The UT System has a special responsibility for managing the Permanent University Fund (PUF), other endowments, managing university lands, carrying out the Board of Regents’ policies, collaborating with the Board of Regents on strategic planning, and serving as consultants to the institutions on issues ranging from academic programs to fundraising.

The University of Texas at El Paso is home to over 21,000 students from Texas, Mexico, and countries around the world. Starting as the State School of Mines and Metallurgy in 1913, UTEP has grown into a nationally recognized institution with degrees ranging from engineering to health sciences. Situated between the Sierra Juárez Mountains of Mexico and the Franklin Mountains of the United States, The University of Texas at El Paso houses seven colleges, the School of Nursing and numerous research institutes. Offering 79 undergraduate, 86 masters and 16 doctoral degrees, UTEP is dedicated to serving the academic needs of the Paso del Norte region.

The Texas State School of Mines and Metallurgy was established on April 16, 1913, and opened its doors on September 23rd, 1914, with an initial enrollment of 27 students. A name change in 1949 transformed it to Texas Western College before finally coming to be known as The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in 1967.

Today, UTEP’s main campus covers 420 acres and consists of 90 buildings, the majority of which follow the Bhutanese style of architectural—a design decision made at the school’s inception because of the similarities in the terrain of Bhutan and this new campus.

The commitment to a unified architectural style has resulted in UTEP becoming one of the most beautiful and unique university campuses in the nation.

“Clearly understanding our context and our strengths has prepared UTEP well to step with increasing confidence into a leadership role in the transformation of U.S. higher education, “President Diana Natalicio says. “We’ve moved from emulating inappropriate models, to finding our own voice, striving to do things our way...the UTEP way. And with the major demographic shift currently underway in the U.S., UTEP has become the model that others seek to learn from and emulate.”

Enrollment hit a record-high of 21011 students in fall 2009, and reflects the awareness on the part of students that they are receiving a quality education at an emerging research university, one of seven in the state of Texas now striving to attain this designation.

As students walk across campus today, they see more than $250 million in construction projects—a sure sign of UTEP’s forward momentum. The University is adding high-tech labs, classrooms and facilities to meet the demand for new programs and expanded opportunities.

“Our students, our community, are the reason we’ve always been here,” Natalicio says. “All around us, they are the reason we exist. They’re the reason we will celebrate 100 years and more.”

The UTEP Development Office is a proud partner with its alumni and friends who support the University by investing in student scholarships, academic programs and research.

Today, private support is essential to offset the steady decline in state support for higher education. In 1980, the State of Texas provided UTEP with 80% of its operational budget. Today, less than 30% comes from the state.

As UTEP prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2014—100 years of achievement and innovation—an increasing number of UTEP alumni, friends and parents are becoming actively involved in supporting the institution with their philanthropy. UTEP is on the move.

Specific Responsibilities:
• Directs and manages the Corporate and Foundation Relations staff, which includes the assistant director, a researcher, and an administrative assistant.

• Manages, creates new, and stewards existing relations with corporate & foundation representatives.

• Submits proposals for funding to foundations and corporations.

• Establishes set goals for unit by developing short and long-term objectives to identify unit’s overall purpose and functions. Designs and implements plans set to establish departments overall plan.

• Increases rate of investment and rate of return by developing a structured tool to identify funding sources.

• Establishes rapport and work with academic leadership regarding corporate and foundation relations.

• Enhances awareness of philanthropy and fundraising with academic leaders—including University Deans and respective development officers.

• Directs and manages the Corporate and Foundation Relations staff.

• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with units in the Development Office as well as within Institutional Advancement.

• Contributes to Centennial Campaign planning in relation to campaign targets within the purvey of the Corporate and Foundation Relations Unit’s roles and responsibilities.

• Assist the Associate Vice President of Development, the Executive Vice President and the President on appropriate Corporate and Foundation Relations needs.

• Compiles and submits reports as required by grantors, state, local, and federal regulatory agencies.

• Acts as liaison between department and internal or external customers.

• Participates in various committees, professional training exercises, industry conferences, and conventions.

• Complies with all State and University policies.

Qualities and experiences that ideal candidates should display include:

Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university.

• A minimum of five years experience and training; or equivalent combination of education and experience working actively as a fundraising professional with a focus on grants and RFP’s.

Communication Skills:
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, or governmental regulations.

• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures manuals.

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, grantors, and the general public.

• Masterful skill with common computer driven business office software and advanced experience working with common university donor records systems.

• An advance academic degree.

• Professional fundraising certification (CFRE, CSPG, or equivalent).

• Fundraising experience in a higher education setting.

• Leadership experience in corporate and foundation grants, philanthropy and partnership support.