Dickerson Bakker

Sr. Director of Development Texas Tech University - College Arts & Sciences

Lubbock, TX - Full Time


Texas Tech University seeks a dynamic and experienced fundraising professional to serve as the Senior Director of Development for the College of Arts & Sciences. This individual will lead strategic philanthropic initiatives to advance the university’s mission, focusing on cultivating and stewarding major and principal gifts. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record of securing significant gifts, managing a portfolio of high capacity donors and leading a development team. 

The Senior Director will work closely with university leadership, faculty, alumni, and donors to elevate Texas Tech’s fundraising efforts. As a strategic thinker and collaborator, this individual must possess strong relationship-building skills and the ability to navigate the complexities of a growing institution. With Texas Tech’s commitment to affordability, entrepreneurship, and institutional growth, the Senior Director will play a pivotal role in expanding philanthropic impact and enhancing the university’s national reputation.

This position is based in Lubbock, Texas—a vibrant college town with a strong sense of community and a deep appreciation for the university’s contributions. The successful candidate must thrive in this environment, demonstrating cultural alignment and a long term vision for fundraising success.

The Senior Director of Development for the College of Arts & Sciences at Texas Tech University is responsible for leading fundraising efforts, managing a robust portfolio of donors, and overseeing development staff. This individual will be instrumental in securing major and principal gifts to support the university’s strategic priorities. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Advancement, the Senior Director will play a key role in fostering a strong philanthropic culture within the College and across the broader university community.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors in alignment with Texas Tech’s strategic fundraising goals.
  • Manage a personal portfolio of 75-100 prospective donors, each with a giving capacity of$100,000+
  • Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to support the College of Arts & Sciences’ priorities.
  • Lead, mentor, and manage a team of development professionals, including two frontline fundraisers and a development coordinator.
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with university leadership, faculty, alumni, and external stakeholders.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of donor engagement plans, stewardship activities, and alumni relations initiatives.
  • Ensure adherence to the university’s prospect management system and best practices for donor documentation and stewardship.
  • Represent Texas Tech University at alumni, community, and professional events, enhancing the institution’s philanthropic presence.
  • Provide strategic guidance in managing the College’s advancement budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and effective resource allocation.
​​​​​​​Qualifications and Skills:
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in fundraising, development, or related fields, with at least 5 years in higher education or nonprofit fundraising
  • Proven success in securing major and principal gifts ranging from $100,000 to $1 million+
  • Strong leadership experience, including staff supervision, team building, and strategic planning
  • Ability to manage up and navigate complex institutional structures
  • Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a university setting and adapt to diverse stakeholders
  • Experience working in a college town or similar academic environment is preferred
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in campaign management and annual fundraising production of $2 million+ per year
  • Familiarity with donor database systems and best practices in prospect management
  • Knowledge of Texas Tech University’s mission, values, and institutional goals
Compensation and Benefits
  • Compensation for this role is commensurate with experience and ranges from $120,000 to $140,000.
  • Benefits for this position are highly competitive with comparable opportunities.
  • This position is based in Lubbock, TX at Texas Tech University.
Here is the Opportunity Profile for more information.

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Apply: Sr. Director of Development Texas Tech University - College Arts & Sciences
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