THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN PROSPECTUS | 1

Assistant Vice President for Donor Engagement The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX http://www.utexas.edu

https://giving.utexas.edu/

Send Nominations or Cover Letter and Resume to: Gretchen Dwyer Senior Consultant 617-262-1102 gdwyer@LindauerGlobal.com

Introduction

In the University’s own words, “What starts here changes the world.” The University of Texas at Austin (UT

Austin) provides public access to a first-class education and the tools of discovery. This has resulted in a

culture of ambition and leadership, where physical scale is matched by bold goals and achievements.

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is internationally recognized as a bold, ambitious leader in

research and higher education. A member of the prestigious Association for American Universities (AAU),

UT Austin is one of the nation’s premier

centers for academic excellence and has

more than 40 programs ranked among the

top 10 in the country. The flagship campus

of The University of Texas System (UT

System), it is the fifth-largest university in the

United States, with approximately 40,000

undergraduate students and over 11,000

graduate and professional students from

across the nation and more than 118

countries. With groundbreaking research

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN PROSPECTUS | 2

and cutting-edge teaching and learning techniques, UT Austin creates a seamless blend of tradition and

innovation. Amid the backdrop of Austin, TX, a city recognized for its creative and entrepreneurial spirit, the

University provides a place to explore countless opportunities for tomorrow’s artists, scientists, athletes,

doctors, entrepreneurs, and engineers.

The Opportunity:

Just as the University aims to change the world, so, too, does Texas Development with the creation of this

new position. Bringing together the departments of Annual Giving, Donor Relations, Development Marketing

and Communications, and the President’s Associates program, UT Austin has assembled a comprehensive

and highly professional team dedicated fully to donor engagement. More than 100,000 unique donors

support the University annually, and, from this incredible base of support, UT Austin endeavors to engage

these donors enthusiastically in order to build a pipeline of future and generous major gift donors and to

broaden dramatically the number of donors supporting the University annually. In true Texas style, this

leader will help the newly created Donor Engagement team to “Go Bigger.”

Reporting to Vice President for Development Scott Rabenold, and in close consultation with Senior

Associate Vice President for Development Bob Groves, this professional will be empowered to leverage all

aspects of the University as s/he builds a robust and creative program of multi-channel engagement to

inspire, acquire, and engage donors. S/He will partner with dynamic and growing major, principal gift, and

planned giving programs; design and implement additional forward-thinking, innovative, dynamic, and

donor-relevant programs; and build a pipeline of highly engaged and generous major gift donors.

Successful candidates will have a demonstrated track record of engaging donors and donor prospects at

scale; a proven ability to bring creativity, curiosity, and audaciousness to this new and groundbreaking

program; comfort with a complex and decentralized program; the ability to lead by example and to work with

and engage teams outside one’s direct supervision; a dogged determination to drive donor and, specifically,

prospective major gift donor engagement, and a clear and unwavering focus on the bottom line.

The Role — Assistant Vice President for Donor Engagement

• Builds a continuously learning and innovative culture. Strives to intimately understand and improve

the donor’s journey through UT Austin. Conducts audience research through surveys, interviews,

focus groups, and data analysis. Develops audience targeting and segmentation strategies and

oversees the implementation of appropriate tactics. Implements tools and techniques to gain donor

and prospect insights in real-time and create feedback loops to continuously improve programs and

results. Utilizes technology to capture more in-depth donor engagement data that allows for deeper

segmentation, solicitation, and stewardship of key donor groups;

• Expands strategies for creating and delivering philanthropic messaging through brand-specific

storytelling that highlights goodwill, kindness, leadership, and partnerships, and further establishes

what it means to be a part of a culture of philanthropy at UT Austin;

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN PROSPECTUS | 3

• Provides leadership in defining and articulating the branding and messaging for one of the largest

fundraising campaigns in public higher education in a way that resonates authentically with the

University of Texas brand and market position;

• Generates charitable contributions through direct response marketing efforts, reaching out to a

constituency of alumni, parents, arts patrons, athletic donors, civic leaders, faculty, staff, and

students;

