Job Posting Title:
Development Specialist----
Hiring Department:
Charles A Dana Center----
Position Open To:
All Applicants----
Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40----
FLSA Status:
Exempt----
Earliest Start Date:
May 01, 2026----
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue----
Location:
PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS----
Job Details:
Position operates on a hybrid work schedule at the discretion of the Dana Center, this position does not support fully remote.
If selected for an interview, candidates will be asked to submit one prior proposal, Letter of inquiry, or funder report they have written. (or, if not available, one they have substantially edited).
(Materials requested for a confirmed interview, will not be considered prior to said interview)
The Development Specialist supports the Charles A. Dana Center’s fundraising efforts by managing data and workflows, stewarding donors and funders, and providing robust grants and proposal support.
Data Management and Workflow Optimization
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.
Donor Stewardship
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.
Grant and Proposal Support
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.
Gift Processing
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.
Site Visit Support
Communicate with funders, as needed, for site visits and external engagements
Organizational Culture
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
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.
(Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.)
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.
$60,000 - $65,000
May work around standard office conditions
Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
Use of manual dexterity
Please mark "yes" on the application for required materials. Failure to attach all additional materials listed may affect candidates being considered for the position.
Resume/CV
3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
Letter of interest
Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
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Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.----
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.----
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
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Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
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Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
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Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
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E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
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Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.