Assistant Director for Development, Major Gifts, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Assistant Director for Development, Major Gifts, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is committed to inspiring the conservation of native plants through its garden, education, research, and outreach programs. Founded by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes in 1982, the Wildflower Center is the state botanic garden of Texas, a treasured Austin gem, and a national leader in the field of native plant education, sustainable landscapes, land restoration and research. It is home to the largest living collection of Texas native plants in the state, welcomes over 276,000 visitors annually, has over 17,000 members and reaches more than 2 million people per year through its website and plant database. The Center is focused on improving landscapes, promoting biodiversity, and connecting people with our environment.

Benefits-eligible Wildflower Center staff members enjoy the robust health, vacation, and retirement benefits of The University of Texas at Austin employees. Wildflower Center staff also get free parking and annual membership, discounts on Center classes, access to Wildflower Center featured events, and discounts at the Gift Store and Wildflower Caf.

Purpose

The Assistant Director of Development, Major Gifts, plays a pivotal role in advancing the Wildflower Center's mission by securing significant philanthropic support. Reporting to the Director of Development this position focuses on identifying, cultivating, and soliciting donors with the capacity to give $100,000 or more with an emphasis on gifts of $25,000 or above. The role includes building relationships in major Texas metropolitan areas and key out-of-state markets with new prospects and existing donors.

Responsibilities

Major Gift Fundraising

• Maintain a deep understanding of the Wildflower Center's mission, vision, and strategic plan.
• Build and carry an active portfolio of 50-100 prospective donors.
• Engage in qualification, strategy, development, relationship building, and closing of major gifts at $100,000+ for the Wildflower Center's annual fund.
• Lead fundraising efforts for ongoing and new special events and exhibitions including our summer exhibition campaign of $250,000 per year.
• Prepare and deliver compelling funding proposals to prospective and current donors.

Strategic Planning & Stewardship

Collaborate on goal setting, proposal preparation, strategy development, and stewardship strategies for donors in the portfolio.

Collaboration & Communication

Partner with organizational leaders and development colleagues to create organization-wide funding opportunities aligned with campaign goals.

Data Management & Reporting

Utilize CRM systems (e.g. VIP, Raiser's Edge, etc.) and prospecting tools to maintain accurate records of donor engagement, proposals, contact reports, donor strategies, and forecasting.

Prepare timely reports, letters, proposals, and gift agreements following donor contact.

Teamwork & Event Support

Work collaboratively, proactively, and in a professional, service-oriented manner with all University Development Officers to further the development goals of the organization.

Support donor-centric and organization-wide events, including but not limited to seasonal exhibitions and special events.

Required Qualifications :

Bachelor's degree.

A minimum of 2 years of experience in major gifts fundraising or related fields.

Demonstrated ability to execute a successful full-cycle donor strategy and moves management.

Experience with capital campaigns, corporate philanthropy, planned gifts, and endowment gifts.

Strong emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability.

Ability to drive results.

Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Ability to think strategically and creatively and work well under pressure.

Strong project management skills.

Ability to working independently while engaging in collaboration between teams.

Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g. VIP, Raiser's Edge) and prospecting tools.

Ability to travel frequently to visit prospects and donors.

High level of discretion, integrity, and professionalism.

Possess a personal vehicle to be used for business as needed.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications :

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification.

Master's degree.

More than the required years of major gifts fundraising experience.

Experience in and passion for working at a nonprofit organization with a conservation, nature education, or environmental mission.

Driving Required :

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).

Salary Range :

$70,000 + depending on qualifications

Work Conditions :

Typical office environment with occasional outdoor work for events in all sorts of weather as most events take place in a garden setting.

Must be able to travel frequently, overnight and weekends as necessary.

Must be legally authorized to work for an employer in the United States. This position is not eligible for sponsorship work visas.

This is an Austin, Texas-based position.

Work Shift :

Monday through Friday, flexible schedule within 7 : 30am to 5 : 30pm, subject to supervisor approval. Flexible time available when needed when traveling for business.

Occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays availability may be required for mission-related events.

Required Materials :

Resume / CV

3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers : You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers : As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.