• In consultation with Donor Engagement team members, builds and designs strategies for

communicating philanthropic messages to the broader UT Austin audience through content creation

optimized for sharing across multiple channels;

• Develops and further establishes cross-campus partnerships with schools, colleges, and units to

establish an efficient process for creating content aligned with philanthropic priorities;

• Analyzes and expands opportunities for the stewardship of donors in order to reach donors as they

would most like to be reached;

• Employs technology to monitor, analyze, and capitalize on donors’ digital engagement and facilitates

ease of prospect identification, management, and assignment into annual fund or major gift

portfolios;

• Develops action-oriented annual and strategic communications and marketing plans utilizing multiple

channels including, but not limited to, periodic publications, direct mail, email, telemarketing,

websites, and social media;

• Develops donor recognition programs and activities that ensure donor satisfaction and retention;

• Develops programs and initiatives to engage key influencers and future donors with the UT

President thru the President’s Associates program and other engagement strategies;

• Designs programs to identify and strategically engage high-income and high-net-worth individuals

with the University and qualify them as major gift prospects (capable of gift commitments of

$100,000 or more) and connect them with academic and other University leaders;

• Serves as an internal consultant, collaborator, and leader with colleagues in Major and Principal

Gifts, Gift Planning, Corporate Relations, Foundation Relations, Prospect Research, Information

Technology, and University Communications as well as The Texas Exes (alumni association), UT

Athletics, all colleges, schools, and units to develop and maintain a strong University brand that

encourages and celebrates philanthropic support;

• Drives, stimulates, and facilitates programs and activities that result in a growing base of current

supporters and a growing pipeline of major prospects; and

• Leads the Development Office as a champion for donor engagement strategies, and strengthens

partnerships and new collaborations with central development and CSU colleagues.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience leading teams in complex work environments, such as higher education, healthcare, or

financial services, bringing together multiple stakeholder groups and overseeing large, organization-

wide projects;

• While higher-education fundraising experience is highly desirable, fresh eyes and a desire to break

new ground with respect to securing philanthropic investment and meaningful donor engagement is

essential;

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• Experience in change management and reorganizing to capitalize on changing audience and market

conditions;

• Demonstrated experience taking calculated risks while leading teams in developing new initiatives,

preferably in utilizing technologies to create and deliver strategic, philanthropic messaging;

• Experience coaching mid-level managers, multiple external partners, and vendors, and overseeing

complex budgets;

• Adept at working at scale, utilizing mass-marketing tools to reach audiences of hundreds of

thousands, while being sensitive to the reactions and concerns of individual constituents and

colleagues;

• Strong written and oral communications skills;

• Experience in utilizing both paid and earned media, social media, targeted advertising, and multi-

channel direct-response marketing techniques; and

• Bachelor’s degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.B.A. or Master’s-level marketing degree;

• At least 10 years of successful and progressively responsible and sophisticated direct-response

marketing and/or fundraising experience. Demonstrated track record in generating bottom-line

results of increased philanthropic giving is an absolute requirement;

• A proven track record of developing and implementing new, innovative ideas based on market

research and audience insights; and

• A skilled developer and leader of dynamic and high-energy teams.

Areas of Responsibility:

• Annual Giving team including direct mail, telemarketing, crowd funding, and giving website (8 FTE);

• Development Marketing and Communications team including website, targeted periodicals, social

media accounts, and direct mail (10 FTE);

• Donor Relations team including donor acknowledgements, donor societies, endowment reporting,

and other donor stewardship activities (5 FTE); and

• President’s Associates program team (1 FTE).

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The University of Texas at Austin — Top Public Research University

Founded in 1883, and a member of the AAU since

1929, UT Austin’s 18 colleges and schools

encompass most academic disciplines in the

humanities, social sciences, sciences and

engineering, and performing and creative arts, as

well as the professional schools. UT Austin offers

more than 170 undergraduate fields of study and

237 graduate programs, largely at the doctoral level,

which are supported by more than 3,000 faculty and

12,000 staff members. The University is one of the

top 20 public universities according to the 2020

ranking from U.S. News & World Report, with the

number one accounting, Latin American history, and petroleum engineering graduate programs in the

country. Internationally, the London-based Times Higher Education lists the University as 36th in its World

Reputation Rankings; the UAE-based Center for World University Rankings lists the University 31st;

and U.S. News & World Report lists the University as 32nd in its Best Global Universities Rankings.

