Director of Development, Major Gifts

About this role

Job Posting Title: Director of Development, Major Gifts ---- Hiring Department: Texas Memorial Museum ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA ---- Earliest Start Date: Aug 01, 2026 ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue ---- Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS ---- Job Details: General Notes  

Texas   Science & Natural History Museum is developing new exhibits, programs, and experiences that spark curiosity, promote belonging, and tell stories about Texas science and natural history. Since reopening in September 2023, the reimagined institution blends its historic building and world-class collections with engaging, modern exhibits focused on science education. The museum has welcomed more than 200,000 visitors from all 50 states and 28 countries while supporting   preK –12 education through field trips and outreach and presenting an active schedule of public programs. The museum continues to evolve as a vibrant educational and cultural hub with a strong path toward long-term sustainability.   

Purpose  

To serve as the Director of Development, Major Gifts, on the museum’s development team. The museum seeks a seasoned fundraising professional to   identify   and cultivate new donor prospects with a capacity of $100,000+. Reporting to the Director of Development, the position holds a critical role advancing Texas Science & Natural Museum’s strategic priorities through fundraising.  

Responsibilities  

• Build and carry an active portfolio of 40-60 well-qualified prospective donors with a capacity of $100,000+ and   solicit   gifts to support operations, capital projects, education programs, and endowments through pledged and planned monetary gifts. Engage in strategy, identification, qualification, cultivation, relationship building, and closing of major gifts to support the museum’s priorities.  

• Participate in goal setting, proposal preparation, strategy development, and stewardship as   required   for donors in the managed portfolio and as requested.  

• Successfully and consistently deliver funding proposals with a focus on engaging new donors and building contributed revenue that is available within the fiscal year as well as building endowment funding.  

• Maintain an understanding of the museum’s priorities, vision, and mission. Effectively work with, communicate with, and collaborate with leadership and other staff to develop funding opportunities to reach annual budgetary and long-term goals. Work collaboratively, proactively, and in a professional, service-oriented manner with all departments and development staff to further goals and   mission   of the museum.  

• Utilize fundraising databases and prospecting tools. Maintain   appropriate electronic   documentation on   a timely   basis, including engagement activities, proposal tracking, contact reports, donor strategies, and forecasting.  

• Work collaboratively and proactively with Texas Development   and development colleagues within the College of Natural Sciences   to align and advance the museum’s fundraising efforts. Leverage relationships with development officers across the university to explore and/or strengthen fundraising opportunities for the museum. Participate in professional development opportunities to create and nurture a culture of philanthropy within   Texas   Science & Natural History Museum and its constituencies.  

• Performs related duties as assigned. May work on assigned projects.  

Required Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum of 5+ years experience in major gift fundraising  

• Proven success in developing and executing full-cycle donor strategies  

• Strong emotional intelligence, intellectual curiosity, and strategic thinking  

• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, interpersonal).  

• Effective project management and problem-solving abilities, thrives under pressure  

• Collaborative and independent work style; able to engage across teams  

• Proficient in CRM platforms such as VIP, Salesforce, or similar applications  

• Willingness and ability to travel to engage with prospects and donors  

• Demonstrated discretion, integrity ,   and professionalism in all interactions  

• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate  

Preferred Qualifications  

• 10+ years in major gift fundraising  

• Prior experience at UT or in a large, complex academic research university environment  

• Background in fundraising within a museum or educational organization  

• Graduate degree and/or Certified   Fund Raising   Executive (CFRE) certification  

Salary Range  

$ 115 ,000 + depending on qualifications  

Working Conditions Hybrid position

Required Materials • Resume/CV

• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor • Letter of interest

Important   for 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 o

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