role stewardship and development communications play in overall fundraising strategy.
Working knowledge of UT Austin's policies and procedures.
Experience with VIP database and DEFINE.

Responsibilities

Provide administrative and operational support to the Cockrell Development Team through the following: making travel arrangements and handling reimbursements; initiating Requests for Travel Authorizations; preparing travel documents; development of donor profiles and briefing materials for meetings and events; drafting and editing letters, proposals, reports, and other materials for major donors and prospects; supporting endowment creation, compliance and record keeping for the team; assist with the maintenance of current information in VIP system for donors; Coordinates the management of donors' records for the office and for other departments. Trains appropriate personnel in the use and requirements of the electronic system, which maintains the alumni/donor database. Support the oversight of the timely acknowledgement of all gifts; including merging and preparing thank you letters for the appropriate person’s signature, as well as drafting and producing correspondence, reports, and follow-up materials.
Oversee the development associate who provides direct support to the gift officers and/or other projects as assigned.
Interact with Cockrell School colleagues and other University departments to obtain and share information and materials for donor visits and other purposes. On request, assist the Stewardship Team and other parts of the development operation with meetings, student tours, fundraising and stewardship functions.
Assist with the endowment process, to include assisting the development team in the creation of endowment agreements for donors, coordinating internal approval process with Endowment Services and Compliance. Additional responsibilities include assisting with donor recognition (plaques and certificates).
Serve as a member of the Development Team. Provide backup support to other administrative personnel in the Engineering Development and Alumni Relations team and other duties as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 8.25% employer matching funds
Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
Tuition assistance
Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card