Job Posting Title:Principal Gifts Writer
----Hiring Department:University Development Office
----Position Open To:All Applicants
----Weekly Scheduled Hours:40
----FLSA Status:Exempt from FLSA
----Earliest Start Date:May 11, 2026
----Position Duration:Expected to Continue
----Location:UT MAIN CAMPUS
----Job Details:PurposeUnder the direction of the senior principal gifts writer, the principal gifts writer will produce gift proposals for principal, planned and corporate giving prospects.
Responsibilities- Coordinates, develops, writes and edits clear, compelling, persuasive and brand-compliant proposals for principal, planned and/or corporate gifts of $1M and above. Oversees the review and approval process and delivers final products on established timelines.
- Supports chief development officers and other senior fundraisers by developing concepts and content based on identified fundraising priorities. Conducts independent research and partners with subject-matter experts to develop technical and programmatic content. Develops and maintains current knowledge of University priorities, brand, style and stories.
- Meets regularly with the assistant director for development and executive director for strategic priorities to determine, prioritize and execute major and principal fundraising projects. Participates in fundraising and prospect meetings.
- Supports other Texas Development communications projects and goals by providing general writing and editing support for impact reports, internal communications, letters, marketing collateral and other materials that support fundraising and stewardship.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree and at least three years of professional experience in nonprofit or higher education advancement/development writing.
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, organization and attention to detail.
- Proven ability to write for a variety of audiences while adhering to style guides.
- Ability to self-start, self-direct and exercise good judgment and discretion.
- Ability to prioritize, manage and organize multiple projects amid shifting priorities and accelerated timelines.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications- More than the required years of experience.
- Experience writing proposals for major and principal gifts.
- Knowledge of AP style.
- Experience with project management, project management information systems and/or production workflows.
- Knowledge of higher education fundraising and Texas' philanthropic landscape.
- Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud applications and ability to execute light production design.
Salary$75,000+ depending on qualifications
Working Conditions- This position is based in Austin, Texas.
- Must be eligible to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.
- Works in standard office conditions, in a shared office environment, with repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM on-site work is the standard expectation for this position.
- May require additional hours during peak periods and special events.
- Regular and consistent attendance is required in this job.
Required Materials- Resume/CV
- Three work references with contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of Interest
- Three writing samples, including at least one major gift proposal or case for support
Importantfor applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
