Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving

Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving

POSITION SUMMARY

Huston-Tillotson University (HT) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving to lead fundraising efforts focused on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts and planned giving. This position plays a critical role in developing long-term philanthropic relationships with key donors and stakeholders to support the University's strategic initiatives. The Director will work closely with alumni, corporate partners, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals to increase financial support, ensuring a sustainable future for the University’s mission.

 TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Major Gifts Fundraising:
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects (gifts of $25,000 or more).
  • Utilize donor and wealth management software (experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar platforms preferred) build and manage a portfolio of 75-100 major gift prospects and donors, creating personalized cultivation plans for each.
  • Partner with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement to engage in donor cultivation and solicitation at the leadership level.
  • Work with University leaders, faculty, and staff to align fundraising priorities with the institution’s strategic goals.
• Planned Giving:
  • Lead efforts to promote planned giving opportunities, including bequests, charitable trusts, and other long-term giving instruments.
  • Educate potential donors about planned giving strategies that align with their financial and philanthropic goals.
  • Work closely with donors, financial advisors, and legal representatives to structure planned gifts that benefit both the donor and the University.
• Donor Stewardship and Engagement:
  • Develop and implement robust stewardship strategies to maintain relationships with existing major gift and planned giving donors.
  • Plan and execute donor recognition events, site visits, and personalized engagement strategies.
  • Ensure timely and effective acknowledgment of gifts and maintain accurate donor records in the University’s database.
• Collaboration & Leadership:
  • Collaborate with the Institutional Advancement team and University leadership to align major gift and planned giving strategies with broader fundraising and alumni engagement efforts.
  • Engage key volunteers, such as board members, alumni, and community leaders, to assist in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gift prospects.
  • Provide regular progress reports on major gift and planned giving activities, including the tracking of goals and outcomes.
• Outreach & Communication:
  • Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including foundations, corporate partners, and philanthropic organizations.
  • Lead presentations, write proposals, and develop marketing materials to communicate the impact of giving opportunities to potential donors.
  • Represent Huston-Tillotson University at community events, conferences, and other forums to elevate the University's visibility and fundraising prospects.

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in major gifts, planned giving, or related fundraising roles, preferably in higher education or nonprofit sectors.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Proven track record of successfully closing major and planned gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Strong understanding of charitable giving laws, estate planning, and financial planning as it pertains to philanthropic giving.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build meaningful relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with donor management software (experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar platforms preferred).

 SUPERVISION 

SALARY RANGE 

POSITION STATUS 

SETTING          
 
Founded in 1875, Huston-Tillotson University is Austin's first institution of higher education and a historically Black institution. Situated on a 23-acre, tree-lined campus near downtown Austin, Texas, the University is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and the United Negro College Fund. Huston-Tillotson offers undergraduate degrees in business, education, the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, welcoming students of all ages, races, and religions. Committed to fostering academic excellence, leadership development, and community engagement, HT takes a student-centered approach to education with a focus on personalized attention. With a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1, faculty members prioritize teaching while maintaining a holistic approach to developing the diverse and multi-faith student body.