Director of Development

University of North Texas System•Dallas, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of University Advancement at the University of North Texas at Dallas is dedicated to advancing the university’s mission through philanthropy, alumni and community engagement, strategic partnerships, marketing, and communications. The department works closely with donors, alumni, corporate partners, foundations, and community stakeholders to cultivate relationships, secure financial support, and provide stewardship that enhances student success, academic excellence, scholarships, and institutional growth. University Advancement also leads efforts to promote the university’s achievements, strengthen its brand, and increase visibility through strategic marketing and communications initiatives. By fostering meaningful engagement and securing critical resources, the Office of University Advancement plays a key role in expanding opportunities for students and supporting the continued growth and long-term success of UNT Dallas. Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement (VPUA), the Director of Development is responsible for planning and executing fundraising strategies that advance the mission and priorities of the University of North Texas at Dallas. The Director builds and manages relationships with individual, corporate and foundation donors and prospects; develops philanthropic support for university priorities; and coordinates donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activities in partnership with university leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related field and seven (7) years of professional related experience in managing, directing, and initiating fundraising or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Extensive knowledge of philanthropy and fundraising principles.
Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining effective professional relationships with internal and external constituents.
Ability to plan, organize, develop and execute strategies.
Ability to mentor and coach colleagues or direct reports.
Ability to manage time, personnel, financial, and physical resources effectively.
Exceptional communications skills.
Ability to master University policies and procedures and apply these in specific situations.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education fundraising or a mission-driven nonprofit environment.
Experience managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and securing philanthropic commitments.
Experience with corporate and foundation fundraising, philanthropic grants or sponsorship development.
Experience with Raiser's Edge or a comparable advancement CRM.
Experience supporting fundraising for athletics, academic programs or institutional priorities.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of individual and family foundation prospects capable of making significant gifts to UNT Dallas.
Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors and prospective donors through personal visits, written communications, proposals, engagement opportunities and follow-up strategies.
Develop and document individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies that align donor interests with university priorities.
Partner with the VPUA and appropriate university leaders to plan targeted outreach activities that expand the donor pipeline and deepen existing donor relationships.
Ensure donors are acknowledged, recognized and stewarded in timely and meaningful ways.
Maintain accurate and timely contact reports, strategy updates, proposals and portfolio records in Raiser's Edge or the university's designated advancement system.
Participate in prospect strategy meetings and support effective prospect management practices and protocols.
Work with the VPUA to identify and cultivate corporate and foundation relationships that can advance UNT Dallas priorities and strengthen the university's community impact.
Research prospective corporate and foundation funders and coordinate internal review of funding opportunities with relevant university partners.
Arrange opportunities for university leadership to engage with prospective corporate and foundation donors and philanthropic partners.
Develop compelling proposals, case statements, presentations and related fundraising materials for corporate, foundation and philanthropic grant prospects.
Monitor proposal deadlines, coordinate submissions and ensure required stewardship reports and deliverables are completed accurately and on time.
Maintain detailed records of contacts, solicitations, proposals, awards and stewardship activities.
Collaborate with academic deans and administrative leaders, under the direction of the VPUA, to identify fundraising priorities and translate those priorities into donor opportunities.
Assist in building a pipeline for major and principal gifts through intentional donor engagement and solicitation strategies.
Provide fundraising insight, analysis and recommendations to the VPUA regarding donor opportunities, portfolio progress and development activity.
Coordinate with UNT Foundation leadership and volunteers, when appropriate, on donor cultivation and engagement strategies.
Represent University Advancement professionally with campus partners, donors, volunteers and community stakeholders.
Coordinate with the Athletics Director and the VPUA on athletics fundraising priorities, strategies and opportunities.
Support annual giving, campaign or special fundraising initiatives when aligned with assigned responsibilities and divisional priorities.
Represent the Division of University Advancement on committees and at university or community events as assigned by the VPUA.
Maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, donors, volunteers and external partners.
Communicate effectively, appropriately and accurately in writing and verbally.
Manage multiple priorities and projects in a timely, efficient and effective manner.
Exercise sound judgment, professionalism, discretion and confidentiality in donor and university matters.
Complete other duties as assigned.