The University is in the midst of a period of dramatic expansion and development. Over the past five years,

UT Austin has added numerous new buildings to the main campus, including the new Liberal Arts Building,

the Gates Computer Science Complex and Dell Computer Science Hall, the Belo Center for New Media, the

Health Learning Building, the Health Discovery Building, and the Health Transformation Building. The latter

three buildings are part of the new Dell Medical School, the first medical school to be built at an AAU

member institution in the last half-century — its founding has the potential to help position the University as

the top public research institution in the nation.

World-class research facilities managed by the University include the Hobby-Eberly Telescope at McDonald

Observatory and the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC), which designs and deploys some of the

most powerful supercomputers in the world. It is home to one of the top research libraries in the nation as

well as to cultural treasures and collections housed in seven internationally recognized museums, including

the Blanton Museum of Art, the Harry Ransom Center, and the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and

Museum. UT is a founding partner in the next-generation Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT), which will be

the world’s largest (25.4 meter) optical/infrared telescope when it begins commissioning in 2023.

The University has an internationally distinguished faculty, including the recently announced Nobel Laureate

in Chemistry, John Goodenough. Other faulty stars include winners of the Nobel Prize, Turing Award,

Pulitzer Prize, National Medal of Science, National Medal of Technology and Innovation, and the Wolf Prize.

Numerous faculty are members of prestigious academic and scientific academies. A national leader in the

number of undergraduate degrees awarded to minority students, UT Austin has produced 112 Fulbright

Scholars, 31 Rhodes Scholars, and 23 Marshall Scholars.

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Education is central to the mission of UT Austin.

Exceptional teaching is recognized and

promoted by the UT System Regents

Outstanding Teaching Awards, membership in

the Academy of Distinguished Teachers, and

the Provost's Teaching Fellows Program.

UT Austin is supported financially by four

pillars: state funding, tuition, research grants,

and philanthropy. Approximately 12% of UT

Austin’s operating budget comes from state

appropriations, with another 21% coming from

tuition. Faculty and research staff generated

approximately $580 million in federal and corporate funding last year. The campus continues to develop

new revenue opportunities, with an impressive increase in technology commercialization from research.

Over the past 10 years, UT Austin has received $156 million in revenue from the licensing of University

technology. The University finished its eight-year, $3 billion capital campaign, The Campaign for Texas,

successfully in 2014 and is currently in the planning phase of a forthcoming multi-billion-dollar historic

campaign.

UT Austin’s large student body, storied history,

strong community, and richness of tradition have

given rise to a proud alumni base of more than

482,000, which includes industry leaders like

Michael Dell and Rex Tillerson; entertainers like

Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey,

Academy Award-winning actress Marcia Gay

Harden, and film director Robert Rodriguez;

journalists like Bill Moyers and Walter Cronkite;

politicians like Sam Rayburn, James Baker, and

Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Leadership

Gregory L. Fenves

President

The University of Texas at Austin

Gregory L. Fenves began his appointment as President of The University of Texas at

Austin in June 2015. He holds the Cockrell Family Chair in Engineering and is a

member of the National Academy of Engineering, the highest national honor awarded

to engineers in the United States. Previously, Dr. Fenves served two years as UT

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Austin’s Executive Vice President and Provost and five years as Dean of UT Austin’s Cockrell School of

Engineering.

Before taking the deanship at UT Austin, Dr. Fenves served as Chair of the Department of Civil and

Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, where he was on the faculty for more

than 20 years. He earned his Bachelor’s degree with distinction from Cornell University and a Master’s

degree and Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Fenves began his career as an assistant

professor in civil engineering at UT Austin from 1984 – 1987. An internationally recognized structural

engineer, Dr. Fenves’ research focus is on computational simulation of structures subjected to earthquakes

and technology for performance-based earthquake engineering.

