executive director of development cockrell school of ......send nominations or cover letter and...
TRANSCRIPT
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN BACKGROUNDER | 1
Executive Director of Development
Cockrell School of Engineering
The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX
http://www.utexas.edu/academics/cockrell-school-of-engineering
Send nominations or cover letter and resume to:
Faith Eutsay
Search Director
617-262-1102
The Opportunity:
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is leading a revolution in innovation that is improving lives and
generating economic growth. The Cockrell School of Engineering, one of the university’s largest and most
prominent schools, educates game-changers who launch and lead companies, create new industries and
bring global investment and prestige to the state of Texas. The school tackles real-world challenges that
touch virtually every part of society — from transforming drinking water systems in rural towns to finding
ways to detect cancer earlier. The bottom line:
Texas engineers solve problems that matter.
Situated in the heart of Texas and in the middle of
America’s fastest-growing city, the Cockrell School
is positioned like no other. As the state’s most
prominent engineering school, it provides more
than 7,500 students with a cost-effective
engineering education that is recognized as one of
the very best in the world.
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN BACKGROUNDER | 2
Ranked among the biggest and best research universities in the country, UT Austin is a leading institution
with a bold, ambitious vision. It is the flagship school of The University of Texas System, which includes eight
academic universities and six health institutions statewide. Its large student body, storied history, strong
community, and richness of tradition have given rise to a proud alumni base of almost 500,000 worldwide.
The Cockrell School teaches students to push
technological boundaries and develop creative solutions
through groundbreaking research. The entrepreneurial
spirit encouraged at the School helps translate that
research into reality. Forbes calls the Cockrell School
one of two "secret weapons" in ranking Austin the one
of the most innovative cities in the country. ExxonMobil,
Samsung, IBM, Chevron, Halliburton, Schlumberger,
Accenture, Intel, and many other companies actively
recruit Cockrell School graduates.
During the recently-completed Campaign for Texas, UT Austin surpassed its $3-billion goal. The Cockrell
School also exceeded its goal, raising more than $350 million during the six-year campaign.
The preferred candidate for this role will bring a proven background working in a complex higher education
institution with experience working effectively with deans and other leadership toward common goals. This
is the ideal opportunity for a skilled, organized and successful manager/fundraiser to leverage his or her
expertise, energy, and initiative within a world-class school at a top-tier university with a global brand.
Position Overview – Executive Director of Development, Cockrell School of
Engineering
Summary:
The Executive Director of Development (EDD) will provide leadership and management support to the
development of the engineering school’s individual giving programs, including its annual fund, major gifts
and leadership gifts. In consultation with the Dean, the EDD will develop and execute the overarching
strategy for the school's individual giving program with a particular focus on annual and major gifts. The
EDD will also be responsible for supervising a major gifts portfolio. The University of Texas is currently
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN BACKGROUNDER | 3
searching for a Vice President for Development (VPD) and is moving toward a more centralized model for
major gifts. The EDD is expected to work closely with the new VPD.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
In consultation with the Dean and VPD, develop and execute the overarching strategy for the
school's individual giving program with a particular focus on annual and major gifts from individuals,
foundations and corporations.
Manage and provide strategic direction to the Major Gifts team with the goal of achieving individual
and team goals, while concurrently addressing professional growth needs and opportunities for
team members. Engage Dean, President, department chairs, faculty, and alumni as needed to close
major gifts.
Revitalize a school-specific, comprehensive annual giving program and manage the Annual Giving
team.
Develop a protocol for effective outreach, identification of funding needs, utilization of faculty/staff
in prospect management, proposal development and other related development activities.
Assist the Dean and department chairs in all aspects of campaign activity including, but not limited
to: planning, named gift opportunities, prospect management and volunteer management.
Serve as the primary liaison to the Engineering Advisory Board, a group of approximately 100
industry leaders and prominent alumni. Specific responsibilities include planning semi-annual
meetings and managing task committees.
Travel required throughout the U.S., but primarily in Texas. Occasional international travel.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Lead the development team in the areas of annual giving, major giving and administration within the
engineering school’s office of development.
