Senior Director of Development

Senior Director of Development

The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is committed to inspiring the conservation and cultivation of native plants through its gardens and programs. 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, gardening, sustainable landscapes, land restoration, plant conservation and research. It is home to the largest living collection of Texas native plants, welcomes 300,000 visitors annually, has over 18,000 member households and reaches more than 2 million people per year through its popular native plant database. The Center envisions thriving, native plant landscapes everywhere that nurture wildlife, uplift communities, and ensure ecological resilience for generations.

Wildflower Center staff are University of Texas at Austin employees receiving all associated benefits as well as an annual membership to the Center, discounts on Center classes, access to Wildflower Center events, and discounts at the Shop and Gallery. An inspiring, collaborative and beautiful work environment with outstanding coworkers awaits you.

Purpose

The Senior Director of Development serves as the chief fundraising officer for the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and is responsible for the strategic direction, management, and execution of a comprehensive development program in alignment with the Wildflower Center's advancement priorities. This position plays a key leadership role in the planning and execution of a major capital campaign, with responsibility for securing significant philanthropic support through major and principal gifts.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Wildflower Center's comprehensive development program, including major gifts, principal gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, and planned giving.
• Lead the execution of a capital campaign, including campaign strategy, case development, prospect identification, and volunteer leadership engagement.
• Manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects; personally cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts at the $1M+ level.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate development staff, establishing performance expectations and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
• Work closely with advisory council members, campaign volunteers, and university advancement leadership to strengthen philanthropic engagement and expand the donor pipeline.
• Collaborate with Wildflower Center team members to develop compelling funding opportunities and case statements aligned with strategic initiatives and capital priorities.
• Ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and forecasting of fundraising activity using university and Wildflower Center systems; monitor and report progress toward annual and campaign goals.
• Represent the Wildflower Center in university-wide advancement initiatives and external stakeholder engagements.
• Other responsibilities/functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and significant experience in frontline fundraising, preferably in a higher education or complex nonprofit environment.
• Demonstrated success in securing major and principal gifts, including multiple commitments at or above the $1M level.
• Proven experience leading or playing a senior role in a capital campaign, including strategy, donor engagement, and gift closure.
• Demonstrated ability to execute successful full-cycle donor strategy.
• Experience managing and developing professional staff within a results-oriented fundraising program.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence high-level donors and stakeholders.
• Ability to think strategically while executing tactically in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment.
• Ability work well under pressure.
• Project management skills.
• Capable of working independently, while also engaging in collaboration between teams.
• Ability to travel frequently to visit prospects and donors.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain integrity and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree.
• Experience within a public research university or similarly complex institutional advancement structure.
• Familiarity with botanic gardens or similar conservation, environmental, or mission-driven organizations.
• Campaign experience and experience with fundraising in an academic and/or non-profit environment.
• Experience with VIP or other similar CRM.
• Knowledge of UT Austin policies and procedures.

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

OPEN, Commensurate with experience and consistent with university guidelines.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment
• Regular travel throughout Texas and the U.S. and evening/weekend work required to meet with donors and support events.
• 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.
• May work in extreme temperatures for outdoor events.
• May stand for extended periods of time.

Work Shift

• Flexible schedule to meet work related goals.
• Evenings, weekends and holidays when 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

The University of Texas at Austin Staff