Director of Development, Major Gifts, Cockrell School of Engineering

Director of Development, Major Gifts, Cockrell School of Engineering

Hiring Department: Cockrell School of Engineering

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

40

FLSA Status: Exempt

Earliest

Start Date:

Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS

As a top-10 engineering school with the No. 1 program in Texas, the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) has been a global leader in technology innovation and engineering education for over a century. With 11 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs, over 20 research centers and faculty community that boasts one of the highest number of National Academy of Engineering members among U.S. universities, Texas Engineering has launched some of the nation’s most accomplished leaders and pioneered world‑changing solutions in virtually every industry, from space exploration to energy to health care.

Situated in the heart of Austin—named “America’s Coolest City” by Expedia and “The Best Place to Live in the U.S.” by U.S. News and World Report— the Cockrell School embodies the city’s innovative spirit. Major companies with Austin campuses, such as Dell, National Instruments, Apple, IBM, Samsung, Google and many others, continue to recruit Cockrell School students at a remarkable rate, launching thousands of successful careers and developing Texas Engineers into industry leaders.

The Cockrell School of Engineering is seeking a Director of Development, Major Gifts who will develop, execute, and drive a major and principal giving strategy for the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics in collaboration with leadership. In addition to cultivating relationships with the ASE alumni base, this role will elevate the department's major and principal gift fundraising output during the current capital campaign.

Position includes significant travel and remote work opportunities.

• Manage an active portfolio of 50 to 90 prospective donors.
• Engage in the delivery of funding proposals to prospective and current donors, qualification efforts, strategy development, relationship building and closing of major and principal gift(s) of $1,000,000+ for the Cockrell School of Engineering.
• Participate in goal setting, proposal preparation, strategy development, and stewardship as required for donors in the portfolio.
• Within 18 months of start date, consistently produce $3,000,000+ per year.
• Effectively work with, communicate with, and collaborate with faculty, academic leaders, and other development staff to develop campus‑wide funding opportunities and reach campaign goals.
• Maintain appropriate electronic documentation on a timely basis, including engagement activities, proposal tracking, contact reports, donor strategies, and forecasting in VIP.
• Record timely reports, letters, proposals, or gift agreements following a donor contact.
• Work collaboratively, proactively, and in a professional, service‑oriented manner with all University development officers to further the development goals of the University.

• Bachelor's Degree
• Minimum 1‑3 years of work experience in similar fields
• Experience composing, editing, and proofreading business letters
• Experience assisting with fundraising programs or performing complex administrative functions
• Experience working with confidential information
• Experience working in a varied environment, maintaining customer focus, and implementing continuous quality improvements
• High degree of proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team‑oriented environment
• Ability to interface effectively with a wide variety of personnel
• Ability to work well under pressure and adhere to deadlines, work independently without day‑to‑day supervision
• Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative and judgment

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

• Bachelor's Degree in…