Director of Development - Major Gifts

  • 500595
  • Managerial / Administration
  • Full-time
  • Opening on: Oct 1 2025
  • University Advancement

Job Summary:

The Director of Development, Major Gifts, is responsible for professionally building and managing relationships with a portfolio of alumni, parents and friends in an effort to secure major gifts ($100,000+) for Texas Christian University and create meaningful return on philanthropic investment for donors to the university. Directors provide strategic encouragement, guidance and support to TCU stakeholders as they make significant philanthropic investment decisions to advance university priorities across the entire campus.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

1. Works closely with the prospect development team to build and manage a portfolio of 80-125 active prospective donors, create cultivation and solicitation strategies documented in an annual written development plan, and secure a set minimum dollar goal each fiscal year.
2. Works with University Advancement colleagues across campus to understand priorities and opportunities, coordinate activity, and facilitate communication and collaboration.
3. Participates in regular strategy planning and review sessions with supervisor and other internal university stakeholders.
4. Performs other related duties as assigned

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 3 years of development experience or related experience and demonstrated achievement of core competencies.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Master’s degree.
• Experience in higher education or independent school major gift fundraising.

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

• Valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Must be insurable under the university motor vehicle requirements.

Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:

• None

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of development/fundraising concepts and appropriate solicitation techniques.
• Knowledge of communications, presentation and interpersonal relationship techniques.
• Skill in project management.
• Skill in effective written and verbal communication.
• Skill in public speaking and presenting to various levels of the organization.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office suite, to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Ability to interact with diplomacy and tact amid influential constituents and diverse groups.
• Ability to identify, cultivate and successfully solicit philanthropic gifts from high-level prospects.
• Ability to adapt and respond to various situations.
• Ability to maintain high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently as well as on a team.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to use technology (e.g. PC, iPhone, iPad, videoconferencing technology and customized CRM system) as needed.

TCU Core Competencies:

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Work is indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• This role is an on campus, in-person position.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.

AA/EEO Statement:

As an AA/EEO employer, TCU recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. 

TCU Annual Security Report & Fire Safety Report Notice of Availability

Texas Christian University is committed to assisting all members of the campus community in providing for their own safety and security. TCU’s Annual Security Report and Fire Safety Report is published in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy & Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and the Higher Education Opportunity Act. This report includes statistics for the previous three calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by the University, and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The statements of policy contained within this report address institutional policies, procedures, and programs concerning campus security, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, emergency notifications and timely warning of crimes, sexual and interpersonal violence, and personal safety at TCU. Additionally, this report outlines fire safety systems, policies and procedures for on-campus housing facilities, as well as residence hall fire statistics. 

The Annual Security Report and Fire Safety Report can be found on the TCU Police Department website at https://police.tcu.edu/annual-security-report, or a paper copy of the report may be obtained by contacting the TCU Police Department at 817-257-7930, or via email at police@tcu.edu.

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