Director of Development, Academic Initiatives - Fine Arts

Director of Development, Academic Initiatives - Fine Arts

• 501200
• Managerial / Administration
• Full-time
• Opening on: Jul 22 2026
• University Advancement

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Job Summary:

The Director of Development, Academic Initiatives is responsible for professionally building and maintaining relationships with alumni, parents and friends of the University in an effort to raise major gifts ($100,000+) for TCU. The Director reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Initiatives and works in close collaboration with the Dean of the College.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

1. Identifies, cultivates, and solicits philanthropic support by building and maintaining relationships with donors, the Dean of the College, department chairs, faculty, staff, and other key personnel; fosters positive and enduring relationships, internally and externally, that reflect well on the College and the University and that produce results.

2. Designs, develops, and implements fundraising strategies to secure major gifts ($100,000+) in support of TCU and to ensure proper acknowledgement, recognition, and stewardship of donors.

3. Works closely with the Dean to manage the College Board of Visitors, including identifying potential members, recruiting, organizing and leading meetings and other fundraising projects.

4. Works collaboratively with University Advancement colleagues across campus.

5. Coordinates appropriate involvement of donors and prospective donors in activities according to their interests.

6. Supports the preparation of program projects, strategic planning and goal evaluation.

7. May serve on volunteer boards as requested.

8. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree.
• 5 years of development experience or other related experience in an office of advancement or closely related role.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Master's degree.
• Experience with higher education fundraising, including successful college-based fundraising program.
• Familiarity with strategies for private academic fundraising and building new donor constituencies.

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 the use of Microsoft Office suite, to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Ability to develop strong working knowledge of the College's programs, personnel, alumni and related constituents.
• Ability to understand, appreciate and articulate the role of education at TCU and in contemporary society.
• 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.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.
• This position may be required to travel locally and out of town as necessary.

Employment Values Statement:

Texas Christian University values Integrity, Engagement, Community, and Excellence in the workplace. TCU treats applicants and employees with fairness and respect. TCU hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications and their commitment to making a positive impact on our student-centered community. TCU is an equal opportunity employer and follows all applicable employment laws. TCU fairly considers all qualified individuals, ensuring we are a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.