Director of Development - The University of Texas at Arlington

Another Source • Arlington, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Texas at Arlington is recruiting a Director of Development for the College of Liberal Arts to join its University Advancement team. The Director manages an established portfolio of approximately 80–100 prospective and existing donors with an estimated collective fundraising capacity of $30 million, building relationships and securing major gifts to support students, faculty, academic programs, and other College priorities. Most prospects are in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, with travel primarily local, though the role requires willingness and ability to travel extensively for donor meetings and attend occasional evening and weekend events.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Unit Development, the Director works closely with the Dean, faculty, College leadership, and University Advancement colleagues to develop and execute fundraising strategies. The role includes donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship; partnership with academic leaders; coordination of advancement initiatives; and engagement of volunteers, advisory boards, and committees. The position offers a flexible hybrid arrangement with no set number of required onsite days, and relocation assistance is available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Five to seven years of experience in major-gift fundraising with a demonstrated record of securing major gifts, or related transferable experience within corporate, community, or philanthropic organizations.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Strong relationship-management skills, including the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and collaborate with academic leaders, donors, and colleagues.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to present compelling philanthropic opportunities to diverse audiences.
• Ability to communicate credibly and enthusiastically about higher education and the mission and aspirations of the University and College.
• Demonstrated ability to work toward measurable fundraising goals, including donor engagement activity and dollars raised.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively for donor meetings and participate in occasional evening and weekend events.
• Commitment to UTA’s mission, values, and the communities it serves.

Nice To Haves

• More than seven years of major-gift fundraising experience, including demonstrated success securing gifts at the six-figure level and above.
• Previous fundraising experience in higher education, particularly for a College of Liberal Arts or another academic unit.
• Experience participating in capital campaigns or comprehensive fundraising initiatives.
• Familiarity with planned-giving strategies and gift-planning instruments.
• Experience engaging and managing volunteer leaders, advisory boards, or fundraising committees.
• Experience using Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT or comparable advancement and donor-management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

Responsibilities

• Manage and strategically grow a portfolio of approximately 80–100 prospective and existing donors with an estimated collective fundraising capacity of $30 million.
• Build relationships with alumni, individuals, corporate representatives, and foundation leaders to identify philanthropic interests and major-gift opportunities.
• Develop and execute personalized donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Conduct donor visits and engagement activities, working with the Dean to align philanthropic interests with College priorities.
• Drive fundraising results through portfolio management, donor engagement, and relationship-building.
• Partner with the Dean, faculty, and College leadership to translate academic priorities into philanthropic opportunities and develop fundraising strategies.
• Participate in strategic engagement opportunities and communicate the College’s vision and impact to alumni and donors.
• Partner with the Executive Director for Academic Unit Development and University Advancement colleagues on fundraising initiatives and special projects.
• Coordinate donor engagement strategies and fundraising activities across academic and advancement teams.
• Support strategic development initiatives that strengthen the College’s fundraising success.
• Support the engagement and management of volunteers, advisory boards, and committees associated with the College of Liberal Arts.
• Build relationships with volunteer leaders who can serve as advocates, connectors, and philanthropic partners.
• Support special projects and additional initiatives advancing the goals of the College and University Advancement.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees supporting health, financial well-being, and work-life balance.
• Relocation assistance is available.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement with no set number of required onsite days.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior