Principal Gifts Writer

Job Details:

General Notes

About The University of Texas at Austin

What starts here changes the world.

The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, ranks among the best universities in the world. With 76 programs ranked in the top 10, UT Austin is the #1 public university in Texas and the #7 public university in the nation.

Like the state it calls home, The University of Texas at Austin is a bold, ambitious leader supporting more than 55,000 students, 4,750 faculty, 15,000 staff and top national programs across 18 colleges and schools. Amid the backdrop of Austin, Texas, a city recognized for its creative and entrepreneurial spirit, the University provides a place to explore countless opportunities for tomorrow’s artists, scientists, athletes, doctors, entrepreneurs and engineers.

Learn more about UT’s mission and values and leadership.

Why Join Texas Development?

The University of Texas at Austin is a thriving hub of learning and discovery that anchors our city and enables excellence and innovation on the highest level. And it’s only possible because generous supporters believe in the power and promise of our state’s flagship university to change the world. With more than $6 billion raised in the What Starts Here campaign, Texas Development is quickly becoming one of the best fundraising programs in public higher education.

Texas Development is a dynamic community of 500+ fundraising professionals across the Forty Acres. We strive to reach the highest levels of achievement and success in all that we do by creating meaningful and powerful experiences for our donors.

Follow your passion, grow your career and help us change the world.

Benefits

The University provides a competitive benefits package that includes insurance and retirement benefits in addition to other programs and services.

Texas Development supports growth by offering professional development opportunities that help every team member accomplish their goals, enrich their skillset and deepen their engagement with UT.

Purpose

Under the direction of the senior principal gifts writer, the principal gifts writer will produce gift proposals for principal, planned and corporate giving prospects.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates, develops, writes and edits clear, compelling, persuasive and brand-compliant proposals for principal, planned and/or corporate gifts of $1M and above. Oversees the review and approval process and delivers final products on established timelines.
• Supports chief development officers and other senior fundraisers by developing concepts and content based on identified fundraising priorities. Conducts independent research and partners with subject-matter experts to develop technical and programmatic content. Develops and maintains current knowledge of University priorities, brand, style and stories.
• Meets regularly with the assistant director for development and executive director for strategic priorities to determine, prioritize and execute major and principal fundraising projects. Participates in fundraising and prospect meetings.
• Supports other Texas Development communications projects and goals by providing general writing and editing support for impact reports, internal communications, letters, marketing collateral and other materials that support fundraising and stewardship.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least three years of professional experience in nonprofit or higher education advancement/development writing.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, organization and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to write for a variety of audiences while adhering to style guides.
• Ability to self-start, self-direct and exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to prioritize, manage and organize multiple projects amid shifting priorities and accelerated timelines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• More than the required years of experience.
• Experience writing proposals for major and principal gifts.
• Knowledge of AP style.
• Experience with project management, project management information systems and/or production workflows.
• Knowledge of higher education fundraising and Texas’ philanthropic landscape.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud applications and ability to execute light production design.

Salary

$75,000+ depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• This position is based in Austin, Texas.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.
• Works in standard office conditions, in a shared office environment, with repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM on-site work is the standard expectation for this position.
• May require additional hours during peak periods and special events.
• Regular and consistent attendance is required in this job.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Three work references with contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of Interest
• Three writing samples, including at least one major gift proposal or case for support