Maurie McInnis

Executive Vice President and Provost

The University of Texas at Austin

Maurie McInnis is the executive vice president and provost at The University of Texas at Austin. As the university's chief academic officer, she leads strategic planning for the university's academic mission, and ensures academic programs are world-class and aligned with the university's commitment to diversity and equity. These responsibilities include leading

academic programs and initiatives across the university’s 18 colleges and schools. In addition, McInnis oversees UT Austin’s libraries and museums, archival collections, research centers, and academic support units.

Prior to serving as provost at The University of Texas at Austin, McInnis served the University of Virginia for almost 20 years in various academic and administrative appointments, including vice provost for academic affairs, associate dean for undergraduate academic programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, director of American Studies, and professor of art history.

McInnis is a renowned scholar in the cultural history of American art in the colonial and antebellum south. She has published extensively on American art history, including four books that earned six awards. She has also served as curator for multiple museum exhibitions. McInnis earned a bachelor's degree with highest distinction in art history from University of Virginia and a master's degree and Ph.D., also in art history, from Yale University.

Scott Rabenold

Vice President for University Development

The University of Texas at Austin

Scott Rabenold became Vice President for University Development at The

University of Texas at Austin in September 2016. He previously was the Vice

Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs at the University of

Tennessee, Knoxville, where he had served in several leadership roles during

his 14-year tenure.

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Under Rabenold’s leadership, the University of Tennessee significantly increased the number of major gifts

it received. It also doubled its yearly philanthropy between 2009 and 2015.

At UT Austin, he heads fundraising efforts across campus and is preparing for a capital campaign in the

coming years to follow up on The Campaign for Texas, which raised $3.1 billion through 2014. Since 2016

UT has increased its annual gift production from $348 Million to $580 Million in FY2019.

He has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and an MBA from Drake University. He began his

career at Wake Forest University and the University of Memphis before going to the University of

Tennessee in 2002 to serve as an assistant athletic director and director of capital support for athletics.

He subsequently served in various leadership roles at the Knoxville campus and the University of

Tennessee system, including Interim President of the University of Tennessee Foundation, before

becoming Vice Chancellor in 2011. In that role, he worked to increase collaboration among colleges and

departments across the university and develop campus-wide development strategies, including

development training for academic leaders; partnerships with foundations and corporations to support

research; and a social media campaign featuring University of Tennessee celebrities.

Robert W. Groves

Senior Associate Vice President for Development

The University of Texas at Austin

Robert W. Groves has nearly 40 years of experience in university fundraising

across six major research universities — The Ohio State University, The

Pennsylvania State University, University of Minnesota, University of Michigan,

Michigan State University and The University of Texas at Austin.

Bob has played important and integral leadership roles in five major university capital campaigns that have

raised more than $7 billion dollars in total. He served as the campaign director for Michigan’s $3.2 billion

Michigan Difference campaign — which, upon completion in 2008, was the largest-ever campaign for a

public university. In 2009, he was named the first vice president of university advancement at Michigan

State and led them through the $1.8 billion Empower Extraordinary campaign, which concluded in

December 2018.

In February 2019, he joined The University of Texas at Austin as the senior associate vice president for

development. UT Austin is currently in the early stages of a campaign that will launch publicly in fiscal year

2022. Bob is focused on developing and refining the team, systems and programs that will ensure Texas

Development remains among the elite development operations in public higher education long after the

current campaign is completed.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN PROSPECTUS | 9

Location:

Austin, TX:

Once a small, quirky college-and-state government town, Austin is now the 11th largest city in America and

is a major draw for students, faculty, and staff. The city is known for its culture of innovation, stemming from

the high-tech character of its economy and for its creative culture, which supports the arts, music, and

theater.

Frequently ranked as one of the best places to live in America, the greater metropolitan area has a

population approaching two million. Outdoor recreation is possible year-round, thanks to the temperate

climate and the many parks, lakes, and hike-and-bike

trails in the city. Major annual events hosted by the city

include the Formula One Grand Prix; the South by

Southwest (SXSW) annual film, interactive media and

music festival; and the Austin City Limits (ACL) Music

Festival.

