Senior Director of Development & Philanthropic Strategy

Driving visionary philanthropy to position Dallas as a global leader in brain health, resilience, and cognitive well-being.

This position provides strategic leadership for a comprehensive development program driving transformational philanthropic support aligned with long-term priorities. Leads multi-year fundraising strategy and personally advances major and principal gifts. Serves as a key advisor to leadership, drives cross-institutional alignment, and cultivates high-level donor relationships while elevating visibility and building a high-performing development function positioned for sustained growth.

Bachelor's degree with ten years of work experience in related field.

Preferred candidates will have an advanced degree and 15+ years of demonstrated success within complex, high-performing nonprofit organizations leading principal gift strategies, comprehensive campaigns, and partnerships with executive leadership and high-level volunteer boards.

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Lead and execute a comprehensive philanthropic strategy that advances Center for BrainHealth's mission, strategic priorities, and long-term growth objectives.

Secure transformational philanthropic investments by cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding principal and major gift prospects, including ultra-high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.

Manage a strategic portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, developing sophisticated engagement and investment strategies aligned with organizational priorities.

Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership, providing counsel on fundraising strategy, philanthropic opportunities, donor engagement, and resource development initiatives.

Build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, board members, community leaders, and strategic partners to expand philanthropic support and engagement.

Lead an integrated fundraising function encompassing major gifts, principal gifts, planned giving, foundation relations, corporate partnerships, and donor stewardship.

Partner with academic, research, and administrative leaders to identify funding opportunities, align philanthropic priorities, and advance institutional goals.

Represent Center for BrainHealth to elevate organizational visibility, strengthen strategic partnerships, and advance its reputation among the donor community.

Leverage data, analytics, and performance metrics to inform decision-making, evaluate outcomes, and optimize fundraising effectiveness and growth.

Build, lead, and develop a high-performing development team to foster accountability, innovation, stewardship excellence, and fiscal compliance in support of sustainable philanthropic growth.

Remote Work Notice
A hybrid remote work environment is available and a UT Dallas Remote Work Agreement is required upon employment. Use of personal computer and other standard office equipment may be required. Must be located within the DFW Area and have the ability to be on campus with 24 hours of notice.

What We Offer
UT Dallas aims to attract and retain talented staff and faculty to support the University's students and mission. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.

In your cover letter, please address your experience with major gift fundraising in an academic or other nonprofit setting. Include specific examples of donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, portfolio management, fundraising outcomes, and collaboration with key stakeholders. If your experience was gained outside higher education, describe how it is relevant and transferable to this position. Please highlight your individual contributions and measurable results where possible.

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator . For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.