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.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain data tracking systems, including the Development Team Smartsheets workspace and associated workflows for Dana Center leaders and program staff
• Document and track substantive funder and partner contacts, as well as key information related to fundraising activities
• Enhance and update the Smartsheets workspace and workflows to monitor funding prospects, concept ideas, funder brainstorming discussions, next steps, action items, and relevant fundraising resources
• Oversee the donor stewardship process to ensure accurate records in the VIP database, appropriate acknowledgment, and recognition of gifts
• Draft gift acknowledgments
• Communicate with donors and collaborate on campaigns to engage donor support
• Maintain an appropriate level of knowledge through internal and external training
• Assist in the development of institutional and grant goals, and support the implementation of the annual solicitation plan
• Assist with proposal preparation in collaboration with the Charles A. Dana Center staff, UT Development, UT Foundation
• Prepare supplemental materials for internal and external stakeholders; create document shells and graphics as needed
• Proofread proposals and reports when time permits
• Update program staff résumés and bios annually for proposals, working with staff to obtain current information and editing revisions for style and format
• Coordinate with Communications staff for related web updates
• Support the development and maintenance of the calendar of grant reporting requirements
• Assist with writing, coordinating, and producing professional and timely reports to funders that comply with contract requirements
• Assist with coordinating budget reallocations and Statement of Work (SOW) changes
• Assist with researching and assessing funder prospects for alignment with Center priorities and concept ideas
• Administer, maintain, and record individual and recurring gifts. Process all gifts in accordance with the rules and regulations established by the University
• Maintain tracking mechanisms for various forms of gifts received by programs throughout the Center
• Communicate with funders, as needed, for site visits and external engagements
• Participate 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 effectiveness

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., public administration, nonprofit management, education, communications, business) or equivalent combination of education and experience
• At least 1–2 years of professional experience in development, fundraising, or a closely related nonprofit/education setting
• Demonstrated experience supporting grants and proposals, including coordinating inputs, drafting or editing narrative sections, and tracking deadlines and deliverables
• Experience 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 projects
• Proficiency with data and tracking systems (e.g., Smartsheet) with attention to detail and data accuracy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to proofread and edit for clarity, tone, and consistency
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams (development, finance, program, and communications) in a fast‑paced environment
• Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and high standards of customer service in interactions with staff, donors, and external partners
• An additional 3–5 years of experience in development or grant administration
• Experience with the full grant cycle (prospecting, proposals, reporting)
• Experience managing grant/reporting calendars and coordinating budget or scope changes
• Familiarity with university or higher‑education development operations
• Experience in education, or related social‑impact organizations

Benefits

• Retirement 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 Overview