Director of Development - University Development

Director of Development – University Development 

*Texas-based remote role *
Candidates must reside in Texas and be able to travel for university and partner engagements as needed. 

The Director of Development – University Development serves as a strategic leader in advancing the Texas A&M Foundation’s philanthropic goals in support of Texas A&M University’s mission and priorities. This role is part of the University Development team, working collaboratively across campus units and Foundation partners to design and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with institutional initiatives and donor interests. 

This position is located remotely within the state of Texas, offering flexibility while maintaining close collaboration with campus leadership, academic partners, and Foundation colleagues. The Director of Development is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding relationships with individuals, families, and other key stakeholders to secure major and principal gifts that drive meaningful impact across the university. 

The ideal candidate is a dynamic, relationship-driven development professional with a strong track record of fundraising success, strategic planning, and donor engagement within higher education or nonprofit environments. 

We are passionate about Texas A&M University. We believe Texas A&M has a unique ability to positively impact and transform lives—the state, the nation, and the world. At the Texas A&M Foundation, we strive to be the most trusted philanthropic organization for our university, our donors, and our team. Are you ready to make a difference and connect passions with purpose? 

What you’ll do… 

As the Director of Development – University Development, you will serve as an ambassador of the Texas A&M Foundation and Texas A&M University, uniting donor generosity with the university’s vision to shape a better future. In this leadership role, you will: 

• Develop and implement strategic fundraising plans aligned with the Foundation’s priorities and Texas A&M University’s institutional goals. 

• Cultivate, solicit, and close major and principal gifts in support of university-wide priorities, academic initiatives, and strategic projects. 

• Partner closely with university leadership, faculty, and Foundation colleagues to identify philanthropic opportunities and translate institutional needs into compelling cases for support. 

• Lead stewardship efforts to ensure donors feel valued, informed, and connected to the impact of their philanthropy. 

• Build and manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, maintaining strong relationships through meaningful engagement and personalized outreach. 

• Collaborate across development teams to ensure alignment, data integrity, and coordinated donor strategies. 

• Represent the Foundation and University Development team at donor meetings, events, and campus engagements as needed. 

What we have to offer… 

Purpose: Our work creates opportunities for students, faculty, and programs to thrive and make a global impact. 

• Competitive total compensation package with performance-based incentives. 

• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, identity protection, and more available at no cost to you. 

• Retirement planning with a 17% contribution toward your retirement. 

What we require… 

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Minimum of 3+ years of fundraising experience, including major gift solicitation. 

• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic fundraising plans. 

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills. 

• Commitment to the mission and vision of the Texas A&M Foundation. 

We’d love to find someone with… 

• Master’s degree. 

• 5+ years of progressive development experience. 

• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) or comparable professional certification. 

• Experience in higher education or nonprofit advancement. 

• Demonstrated success in securing principal gifts and managing high-level donor relationships. 

We expect our team members to… 

• Demonstrate the attributes and behaviors of a Passionate Professional Dedicated to Purposeful Philanthropy. 

• Embody the Aggie Core Values and the Foundation Beliefs. 

• Contribute to team effectiveness through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and proactive identification of process improvements. 

• Participate in the establishment and achievement of personal, departmental, divisional, and organizational goals in support of the Foundation’s mission and vision.