HRI Director of Development

Texas A&M University System•Corpus Christi, TX

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Development to design and lead a comprehensive individual giving program. This is a rare opportunity to build a program from the ground up and shape the future of philanthropic engagement at a leading marine research institute. The Director will serve as both strategist and leader, responsible for identifying, cultivating, and stewarding mission-aligned donors while building a sustainable pipeline of support. The ideal candidate brings a passion for connecting individuals with meaningful opportunities to invest in research, programs, and initiatives that advance a thriving Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico) and resilient coastal communities. Through a broad portfolio of fundraising strategies—including major gifts, annual giving, and donor engagement—the Director will play a pivotal role in expanding the Institute’s impact. PURPOSE The HRI Director of Development serves as the architect and strategic leader for HRI’s current-use fundraising efforts and donor relations. This position ensures philanthropic growth through donor acquisition and retention by employing best practices in fund development with oversight of a direct mail and digital appeals program, management of a statewide, event-based sustainable funding model, and leadership of a fundraising team.

Requirements

Master’s degree in applicable field.
Ten (10) years of related experience.
Additional experience may be considered as substitution for the minimum requirement: Bachelor's degree in applicable field and twelve (12) years of related experience.
Strong leadership and strategic planning abilities — developing and executing comprehensive philanthropy strategies, including donor-centered approaches.
Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and interpersonal).

Nice To Haves

Minimum 7 years in professional fundraising roles.
Proven track record of securing major gifts and meeting or exceeding fundraising targets.
Two to five (2-5) years of supervisory/management experience.
Experience implementing Benevon Model for sustainable funding a plus.
Relationship-building and donor engagement expertise.
Organizational and project management skills — handling multiple priorities, events, budgets, and deadlines.
Analytical mindset (comfort with data, metrics, reporting, and evaluating fundraising performance).
Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
An interest in conservation with the ability to translate complex ideas into a clear and relatable case for support.

Responsibilities

Responsible for building and retaining philanthropic support from individuals, foundations, and corporations, by creating, implementing, and managing a comprehensive development plan focused on donor acquisition and retention.
Develop and lead a motivated fund development team, providing guidance, mentorship, performance oversight, and professional development consistent with leadership expectations.
Oversee the implementation, maintenance, and growth of the Benevon Model for Sustainable Funding designed to inspire HRI current-use, unrestricted, and multi-year commitments from individuals, including oversight of donor stewardship.
Serve as the architect for Benevon event programming and messaging.
Assist with planning, strategizing, and conducting major gift fundraising initiatives and coordinated solicitation efforts in collaboration with HRI Executive Director of Development and the HRI Senior Executive Director.
Manage and grow a portfolio of individual mid-level to major donors and donor prospects in the Corpus Christi and Coastal Bend, engaging in identification, cultivation, personal solicitation, and stewardship.
Develop a compelling, targeted direct mail and digital fundraising appeal program; assist with writing, production, and distribution.
Develop, execute, and maintain digital giving initiatives, including online giving, digital and social media campaigns.
Collaborate with the HRI marketing and communications team to develop public relations, marketing and publications strategies designed to support fundraising and donor relations.
Coordinate with the HRI marketing and communications team to ensure accurate donor specific communications, including annual and impact report listings and recognition material.
Develop and manage the development budget, including revenue projections, expense tracking, and financial monitoring to support strategic fundraising objectives.
Maximize the use of the donor database, Raiser’s Edge, by ensuring accurate record maintenance, activity tracking, and reporting.
Establish, track, and benchmark relevant metrics measuring programmatic and individual progress.

Benefits

Medical $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value). Up to 83% of premium covered by the university: Employee and Spouse Employee and Children Employee and Family coverage
Dental & Vision
Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM
ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES
Work Life Solutions: Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources
Tuition Benefits: Public Loan Forgiveness
Book scholarships
100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).
Retirement: Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan
Time Off: 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.
8 hours of sick leave time off every month.
8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.
12-15 paid holidays each year.