Director of Philanthropy

Job TitleDirector of Philanthropy Agency East Texas A&M University Department Advancement Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate Job LocationCommerce, Texas Job TypeStaff Job Description INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT: During the application process the "My Experience" page has a section provided "Attachments (Resume/CV, References, Cover letter, etc.)" to upload required documents. Use the Upload button to add each document. You will be able to upload up to 5 documents. Be aware that the maximum size allowed for any one document is 5MB. All documents must be electronically submitted through the Texas A&M Online Employment Services website to be considered. Incomplete or improperly submitted applications may be excluded from consideration. Please do not withdraw your application in an attempt to upload a missing document, instead please email HR for help. Please provide the following documents: Cover Letter Resume/CV Three professional references with complete contact information (Unsolicited letters of recommendation will not be considered). Transcripts (Unofficial will be accepted with application. Official transcripts are required upon acceptance of verbal offer). If transcripts are from an international institution, it is the responsibility of the prospective faculty member to have the transcripts translated and evaluated by an approved credential evaluator. If you need assistance, please contact us at HR.Hiring@tamuc.edu A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Texas A&M University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University subject to this fee. In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate. SUMMARY: The Director of Philanthropy (DOP) is a frontline fundraising position, responsible for managing a portfolio of 70-90 major (currently defined as $25,000+) and planned giving prospects and current donors. The primary focus of this position will be to identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with alumni and friends to actively solicit major outright and deferred gifts to the University, its colleges, and priority programs, in alignment with the University's and Division's strategic plans. The DOP will develop, coordinate, and maintain comprehensive fundraising and stewardship strategies for assigned prospects. Further, the DOP will work closely with deans, board members, philanthropy operations, and other faculty and staff to promote and grow a robust culture of philanthropy to meet the financial goals of the institution. ETAMU is a fast-growing public university with a strong reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and student success. With over 140+ degree programs, a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and nationally ranked online and graduate programs, ETAMU is committed to transforming lives through quality education. Our employees benefit from a collaborative community, cutting-edge research opportunities, and outstanding resources. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major and planned gift donors and prospects in collaboration with the Director(s) of Philanthropy, deans, faculty, and Philanthropy and Engagement team. Builds, maintains, and strengthens positive relationships and partnerships with individuals and organizations within and external to, the University community. Tenaciously and proactively pursues major and planned gift fundraising initiatives and ensures and executes appropriate recognition and stewardship. In collaboration with philanthropy operations, performs research regarding individuals' giving capacity, interests, and giving history. Updates actions, visits, opportunities, communication, and moves management in Raiser's Edge NXT. Collaborates with faculty and other campus partners to assist in the research and development of appropriate fundraising proposals. Serves as a liaison to assigned College(s) or program area(s) ensuring that colleagues are aware of key fundraising and engagement opportunities and priorities. Achieves performance goals outlined in the division strategic plan and by the Vice President for Philanthropy & Engagement. Regularly attends and participates in community and university-wide functions and alumni events. Regularly attends and participates in division meetings and retreats. Maintains a professional development and training schedule in appropriate areas including fundraising, operations (annual Raiser's Edge training), and others as identified or needed. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Education: Bachelor's degree in an applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of professional work experience. Demonstrated relationship management experience and success in planned or major gift fundraising or related environment. Knowledge / Skills: Proven track record of successful fundraising or sales experience. Demonstrated experience in marketing, persuasive writing, working directly with volunteers and effective personal correspondence and communications with donors. Demonstrated understanding of relational fundraising and skill to convincingly articulate needs and goals that motivate potential donors to make gifts. Outstanding organization and time management skills to function efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented, and self-motivated environment. Superior attention to detail and commitment to high standards of excellence and customer service. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with all levels of constituents, internal and external, campus wide. Excellent presentation skills. Strong work ethic, personal integrity, and strategic thinking. Effective consensus builder. Proficiency with Microsoft tools. Experience with relational databases or CRMs. Knowledge of database applications. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to: Multitask, follow through, and work cooperatively with others. Ability to present information clearly and concisely. Ability to manage several large projects simultaneously. Ability to quickly learn and utilize people, resources, and information across the campus. Ability to work well with colleagues and students. Licensing/Professional Certifications: Valid Driver's license required. Physical Requirements: None Other Requirements: Frequent travel averaging about 50% of time spent out of the office. Travel may include air and overnight stays. PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE: Master's degree preferred. Raiser's Edge NXT experience preferred. Joy of philanthropy and donor-centered mindset. Higher education fundraising experience. Capital campaign experience. Gift planning, corporate, or foundation fundraising experience. Bilingual. Licensing/Professional Certifications: CFRE, Philanthropy, or Blackbaud certifications. SUPERVISION OF OTHERS: None WHY WORK AT EAST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY? Competitive Benefits & Work-Life Balance: Employee tuition assistance for master's and doctoral programs. Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. ETAMU contributes to employee health and basic life insurance premiums. 12-15 days of annual paid holidays, plus up to eight hours of paid sick leave and vacation each month. Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), with optional additional retirement plans (ORP). Physical wellness program and wellness release time for eligible employees. Career Growth & Development: Access to cutting-edge research opportunities at a designated R2 Research Institution. Academic Excellence: ETAMU is ranked among the top 30% in five online degree programs and offers national recognized academic programs. Over 140 degree programs, including nationally ranked online and graduate options. First accredited institution to offer a competency-based bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Distance education offerings in Corsicana, Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Mesquite, Bryan, and online. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Work in advanced facilities such as the 113,470-square-foot Nursing and Health Sciences Building, featuring a state-of-the-art simulation hospital and a 1,300-acre agricultural research farm. Vibrant Campus Life: Engage with over 95 student organizations and 14 NCAA Division I athletic teams, contributing to a thriving campus community. Prime Location & Growth: Enjoy the benefits of working in rapidly growing regions, with abundant career opportunities at six locations across Dallas and Northeast Texas. Visit us on our social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and ETAMU News All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. Welcome to East Texas A&M University, where we transform lives! At our university, we are committed to fostering an environment that ensures students are prepared for success in an ever-evolving world. Our faculty and staff work collaboratively to elevate research, drive innovation, and address global challenges, all while creating a welcoming community where academic excellence can thrive. We strive to align initiatives with the university's unique rural-urban identity, embracing both the opportunities of city life and the richness of rural traditions. Additionally, we are dedicated to modernizing university operations and business practices to enhance efficiency, support sustainable growth, and improve the student experience. East Texas A&M University is an Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. Discover more about our sites: East Texas A&M University (Main Campus) East Texas A&M at Dallas East Texas A&M at CHEC East Texas A&M at Mesquite Metroplex Center East Texas A&M at Navarro College Texas A&M-Rellis For additional assistance or questions regarding your job application, please contact (903) 886-5080 or email HR.Hiring@tamuc.edu.