Essential supervisory responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning,
assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees;
addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable
laws.
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN BACKGROUNDER | 4
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising and management
positions, preferably in or working closely with a college or school of engineering or science in a
higher education setting, or similar experience in a nonprofit organization, business or sales
environment.
Experience in a multi-year comprehensive campaign is required.
Experience in best practices for both Annual and Individual Major Gifts programs in higher education
or similar institution.
Experience supervising development team comprising fundraising professionals and administrative
staff.
Experience in direct solicitation of seven- and eight-figure gifts.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Valid driver's license with acceptable MVR (motor vehicle report) required.
Other Qualifications Preferred:
Thorough knowledge of current techniques in fundraising for nonprofit organizations, particularly
higher education.
Knowledge of public relations methods, techniques and practices.
Knowledge of marketing research techniques.
Ability to develop, analyze and evaluate detailed fundraising programs.
A record of successful fundraising with results shown in corporate gifts, foundation gifts, gifts from
individuals and planned gifts.
Experience in participating in institutional strategic planning and in leading the strategic planning
process in the advancement area of the institute.
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN BACKGROUNDER | 5
Benefits:
The University of Texas at Austin offers a comprehensive benefits program to employees and retirees. Please
review the information at the following links for details:
http://hr.utexas.edu/current/insurance/
https://www.utexas.edu/payroll/fringe.html
This position is eligible to participate in the Optional Retirement Program.
The University of Texas at Austin
Like the state it calls home, The University of Texas at Austin is a bold, ambitious leader. Ranked among the
biggest and best research universities in the country, UT Austin is home to more than 51,000 students and
3,000 teaching faculty. Together, they are working to change the world through groundbreaking research
and cutting-edge teaching and learning techniques. Here,
tradition and innovation blend seamlessly to provide students
with a robust collegiate experience. Amid the backdrop of Austin,
Texas, a city recognized for its creative and entrepreneurial spirit,
the university provides a place to explore countless opportunities
for tomorrow’s engineers, artists, scientists, athletes, doctors and
entrepreneurs.
The University offers dozens of highly-ranked programs with a
proven record of success. It is one of the top twenty public
universities according to U.S. News & World Report, with the
number one accounting and Latin American history graduate
programs in the country, plus more than fifteen undergraduate
programs and 40 graduate programs ranked in the top ten
nationally. Academic excellence is an essential part of the UT
Austin experience.
As a public university, UT Austin takes seriously its charge to serve the state of Texas that supports it — and
with billions of dollars in added state income every year, not to mention countless other benefits to local
and statewide communities — the university provides an exceptional return on investment. An enduring
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN BACKGROUNDER | 6
symbol of the spirit of Texas, the university drives economic and social progress, all while serving its city,
state and nation as a leading center of knowledge and creativity.
Cockrell School of Engineering
The Cockrell School of Engineering is ranked among the best engineering schools
in the world. It is dedicated to solving the pressing problems of the 21st century,
driving economic progress and developing future engineering leaders.
From their first day as freshman, Texas Engineering undergraduate students are
taught to make an impact that will lead to advancements in society and industry. Its
students secure multiple internships, and by the time they graduate, they are highly
skilled and capable of making strategic decisions and leading complex projects. It is
where the best and brightest come to develop into future CEOs, inventors,
trailblazers and thought leaders.
The Cockrell School’s reputation is confirmed by:
#10 Graduate Engineering Program; #11 Undergraduate Program in the Nation – U.S. News & World
Report
#8 Engineering School in the World – Professional Engineering Magazine
#5 Engineering program in the world – Academic Rankings of World Universities
#1 Producer of Minority Engineering Graduates in Texas and #4 in the Nation – Diverse Issues in
Higher Education
Faculty from the Cockrell School comprise the 4th-largest membership in the National Academy of
Engineering (behind Stanford, MIT, and Berkeley). Election to the academy is among the highest
professional distinctions bestowed upon an engineer.
