Major Gift Officer, Health

Korn Ferry has partnered with The University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler) to recruit its next Major Gift Officer, Health.

About UT Tyler

UT Tyler was founded in 1971. It's a growing R2 research university serving more than 11,500 students through more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs. Its Health Science Center includes the School of Medicine, School of Nursing, Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy, and School of Health Professions. The School of Medicine is the first in East Texas and the seventh in The University of Texas System.

Why This Opportunity

• The Health Science Center is a true partner with a 10 hospital health system, with university leadership at the table advocating for academic health priorities.
• The School of Medicine is only five years old, giving a gift officer the rare chance to help shape philanthropy at a growing medical school.
• Donors can see their impact. Recent gifts endowed a professorship in Family Medicine, helped launch the UT Tyler Dementia Clinic, and funded a $2.4 million Speech Language and Hearing Clinic.
• The new five story, 248,000 square foot School of Medicine Building offers a wide range of naming opportunities.
• The advancement team raised approximately $23 million last year with a lean team, and the regional donor community is highly engaged.
• President Julie V. Philley, MD, is an East Texas native and physician who is deeply engaged with donors.
• Tyler offers a high quality of life with no state income tax, a median home value of $310,000, and easy access to Dallas. Relocation assistance is available.

Purpose of the Position

The Major Gift Officer, Health reports to the Executive Director of Health Affairs for Advancement and will lead frontline fundraising for the Health Science Center. This role will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of six and seven figure commitments that advance health education, clinical programs, and community health across East Texas. It's an opportunity for an entrepreneurial fundraiser who wants to build rather than inherit, stepping into active donor conversations while building a portfolio and pipeline of their own.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and manage a portfolio of approximately 130 prospects and donors capable of gifts of $100,000 or more.
• Lead discovery and qualification visits to identify new major gift prospects across the region.
• Secure six and seven figure gifts for the School of Medicine, School of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, and School of Health Professions.
• Help launch and grow a grateful patient program in partnership with physicians and clinical leaders.
• Build trusted relationships with grateful patients and families, community leaders, alumni, corporations, and foundations.
• Write and present customized proposals, cases for support, and impact reports.
• Deliver personal stewardship that encourages repeat and increased giving.
• Partner with the President, deans, physicians, and faculty on cultivation and solicitation strategy.
• Track activity accurately in the advancement database.

First Year Goals

• Raise approximately $1 million in the first 12 months.
• Build and actively manage a portfolio of approximately 130 prospects.
• Maintain a high volume of discovery and qualification visits.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree.
• Eight years of progressive experience in fundraising, advancement, sales, or relationship management, with demonstrated success securing major gifts and a verifiable fundraising track record.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Preferred

• Fundraising experience with a new or growing health program, such as a school of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, or health professions.
• Major gift experience within a hospital or health system.
• Experience building a fundraising or business development program from the ground up.
• Experience in a lean organization where wearing multiple hats was expected.
• Master's degree and CFRE credential.

The Ideal Candidate

• An entrepreneur at heart, energized by building a portfolio and pipeline rather than inheriting one.
• Resourceful and highly independent, able to succeed in a lean advancement environment.
• A creative problem solver who brings ingenuity, determination, and resilience.
• Comfortable taking smart risks, learning from mistakes, and adjusting quickly.
• Genuinely driven by philanthropy and the mission of improving health in East Texas.
• A strong writer who can build a compelling case for support.
• A natural relationship builder with emotional intelligence and executive presence.

Working Environment

The role is based in Tyler, TX. Most of the time is spent in the field meeting donors across Tyler and East Texas. The team works on site, with flexibility when the work calls for it. Occasional evening and weekend events are part of the role.

Application Requirements

Candidates who advance in the process will be asked to submit a letter of interest along with their resume. The letter should share what draws them to philanthropy, why UT Tyler, and how their experience fits the priorities of this role.

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