Assistant Director for Development, Major Gifts, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Assistant Director for Development, Major Gifts

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin, Texas

The Assistant Director of Development, Major Gifts, secures significant philanthropic support to advance the Center’s mission. Reporting to the Director of Development, the role focuses on identifying, cultivating, and soliciting donors with a capacity to give $100,000 or more, emphasizing gifts of $25,000 or above. The position builds relationships in major Texas metropolitan areas and key out‑of‑state markets with new prospects and existing donors.

• Maintain a deep understanding of the Center’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.
• Build and actively manage a portfolio of 50–100 prospective donors.
• Qualify, strategize, develop, and close major gifts at $100,000+ for the annual fund.
• Lead fundraising efforts for ongoing and new special events and exhibitions, including the summer exhibition campaign ($250,000 per year).
• Prepare and deliver compelling funding proposals to prospective and current donors.
• Collaborate on goal setting, proposal preparation, strategy development, and stewardship strategies for donors in the portfolio.
• Partner with organizational leaders and development colleagues to create organization‑wide funding opportunities aligned with campaign goals.
• Utilize CRM systems (e.g., VIP, Raiser's Edge) and prospecting tools to maintain accurate records of donor engagement, proposals, contact reports, donor strategies, and forecasting.
• Prepare timely reports, letters, proposals, and gift agreements following donor contact.
• Work collaboratively, proactively, and in a professional, service‑oriented manner with all University Development Officers to further the development goals of the organization.
• Support donor‑centric and organization‑wide events, including but not limited to seasonal exhibitions and special events.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in major gifts fundraising or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to execute a successful full‑cycle donor strategy and moves management.
• Experience with capital campaigns, corporate philanthropy, planned gifts, and endowment gifts.
• Strong emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability.
• Ability to drive results.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively and work well under pressure.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to work independently while engaging in collaboration between teams.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., VIP, Raiser's Edge) and prospecting tools.
• Ability to travel frequently to visit prospects and donors.
• High level of discretion, integrity, and professionalism.
• Possess a personal vehicle to be used for business as needed.

• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification.
• Master’s degree.
• More than the required years of major gifts fundraising experience.
• Experience in and passion for working at a nonprofit organization with a conservation, nature education, or environmental mission.

• Resume/CV
• Three work references with contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.
• Letter of interest

The University of Texas at Austin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

• Class “C” operator’s driver's license required; a current three‑year driving record is required.
• Salary: $70,000+ depending on qualifications.
• Typical office environment with occasional outdoor work for events.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; no employment‑visa sponsorship.
• Location:
  
  Austin, Texas; frequent travel, including overnight and weekends, may be required.
• Work schedule:
  
  Monday through Friday, flexible within 7:30 am–5:30 pm, subject to supervisor approval; occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required.

Employees must present acceptable and original documents to prove identity and authorization to work in the United States by the third day of employment. The University participates in E‑Verify.