Director of Principal Gifts for Texas Law

Job Title: Director of Principal Gifts – Texas Law School

Hiring Department: University Development Office

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Exempt

Earliest Start Date: Apr 06, 2026

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: UT Main Campus, Austin, Texas

Job Overview

The University of Texas at Austin School of Law is a leading legal education institution. This role focuses on raising philanthropic support from principal gift donors (capacity $1,000,000+ annually) to support the Law School. The Director will manage a portfolio of high‑potential donors and collaborate with faculty and development staff to secure significant gifts.

Benefits

The University provides a competitive benefits package including insurance, retirement benefits, and professional development opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage an active portfolio of 40–80 prospective donors.
• Engage in qualification, strategy development, relationship building, and closing of major gifts ($1M+).
• Consistently produce $3–5M annually within 18 months of start date.
• Participate in goal setting, proposal preparation, strategy development, and stewardship for portfolio donors.
• Deliver funding proposals to prospective and current donors.
• Collaborate with faculty, academic leaders, and development staff on campus‑wide funding opportunities and campaign goals.
• Maintain timely electronic documentation (engagement activities, proposal tracking, contact reports, donor strategies, forecasting) in VIP.
• Record timely reports, letters, proposals, or gift agreements following donor contact.
• Work collaboratively, proactively, and professionally with all University Development Officers.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and five or more years of experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Demonstrated ability to execute successful full‑cycle donor strategy.
• High degree of emotional intelligence.
• Proven tenacity and ability to drive results.
• Highly effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively and work well under pressure.
• Project management skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across teams.
• Willingness to travel frequently to meet prospects and donors.
• Discretion and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Campaign experience and fundraising in an academic and/or nonprofit environment.
• Familiarity with law school, lawyers, or the legal profession.

Salary

$120,000+ depending on qualifications.

Working Conditions

• Position based in Austin, Texas.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States on a full‑time basis without sponsorship.
• Standard office conditions, shared office environment, repetitive keyboard use.
• Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM on‑site. Additional hours may be required during peak periods.
• Regular and consistent attendance required.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV.
• Three work references (at least one supervisor reference).
• Letter of Interest.

Important Notes for Applicants

Applicants who are not current university employees or contingent workers must upload all required materials on the first application and may not change them after submission. Current employees must apply through Workday.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all applicable laws. 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.

E-Verify

The University uses E-Verify to check work authorization of new hires.

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