Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving

POSITION SUMMARY

Huston-Tillotson University (HT) seeks a dedicated and skilled Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving to support fundraising efforts and advance the University’s mission through strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors. This role requires strong project management capabilities, experience in commercial facilities development, and a hospitality-centered approach to donor engagement. The Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving will prepare professional reports, presentations, and communications, while building strong relationships with stakeholders to strengthen philanthropic partnerships.

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Major Gifts Development and Planned Giving

• Assist in identifying, cultivating, and stewarding major gift prospects (gifts of $25,000+).
• Support portfolio management of donors and prospects, maintaining regular contact and personalized engagement strategies for major gifts and planned giving.
• Partner with University leadership to align fundraising priorities with strategic goals.

Donor Stewardship & Engagement

• Plan and coordinate donor engagement opportunities, including site visits, tours, and recognition events with a focus on hospitality and relationship building.
• Prepare and deliver timely acknowledgments, reports, and communications to major gift donors.
• Ensure donor experiences are handled with professionalism and impeccable soft skills.

Project & Facilities Support

• Provide project management oversight for donor-related facility initiatives and campus development opportunities.
• Collaborate with University stakeholders on projects involving commercial facilities, ensuring alignment with donor expectations and institutional needs.

Communication & Reporting

• Draft and prepare high-quality reports, proposals, and presentation materials for donors, leadership, and board members.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in donor management systems.
• Deliver regular progress updates on goals, outcomes, and donor activity.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 3–5 years of professional experience in fundraising, project management, commercial development, or related fields.
• Experience with donor database systems preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, develop facilities-related initiatives, and coordinate multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to prepare compelling reports and presentations.
• Proven interpersonal and hospitality-oriented skills, with a record of building strong relationships across diverse stakeholders.

SUPERVISION

• This position reports to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

SALARY RANGE

• $75,000 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.