University of Texas at Dallas

Senior Director of Development & Philanthropic Strategy

University of Texas at Dallas$150K — $170K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in nonprofit development, with 15+ years preferred.
  • Proven success in leading principal gift strategies and comprehensive campaigns.
  • Familiarity with engagement strategies for high-capacity donors and stakeholders.
  • Ability to advise executive leadership on fundraising and philanthropic opportunities.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and implement a comprehensive philanthropic strategy for the Center for BrainHealth.
  • Cultivate relationships to secure transformational gifts from major donors and organizations.
  • Manage a portfolio of high-value donors, creating tailored engagement strategies.
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on various fundraising initiatives.
  • Build relationships with community leaders and stakeholders to enhance philanthropic support.
  • Oversee a multi-faceted fundraising function including planned giving and donor stewardship.
  • Utilize data and metrics to inform fundraising strategies and assess effectiveness.

Benefits

  • 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for full-time employees.
  • Life, AD&D, and disability insurance plans offered.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts available.
  • Generous paid time off and holidays.
  • Comprehensive retirement plan options.
  • Employee tuition assistance programs.
  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Wellness programs and employee assistance services.
Full Job Description
Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number
S07187P

Position Title
Senior Director of Development & Philanthropic Strategy

Functional Title
Senior Director of Development & Philanthropic Strategy

Department
CBH CR_Development

Salary Range
$150,000 to $170,000, Dependent on Qualifications

Pay Basis
Monthly

Position Status
Regular full-time

Location
Dallas

Position End Date (if temporary)

Posting Open Date
08/07/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Desired Start Date
09/01/2026

Job Summary

Driving visionary philanthropy to position Dallas as a global leader in brain health, resilience, and cognitive well-being.

This position provides strategic leadership for a comprehensive development program driving transformational philanthropic support aligned with long-term priorities. Leads multi-year fundraising strategy and personally advances major and principal gifts. Serves as a key advisor to leadership, drives cross-institutional alignment, and cultivates high-level donor relationships while elevating visibility and building a high-performing development function positioned for sustained growth.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree with ten years of work experience in related field.

Preferred Education and Experience

Preferred candidates will have an advanced degree and 15+ years of demonstrated success within complex, high-performing nonprofit organizations leading principal gift strategies, comprehensive campaigns, and partnerships with executive leadership and high-level volunteer boards.

Other Qualifications

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Lead and execute a comprehensive philanthropic strategy that advances Center for BrainHealth's mission, strategic priorities, and long-term growth objectives.

Secure transformational philanthropic investments by cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding principal and major gift prospects, including ultra-high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.

Manage a strategic portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, developing sophisticated engagement and investment strategies aligned with organizational priorities.

Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership, providing counsel on fundraising strategy, philanthropic opportunities, donor engagement, and resource development initiatives.

Build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, board members, community leaders, and strategic partners to expand philanthropic support and engagement.

Lead an integrated fundraising function encompassing major gifts, principal gifts, planned giving, foundation relations, corporate partnerships, and donor stewardship.

Partner with academic, research, and administrative leaders to identify funding opportunities, align philanthropic priorities, and advance institutional goals.

Represent Center for BrainHealth to elevate organizational visibility, strengthen strategic partnerships, and advance its reputation among the donor community.

Leverage data, analytics, and performance metrics to inform decision-making, evaluate outcomes, and optimize fundraising effectiveness and growth.

Build, lead, and develop a high-performing development team to foster accountability, innovation, stewardship excellence, and fiscal compliance in support of sustainable philanthropic growth.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Physical Activities

Working Conditions

Additional Information

Remote Work NoticeA hybrid remote work environment is available and a UT Dallas Remote Work Agreement is required upon employment. Use of personal computer and other standard office equipment may be required. Must be located within the DFW Area and have the ability to be on campus with 24 hours of notice.

What We OfferUT Dallas aims to attract and retain talented staff and faculty to support the University's students and mission. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Medical with prescription drug coverage (100% paid for full-time employees), dental, and, vision insurance plans
  • Life, AD&D, and disability insurance plans
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Retirement plans
  • Employee tuition assistance
  • Professional development and training opportunities
  • Employee wellness and employee assistance programs and much more!


Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.

Special Instructions Summary

In your cover letter, please address your experience with major gift fundraising in an academic or other nonprofit setting. Include specific examples of donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, portfolio management, fundraising outcomes, and collaboration with key stakeholders. If your experience was gained outside higher education, describe how it is relevant and transferable to this position. Please highlight your individual contributions and measurable results where possible.

Important Message

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.

About University of Texas at Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is a public research university in Richardson, Texas. It is part of the University of Texas System and has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) since 1972. UTD offers over 140 academic programs across its eight schools and hosts over 50 research centers and institutes. Founded in 1969, UTD is the second-largest university in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, with an enrollment of 29,543 as of the 2019?2020 academic year.
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