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

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)

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