The Cockrell School provides Texas students with the best value in engineering education when compared
to other top-ten programs in the U.S. On average, Texas
Engineering graduates earn back the total cost of their
education in just two to three years of employment.
The strategic partnerships the Cockrell School cultivates
with government agencies and industry allow the faculty
and students to study problems, test innovative ideas and
implement solutions that both increase the state’s wealth
and improve quality of life around the world. Whether in
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN BACKGROUNDER | 7
energy, water, transportation, manufacturing,
health care or other important areas, Cockrell
School engineers are developing solutions and
finding their most efficient path to market. Over
550 patents were issued in the last ten years to
Texas Engineering faculty and researchers.
Home to World-Renowned
Engineers and Inventors:
John Goodenough, inventor of the lithium-ion battery that powers today’s consumer electronics.
Bob Metcalfe, inventor of the Ethernet, which transformed computer networking and connected the
world like never before.
Hans Mark, former UT System Chancellor and legendary NASA leader who oversaw the nation’s first
space missions.
Adam Heller, pioneer of the first painless blood-glucose-monitoring system used by diabetes
patients around the world.
Nicholas Peppas, a chemical and biomedical engineer who has made groundbreaking advancements
in the way drugs are delivered to patients.
Sample of Recent World-Changing Research Breakthroughs:
One-atom-thick transistors created by assistant professor Deji Akinwande are made from silicene,
the thinnest form of silicon, and have the potential to make computers and other electronics faster.
High-efficiency, durable filters developed by professor Benny Freeman improve the mobile water
recycling systems that are used in hydraulic fracturing, reducing the required amount of water and
energy.
Centimeter-accurate GPS developed by associate professor Todd Humphreys is poised to
revolutionize geolocation on mobile devices and other technologies, making it significantly more
precise than what is currently available.
Detailed satellite mapping used for natural disaster forecasting in the Center for Space Research is
one of the most effective methods for modeling city evacuation routes, ultimately saving lives and
millions of dollars.
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN BACKGROUNDER | 8
A downhole tool built by professor Mukul Sharma will be used in fracture diagnostics to improve oil
and gas recovery, and could significantly change hydraulic fracturing by reducing costs and helping
to minimize the environmental footprint.
The world’s smallest, fastest nanomotor, created by assistant professor Emma Fan, is a major step
toward development of miniature machines that can move through the body to deliver drugs to
patients.
Developed by associate professor Carolyn Seepersad, honeycomb-shaped structures that “bounce
back” can be embedded in protective devices such as car bumpers and helmets to minimize the
effects of impacts.
Fighting cancer on the frontlines:
o By identifying markers on immune cells that indicate the presence of cancer, assistant
professor Jenny Jiang is developing methods to detect cancer in its earliest stages through
blood tests instead of painful biopsies.
o Stopping cancer where it starts: cells from advanced, cancerous tumors can break off, travel
through blood vessels and form tumors in other parts of the body. Associate professor Aaron
Baker is developing treatments that would prevent cancerous cells from spreading through
the bloodstream.
o Reprogramming cancer cells: forty percent of breast lesions turn into cancer, while 60 percent
remain benign or disappear. By identifying the triggers, assistant professor Amy Brock is
developing new interventions that reverse the growth of malignant tumors and eliminate the
need for surgery and chemotherapy.
Driving Economic Competitiveness:
Year after year, the Cockrell School has proven to be one of the state’s
and the country’s most attractive, effective research investments.
For decades, Cockrell School engineers have built companies as a
result of breakthrough technologies they developed ultimately creating
jobs, generating business activity and strengthening funding
partnerships. A sample of these companies include:
Molecular Imprints – A leading technology company in
nanopatterning systems and solutions for nanomanufacturing,
Molecular Imprints was founded in 2001. In 2014, Canon Inc.
purchased the semiconductor imprint lithography equipment
arm of the company.
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN BACKGROUNDER | 9
Aeglea Biotherapeutics – Aeglea is a biotechnology company that develops drug therapies based
on research done by Cockrell biomedical engineers. The company recently raised $44 million for the
development of a new cancer drug.
