About this role
POSITION SUMMARY
Huston-Tillotson University (HT) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Development to lead fundraising efforts; i.e. the annual fund and corporate giving campaigns. This position plays a critical role in developing long-term philanthropic relationships with key donors and stakeholders to support the University's strategic initiatives. The Director will work closely with alumni, corporate partners, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals to increase financial support, ensuring a sustainable future for the Universitys mission.
TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Annual Fund:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to manage the annual fund and other giving opportunities such as one-day campaigns to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward annual gifts consistently.
- Utilize donor and wealth management software (experience with Raisers Edge or similar platforms preferred) to build and manage a portfolio of 50-75 prospects and donors, creating personalized cultivation plans for each.
- Partner with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement to engage in donor cultivation and solicitation at the annual campaign level.
- Work with University leaders, faculty, and staff to align fundraising priorities with the institutions strategic goals.
- Identify and write grants to support components of the strategic plan.
Corporate Giving:
- Lead efforts to promote corporate and corporate employee giving opportunities.
- Educate potential donors about corporate giving and matching strategies that align with their financial and philanthropic goals.
- Work collaboratively with the Universitys Deans, Department Chairs, and Directors in identifying and prioritizing funding needs as aligned with the strategic plan.
Donor Stewardship and Engagement:
- Develop and implement robust stewardship strategies to maintain relationships with existing donors.
- Plan and execute donor recognition events, site visits, and personalized engagement strategies.
- Ensure timely and effective acknowledgment of gifts and maintain accurate donor records in the Universitys database.
Collaboration & Leadership:
- Collaborate with the Institutional Advancement team and University leadership to align gifts with broader fundraising and alumni engagement efforts.
- Engage key volunteers, such as board members, alumni, and community leaders, to assist in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting gift prospects.
- Provide regular progress reports on gift and giving activities, including the tracking of goals and outcomes.
Outreach & Communication:
- Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including foundations, corporate partners, and philanthropic organizations.
- Lead presentations, write proposals, and develop marketing materials to communicate the impact of giving opportunities to potential donors.
- Represent Huston-Tillotson University at community events, conferences, and other forums to elevate the University's visibility and fundraising prospects.
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in fundraising, development, or alumni relations, preferably within higher education or nonprofit sectors.
- Proven track record of securing major gifts and building sustainable donor relationships.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
- Strong knowledge of fundraising best practices, including major gifts, planned giving, corporate giving, and alumni engagement.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Experience managing a team and working collaboratively across departments.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency with donor management and CRM systems (Raisers Edge or similar software preferred).
SUPERVISION
- This position reports to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
SALARY RANGE
- $75,000 - $80,000 annually, plus benefits!
POSITION STATUS
- Full-time; in-person.
SETTING
Founded in 1875, Huston-Tillotson University is Austin's first institution of higher education. The University is an independent, liberal arts, church-related, historically black institution located on a 23-acre tree-lined campus near downtown Austin, Texas. The University is affiliated with United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and the United Negro College Fund. Undergraduate, four-year degrees in business, education, the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences are awarded. Huston-Tillotson University is multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith, and welcomes students of all ages, races, and religions. All faculty are engaged in a range of activities, their primary focus is teaching. The student-teacher ratio is 15 to one, which allows an environment of personalized attention to students.