Development Specialist

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Development Specialist to support the Charles A. Dana Center’s fundraising efforts. This role involves managing data and workflows, stewarding donors and funders, and providing robust grants and proposal support.ResponsibilitiesManage and maintain data tracking systems, including the Development Team Smartsheets workspace and associated workflows for Dana Center leaders and program staffDocument and track substantive funder and partner contacts, as well as key information related to fundraising activitiesEnhance and update the Smartsheets workspace and workflows to monitor funding prospects, concept ideas, funder brainstorming discussions, next steps, action items, and relevant fundraising resourcesOversee the donor stewardship process to ensure accurate records in the VIP database, appropriate acknowledgment, and recognition of giftsDraft gift acknowledgmentsCommunicate with donors and collaborate on campaigns to engage donor supportMaintain an appropriate level of knowledge through internal and external trainingAssist in the development of institutional and grant goals, and support the implementation of the annual solicitation planAssist with proposal preparation in collaboration with the Charles A. Dana Center staff, UT Development, UT FoundationPrepare supplemental materials for internal and external stakeholders; create document shells and graphics as neededProofread proposals and reports when time permitsUpdate program staff résumés and bios annually for proposals, working with staff to obtain current information and editing revisions for style and formatCoordinate with Communications staff for related web updatesSupport the development and maintenance of the calendar of grant reporting requirementsAssist with writing, coordinating, and producing professional and timely reports to funders that comply with contract requirementsAssist with coordinating budget reallocations and Statement of Work (SOW) changesAssist with researching and assessing funder prospects for alignment with Center priorities and concept ideasAdminister, maintain, and record individual and recurring gifts. Process all gifts in accordance with the rules and regulations established by the UniversityMaintain tracking mechanisms for various forms of gifts received by programs throughout the CenterCommunicate with funders, as needed, for site visits and external engagementsParticipate in processes and activities designed to establish an organizational culture that supports learning, collaboration, and collective responsibility to enhance professional relationships, job satisfaction, and organizational effectivenessSkillsBachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., public administration, nonprofit management, education, communications, business) or equivalent combination of education and experienceAt least 1–2 years of professional experience in development, fundraising, or a closely related nonprofit/education settingDemonstrated experience supporting grants and proposals, including coordinating inputs, drafting or editing narrative sections, and tracking deadlines and deliverablesExperience working with donors, funders, or philanthropic partners (e.g., preparing acknowledgments, supporting stewardship activities, or assisting with site visits)Strong administrative and operations skills, including coordinating complex workflows and maintaining accurate records across multiple projectsProficiency with data and tracking systems (e.g., Smartsheet) with attention to detail and data accuracyExcellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to proofread and edit for clarity, tone, and consistencyStrong organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneouslyAbility to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams (development, finance, program, and communications) in a fast‑paced environmentCommitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and high standards of customer service in interactions with staff, donors, and external partnersAn additional 3–5 years of experience in development or grant administrationExperience with the full grant cycle (prospecting, proposals, reporting)Experience managing grant/reporting calendars and coordinating budget or scope changesFamiliarity with university or higher‑education development operationsExperience in education, or related social‑impact organizationsBenefitsRetirement Plan Eligibility: The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.Company OverviewThe University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest public universities in the United States. It was founded in 1922, and is headquartered in Austin, Texas, USA, with a workforce of 10001+ employees. Its website is http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu.



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