DTM Corporation – Born out of the pioneering 3-D printing technology created at the Cockrell
School, DTM was one of the first 3-D printing companies in the nation. In the early 2000s, the
company merged with 3D Systems, a worldwide leader in 3-D printing and manufacturing.
Additionally, Texas Engineering’s expertise attracts funding from federal, state and industry sources, allowing
its research centers to focus on developing technologies and solutions for today’s challenges. To name a
few:
Center for Nanomanufacturing Systems for Mobile Computing and Mobile Energy Technologies
(NASCENT) was established with an $18.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation.
A $13.7M cyberinfrastructure grant from the National Science Foundation created a Natural Hazards
Engineering Research Infrastructure center at the Cockrell School.
Carbon storage research continues at the Center for Frontiers of Subsurface Energy Security with a
$12M grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Leadership
Sharon L. Wood
Dean, Cockrell School of Engineering
Sharon L. Wood is the ninth dean of the Cockrell School of Engineering. She
holds the Cockrell Family Chair in Engineering #14 and the Jack and Beverly
Randall Dean's Chair for Excellence in Engineering.
Prior to her appointment as dean, Wood served as interim dean for one year,
chair of the school’s Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental
Engineering for five years, and director of the Ferguson Structural Engineering
Laboratory for one year. She joined the Cockrell School faculty in 1996.
Wood is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and president of the American Concrete
Institute. Her research focuses on understanding the earthquake response of reinforced concrete structures
and monitoring the service-life response of infrastructure systems. She has served on federal advisory
committees for the Department of Veteran Affairs, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program and
the U.S. Geological Survey.
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN BACKGROUNDER | 10
Location:
Austin, TX:
The quality of life in Austin is one of the most
common reasons given for the city’s rapid growth
and increasing popularity. Once a small, quirky
college-and-state government town, Austin is now
the 11th largest city in America and is a major draw
for UT Austin students, faculty, staff and staff, as well
companies and startups.
Known for its culture of innovation, Austin is
recognized for breaking new ground in science,
technology, and the arts. The nation’s fastest-growing city has long enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with
UT, both contributing to and leveraging 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, critically, its Tex-Mex
and barbecue cuisine. Residents of “The Live Music Capital of the World” are known for being educated, fit,
tech-savvy, creative, and tolerant.
Austin frequently ranks as one of the best places to live in America. It has diverse neighborhoods, a climate
well suited for outdoor recreation nearly year-round, professional and amateur sports venues and events
including a new Formula 1 racetrack, more fine restaurants and clubs per capita than any other American
city, a lush environment made accessible with parks, lakes, greenbelts, and hike-and-bike trails, a creative
culture that supports the arts, music and theater, and year-round festivals and celebrations for Austinites of
all ages.
Background Checks:
Prior to submitting your resume for this position, please read it over for accuracy. LLLS does verify academic
credentials for its candidates, and our clients frequently conduct background checks prior to finalizing an
offer.
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN BACKGROUNDER | 11
To learn more, call
Faith Eutsay, Search Director at
617-262-1102
or send nominations or cover letter and resume to
All inquiries will be held in confidence.
Setting the Standard in Development Search
420 Boylston Street, Suite 604, Boston, MA 02116
617.262.1102
www.LLLSearches.com
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN BACKGROUNDER | 12
Cockrell School of Engineering Leadership Team
Sharon L. Wood, Dean
Gerald E. Speitel Jr., Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
John G. Ekerdt, Associate Dean for Research
Patricia A. Gore, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
TBD, Executive Director of Development
Patrick S. Wiseman, Director of Communications and Marketing
Eric A. Roe, Director of the Center for Lifelong Engineering Education
Noel T. Clemens, Chair, Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics
Andrew K. Dunn, Interim Chair, Department of Biomedical Engineering
Thomas M. Truskett, Chair, McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering
Richard L. Corsi, Chair, Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Ahmed H. Tewfik, Chair, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Richard R. Neptune, Interim Chair, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Jon E. Olson, Chair, Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering