The University of Texas at Austin · 3 weeks ago
Executive Director, Foundation Relations
Austin, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
7+ years expThe University of Texas at Austin is a leading institution known for its commitment to educational opportunities and cutting-edge research. The Executive Director of Foundation Relations will oversee fundraising strategies and manage a team to secure philanthropic investments to support the University’s initiatives.
Corporate TrainingEducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Participate at the executive level in the University’s fundraising activities and contribute to the formulation of priorities and policies for foundation relations. Design, implement and manage a proactive development plan focused on expanding and enhancing top level foundation partnerships by directing and coordinating activities related to obtaining multi-million-dollar foundations funding and support, including working in partnership with programs on campus that touch on these areas
Identify emerging national foundations and trends with a special emphasis on partnerships that can garner larger philanthropic commitments to support the mission and goals of the University. Develop a broad and deep understanding of current fundraising priorities across campus and of University policies relating to foundation grants. Serve as a resource to faculty and development personnel across campus on these topics
Provide analysis and make recommendations to solicit foundation gifts, which will often mean leading and/or participating in university-wide strategy sessions
Develop and manage a portfolio of top foundation prospects with a personal portfolio of 25 foundations and a team-wide portfolio of :300 key foundations across 10 officers. Engage in qualification, strategy, relationship building, and closing of foundation gifts and serve on the president’s transformational gifts leadership team
Establish and track annual goals for the Foundation Relations team to increase annual foundation support by 20 to 30% within 36 months of start date
Develop highly competitive proposals for prospects in support of UT’s 10-year strategic plan to become the highest impact public university. Monitor proposal deadlines, prepare and edit proposals, and manage proposal submissions
Manage the Foundation Relations team. Build strong connections with the college/school/unit affiliated officers. Supervise Foundation Relations staff in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding foundations for support of short- and long-term priorities of the University
Provide guidance and mentoring to staff to ensure productivity and career enhancement
Oversee a newly created Philanthropic Advisory Council of top foundation leaders who will convene annually on UT’s campus to learn about and discuss critical issues and innovations
Develop new relationships with appropriate foundation leaders and program officers
Provide strategic support to colleges, schools, and units across campus in sustaining and enhancing their relationships with existing foundation partners
Track and inform leadership of new trends in the foundation sector; establish close collaborative relationships with partners across campus including but not limited to University leadership, President’s Office, Provost, Vice President for Research, Academic and Research Deans and faculty
Maintain a high-quality stewardship process for foundations. Visit with foundation boards, leaders, and/or program staff to organize campus site visits, and participating in meetings, calls, and events that advance these vital relationships
Attend partnership and content relevant events to enhance UT Austin’s position such as conferences, scientific talks, lectures, etc
Other related functions as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree
Demonstrated ability to execute successful full-cycle fundraising strategy and closure of six- and seven-figure+ gifts
A minimum of 7-10+ years of increasingly responsible experience in foundation and/or major gifts fundraising or related fields
High degree of emotional intelligence
Leadership experience, with demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team of professionals
Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills. Ability to establish and maintain relationships with diverse individuals and groups
Ability to drive results
Ambition and entrepreneurial mindset to strategically coach and grow a successful team
Demonstrated ability to show tenacity and be nimble
Intellectual curiosity and the desire to appreciate, understand, and advance the academic and scientific pursuits of the University to donors, and the general public
Highly effective communication skills (written, verbal, interpersonal)
Ability to think strategically and creatively and work well under pressure
Project management skills
Capable of working independently, while also engaging in collaboration between teams
Experience working with VIP, Raiser's Edge or other similar CRM
Ability to travel frequently to visit prospects and donors
Ability to use discretion and maintain integrity and professionalism
A commitment to the University's mission and values
Ability to navigate a complex, matrix environment, with finesse and tact
Preferred
More than the required years of fundraising experience
Master's degree or higher
Experience working in a large-scale complex academic research university
Experience with a comprehensive campaign in a complex setting such as higher education
Benefits
Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
Optional Retirement Program (ORP)
Company
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest public universities in the United States.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
The University of Texas at Austin has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (282)
2024 (210)
2023 (175)
2022 (186)
2021 (187)
2020 (190)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
Republic Capital Group
2022-09-14Series Unknown
Leadership Team
Will Whiting
Chief Development Officer
Recent News
Crunchbase News
2025-12-16
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2025-11-06
2025-02-18
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