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Director of Development

Director of Development

University of Texas at Austin Job Location: Texas Apply By: Open until filled. Date Created: 08-12-2022

General Notes

The University of Texas Libraries welcomes and respects all individuals and communities by valuing and consciously maintaining awareness of diverse perspectives and experiences. We believe inclusivity is critical to fostering excellence in all of our endeavors, and we promote diversity in our collections and services, as well as in our recruiting, hiring, and retention practices.

Purpose

The University of Texas Libraries Chief Development Officer leads in the development of a comprehensive fundraising plan that optimizes the best of UTL resources while strategically cultivating a portfolio of high-net-worth donors. Reporting to the VP and Director of UT Libraries the position is an active member of UT Libraries’ Executive Team to advance strategic priorities through fundraising.  

Responsibilities

Identify, cultivate, steward, and solicit current and potential donors.

  • Carry an active portfolio of 40-70 prospective donors, solicit gifts.
  • Conduct executive prospect management meetings with the vice provost to maximize time with donors (e.g., develop cultivation and solicitation strategies based on solid proposals).
  • Grow current fundraising totals from approximately $1.5 million annually to $3 million+ annually through strategic fundraising initiatives including but not limited to, increased solicitation of major and principal gifts, growth of corporate and foundation funders, and development of robust and highly proactive planned giving programs, whereby progress can be measured quantitatively.

Lead and manage the Development team and strategic committees.

  • Supervise the University of Texas Libraries development staff, including the development specialist for the LLILAS Benson partnership.
  • Establish and communicate fundraising goals, providing leadership on gift cultivation and solicitation strategies, and providing routine oversight and feedback throughout the employee lifecycle.
  • Manage campaign committees, e.g., Benson Centennial Committee and UTL Campaign Committee.
  • Maintain and provide oversight of the Libraries Advisory Committee.

Serve as a member of the Vice Provost’s executive leadership team.

  • Contribute to the strategic planning and initiatives that support the University of Texas Libraries mission.
  • Establish and maintain strong and mutually beneficial relationships with external contacts and constituents on behalf of the University of Texas Libraries.
  • Participate in presentations to University, business, social and civic groups.

Advance the fundraising goals of Texas Development.

  • Work collaboratively and proactively with Texas Development to align and advance the fundraising efforts of the University of Texas Libraries with Texas Development Campaign goals.
  • Leverage relationships with CSU development officers to explore and/or strengthen fundraising opportunities for UT Libraries.
  • Participate in professional development opportunities to create and nurture a culture of philanthropy within the University of Texas Libraries and its constituencies.

Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree.

  • Proven track record of closing six- and seven-figure plus gifts.

  • Ability to build significant relationships with new and existing donors.

  • Leadership experience.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a focus on diplomacy.

  • Ambition and skills to strategically grow a successful team.

  • Experience with a comprehensive campaign in a complex setting, especially higher education.

  • Ability to travel throughout the United States to engage prospects and donors.

  • Commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives on a team and in the workplace.

  • Flexible and adaptive working style that finds creative solutions.

  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines as assigned.

  • Strong project management skills, including ability to track projects and facilitate progress working with multiple stakeholders.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree.

  • 5+ years of experience as a development professional.

  • Background in or familiarity with research libraries (or similar cultural heritage institutions) in a higher education setting.

  • Have a solid understanding of supporting technology

  • Familiarity with university policies and procedures.

  • Knowledge and proficiency with prospect management applications and/or UT database systems: DEFINE, Cognos, and VIP.

Research indicates that applicants with marginalized identities are hesitant to apply for positions if they do not meet all of the qualifications. We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleague develop these preferred skills.

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