Director of Development - The University of Texas at Arlington

Another Source is excited to partner with The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) in the search for a Director of Development for the College of Liberal Arts. As UTA continues to build out its development infrastructure and advance ambitious fundraising goals, this is an opportunity to partner closely with the Dean and University Advancement leadership, manage an established portfolio of major gift prospects, and help strengthen philanthropic support for the College. A few highlights:  

• Donor portfolio primarily concentrated in the DFW area, with local travel/ minimal overnight travel
• Established donor portfolio with significant fundraising potential
• Relocation assistance available

 UTA welcomes experienced major gift professionals and rising development leaders ready for expanded responsibility. Interested, or know someone who may be? Learn more and apply today! #CASE #AFP #advancement #fundraising

Another Source’s client, The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), is recruiting a Director of Development for the College of Liberal Arts to join its University Advancement team. This is an opportunity to manage an established portfolio of major gift prospects, build meaningful donor relationships throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, and advance philanthropic priorities that support students, faculty, and academic programs. The position offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement and relocation assistance. 

  

The Director of Development for the College of Liberal Arts is an opportunity for an accomplished relationship-builder and fundraising professional to help advance the College's philanthropic priorities and strengthen connections with alumni, donors, and community partners. 

 

Reporting to the Executive Director, Unit Development, this position works closely with the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and colleagues across University Advancement to develop and execute fundraising strategies that support the College's academic mission and long-term success. 

 

With responsibility for a portfolio of approximately 80–100 prospective and existing donors representing an estimated $30 million in fundraising capacity, the Director will play a visible role in cultivating meaningful donor relationships, securing major gifts, and translating philanthropic interests into opportunities that benefit the College. The majority of the donor portfolio and prospective donors are located throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, allowing the Director to focus primarily on local relationship-building and donor engagement, with limited travel outside the region. 

 

This role is well-suited for someone who enjoys the full lifecycle of major gift fundraising, values collaboration with academic leadership, and thrives in an environment where relationship-building and measurable results go hand in hand. 

 

Major Gift Fundraising & Donor Engagement (40%) 

• Manage and strategically grow a portfolio of approximately 80–100 prospective and existing donors with an estimated collective fundraising capacity of $30 million. 

• Build meaningful relationships with alumni, individuals, corporate representatives, and foundation leaders to identify philanthropic interests and opportunities for major gifts. 

• Develop and execute personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that move prospective donors toward meaningful commitments. 

• Conduct regular donor visits and engagement activities, working closely with the Dean to align philanthropic interests with the College's priorities. 

• Drive fundraising results through thoughtful portfolio management, consistent engagement, and a strong focus on donor relationships. 

Strategic Partnership with College Leadership (20%) 

• Serve as a trusted fundraising partner to the Dean, faculty, and College leadership, helping translate academic priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities. 

• Collaborate with College stakeholders to develop fundraising strategies that support academic programs, faculty initiatives, and student success. 

• Participate in strategic engagement opportunities that strengthen relationships between the College and its supporters. 

• Help communicate the College's vision and impact in ways that inspire alumni and donors to invest in its future. 

University Advancement Collaboration & Fundraising Initiatives (20%) 

• Partner with the Executive Director for Academic Unit Development and colleagues across University Advancement to advance fundraising initiatives and special projects. 

• Coordinate donor engagement strategies and fundraising activities across academic and advancement teams. 

• Contribute to a collaborative fundraising environment that connects institutional priorities with donor interests. 

• Support the planning and execution of strategic development initiatives that strengthen the College's fundraising success. 

Volunteer Leadership & Engagement (15%) 

• Support the engagement and management of volunteers, advisory boards, and committees associated with the College of Liberal Arts. 

• Build productive relationships with volunteer leaders who can serve as advocates, connectors, and philanthropic partners. 

• Participate in volunteer leadership activities that deepen engagement and expand the College's network of supporters. 

Additional Contributions (5%) 

• Support special projects and additional initiatives that advance the goals of the College and University Advancement. 

 

• Bachelor's degree required. 

• Five to seven years of experience in major gift fundraising with a demonstrated record of securing major gifts, or related transferable experience within corporate, community, or philanthropic organizations. 

• Demonstrated success developing and executing donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies. 

• Strong relationship-management skills, including the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and collaborate with academic leaders, donors, and colleagues. 

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to present compelling philanthropic opportunities to diverse audiences. 

• Ability to communicate credibly and enthusiastically about higher education and the mission and aspirations of the University and College. 

• Demonstrated ability to work toward measurable fundraising goals, including donor engagement activity and dollars raised. 

• Willingness and ability to travel extensively for donor meetings and participate in occasional evening and weekend events. 

• Commitment to UTA's mission, values, and the communities it serves. 

 

• More than seven years of major gift fundraising experience, including demonstrated success securing gifts at the six-figure level and above. 

• Previous fundraising experience within higher education, particularly for a College of Liberal Arts or another academic unit. 

• Experience participating in capital campaigns or comprehensive fundraising initiatives. 

• Familiarity with planned giving strategies and gift planning instruments. 

• Experience engaging and managing volunteer leaders, advisory boards, or fundraising committees. 

• Experience using Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT or comparable advancement and donor management systems. 

• Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. 

 

This position offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement, with no set number of required onsite days. The Director will have the professional flexibility to manage their schedule while maintaining an on-campus presence as needed to support donor engagement, collaboration, and College priorities. 

 

Relocation assistance is available for candidates interested in moving to the Dallas–Fort Worth area. 

The University of Texas at Arlington offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, supporting health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. 

 

Learn more about UTA's benefits: https://www.uta.edu/hr/utabenefits 

 

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.  

  

Another Source works with their clients on a retained project basis. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.  

 

 

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