The city has long enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with

UT, both contributing to and building upon the quality of

life that flows from the natural beauty of the Texas Hill

Country, the creative pulse of the city embodied in

events like South by Southwest and the Austin City Limits Music Festival, the entrepreneurial and high-tech

character of the economy, and notably its Tex-Mex and barbecue cuisine. Residents of “The Live Music

Capital of the World” are known for being educated, fit, tech-savvy, creative, diverse, and tolerant.

Background Checks:

Prior to submitting your resume for this position, please read it over for accuracy. Lindauer does verify

academic credentials for its candidates, and our clients frequently conduct background checks prior to

finalizing an offer.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN PROSPECTUS | 10

To learn more, call Gretchen Dwyer, Senior Consultant at

617-262-1102 or send nominations or cover letter and resume to

gdwyer@LindauerGlobal.com.

All inquiries will be held in confidence.

Setting the Standard in Nonprofit Talent

420 Boylston Street, Suite 604, Boston, MA 02116

www.LindauerGlobal.com

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN PROSPECTUS | 11

Appendix

Donor Engagement

Senior Web Developer

Tara Smithtarats@austin.utexas.edu

Art Director

Maria Huangmyhuang@austin.utexas.edu

1

Communications Specialist

Jennifer Boanjboan@austin.utexas.edu

Digital Marketing Strategist

Lauren Davenportldavenport@austin.utexas.e...

Assistant Director of Marketingand Communications

Adrienne Leyvaadrienne.leyva@austin.utex...

1

Assistant Director

Sarah McAbeesarah.mcabee@austin.utexa...

1

Executive Director of Marketingand Communications

Bianca Bellaviabbellavia@austin.utexas.edu

6

Communications Team 10

Director of President'sAssociates

Susan Balagiasbalagia@austin.utexas.edu

President's AssociatesTeam 1

Coordinator – Phone andStudent Campaigns

Amber Keithamber.keith@austin.utexas....

Leadership Annual Giving Fellow

Winnie Kibewinnie.kibe@austin.utexas.e...

Outreach Program Coordinator

Erin Emeryerin.emery@austin.utexas.edu

Outreach Program Coordinator

Brett Bellbrett.bell@austin.utexas.edu

Outreach Program Coordinator

Madeline Nassifmadeline.nassif@austin.utex...

Administrative ProgramCoordinator

Mona Rupanimrupani@austin.utexas.edu

Digital Campaign DevelopmentSpecialist

Skyla Loweryskyla.lowery@austin.utexas....

Assistant Director of SpecialPrograms

Kellie Sullivanksullivan@austin.utexas.edu

Development Associate

Christopher Rosecrose@austin.utexas.edu

Assistant Director of DirectMarketing

Todd Francistfrancis@austin.utexas.edu

E�Communication Specialist

Joshua Denslowjdenslow@austin.utexas.edu

Assistant Director of the AnnualGiving Fellows Program

Jen'ai Jamesjjames@austin.utexas.edu

Leadership Annual Giving Fellow

Sarah Welbessarah.welbes@austin.utexas...

Director of Annual GivingPrograms

Adrian Matthysadrianm@austin.utexas.edu

13

Annual Giving ProgramsTeam 14

Development Specialist,Scholarship Stewardship

Tamra Lawson-Webbtamra.j@austin.utexas.edu

Assistant Director for DonorRelations

Raine Munkensnrmunkens@austin.utexas.e...

Development Associate forLegacy Project

Patricia Nealonpnealon@austin.utexas.edu

Acknowledgment Coordinator

Melissa Myermmyer@austin.utexas.edu

Development Associate forDonor Relations

Holly Webbholly.webb@austin.utexas.e...

Associate Director of DonorRelations

Dawn Sanchezdsanchez@austin.utexas.edu

Assistant Director, DonorRelations

Briana Schroederbschroeder@austin.utexas.e...

Director of Donor Relations

Kate Harrisonkharrison@austin.utexas.edu

7

Donor Relations Team 8

Assistant Vice President forDonor Engagement

4

Donor Engagement 34