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

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

2 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants

• Maintain a deep understanding of the Wildflower Center’s mission, vision and strategic plan.
• Build and manage an active portfolio of 50-100 prospective donors.
• Engage in qualification, strategy, development, relationship building, and closing of major gifts at $100,000+ for the Wildflower Center’s annual fund.
• Lead fundraising efforts for ongoing and new special events and exhibitions, including the summer exhibition campaign of $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, etc.) 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 with 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 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 collaborating with 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 for business use.

• 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.

• This job requires a Class “C” operator’s driver’s license and a current three‑year driving record from the state of residence.
• If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver’s license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a resident.
• Employees subject to CDL requirements are subject to drug and alcohol testing.

• $70,000 + depending on qualifications.

• Typical office environment with occasional outdoor work for events in variable weather.
• Frequent travel, including overnight and weekend trips.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; no visa sponsorship.
• Position based in Austin, Texas.

• Monday to Friday, flexible schedule within 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., subject to supervisor approval.
• Occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required for mission‑related events.

• Resume/CV.
• Three work references with contact information, at least one 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.