Dickerson Bakker

Sr. Director of Development - Texas Tech University Whitacre College of Engineering

Lubbock - Full Time

Texas Tech University is seeking a results-driven and strategic fundraising advancement professional to serve as the next Sr. Director of Development for the Whitacre College of Engineering. This senior-level fundraiser will play a vital role in securing major philanthropic support for one of the university's most innovative and high-impact colleges. 

Key Responsibilities
  • Manage a portfolio of 100–150 major and principal gift prospects, cultivating relationships and securing philanthropic commitments aligned with college and university priorities.
  • Develop and present strategic proposals that result in six- and seven-figure gifts to support scholarships, faculty, research, and capital initiatives.
  • Lead, supervise, and support a team of development professionals responsible for frontline fundraising efforts.
  • Collaborate with the Dean, faculty, and university Advancement leadership to align fundraising strategies with institutional goals.
  • Meet annual performance goals related to donor contacts, proposals, solicitations, and revenue generation.
  • Ensure accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions and activity within the university's CRM system. 
  • Plan and manage an advancement budget for travel, events, donor engagement, and stewardship.
  • Represent the Whiteacre College of Engineering and the Office of Advancement at university, alumni, and community events.
  • Support and contribute to the development of annual fundraising plans and campaign strategies for the college.
  • Foster a collaborative culture across university advancement and college leadership to strengthen Texas Tech's philanthropic network.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
  • Minimum of eight (8) years of progressive experience in fundraising, development or related sales roles. 
  • Demonstrated success in securing major gifts of $100,000+, with a track record of closing $1M+ gifts preferred.
  • Proven ability to manage a high-value donor portfolio and meet fundraising metrics.
  • Experience leading and developing a team of fundraising professionals.
  • Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders.
  • Knowledge of higher education advancement operations, including campaign strategy, donor stewardship, planned giving, and alumni engagement.
  • Excellent organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills with a high degree of initiative and independence.
  • Familiarity with technical or engineering disciplines is a plus.
  • Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed. 
Compensation, Benefits, and Location:
  • Compensation for this role is commensurate with experience and ranges from $120,000 to $140,000.
  • Benefits for the position are highly competitive with comparable opportunities.
  • This position is based in Lubbock, TX at Texas Tech University.

About the Whitacre College of Engineering
The Edward E Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering is a powerhouse of research, education, and innovation. Named for AT&T Chairman and TTU alumnus Edward Whitacre, the College enrolls over 5,500 students across a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. With seven departments and multiple nationally recognized research centers, the College drives solutions to real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and strong industry partnerships.

About Texas Tech University
Founded in 1923 and located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 research institution with more than 40,000 students and a proud legacy of academic excellence. As the flagship of the Texas Tech University System, the university is dedicated to fostering student success, expanding research innovation, and serving the broader community through engagement and outreach.

About Lubbock, Texas
Known as the “Hub City” of West Texas, Lubbock offers a vibrant mix of culture, education, and community. With a low cost of living, top-rated schools, a thriving arts and music scene, and proximity to major cities like Dallas and Austin, Lubbock is one of Texas’s most welcoming and family-friendly places to live and work.

For more information, please review the Opportunity Profile.
Apply: Sr. Director of Development - Texas Tech University Whitacre College of Engineering
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