We use cookies. Find out more about it here. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
#alert
Back to search results

Development Assistant, McDonald Observatory

The University of Texas at Austin
retirement plan
United States, Texas, Austin
101 East 27th Street (Show on map)
Oct 23, 2025

Job Posting Title:

Development Assistant, McDonald Observatory

----

Hiring Department:

McDonald Observatory

----

Position Open To:

All Applicants

----

Weekly Scheduled Hours:

15

----

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

----

Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

----

Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

----

Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

----

Job Details:

General Notes

The University of Texas at Austin's McDonald Observatory and Department of Astronomy comprise one of the world's leading programs for astronomical research, teaching, and public education and outreach. The McDonald Observatory has a strong donor base and two loyal membership groups: The Friends of McDonald Observatory and the Board of Visitors. The part-time development assistant plays an important role in supporting the accurate tracking and reporting of philanthropic contributions and ensuring timely responses to our important supporters.

This part-time position is based in Austin, Texas, on UT's main campus. This is a great opportunity with flexible hours for job seekers who need to balance work with their care responsibilities, academic studies, or who want to augment a creative career with a reliable income.

Purpose

Assist with the gift processing for the McDonald Observatory and philanthropic support of the Astronomy Programs-reports to the Membership Relations and Event Planning Coordinator.

Responsibilities
  • Assist in the maintenance and operation of the gifts processing system, and for fundraising and membership programs.

  • Maintain accuracy of names and addresses of alumni and donors.

  • Reviews reports, interprets and enters gift data, verifies input for accuracy, and retrieves information upon request.

  • Updates and corrects donor records, keys special projects, and performs related clerical or process functions as needed.

  • Enters and proofreads data entry, and writes and proofreads thank-you letters. Composes routine correspondence as needed.

  • Assists with mass mailings to donors.

  • Answers telephones and responds to general questions.

  • Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications
  • Diploma (High School) or GED and at least three years of clerical experience, including experience using a personal computer, word processing, and proofreading.

  • Must have strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

  • Strong organizational skills.

  • Ability to adapt, work independently, and collaboratively as part of a team.

  • Excellent computer literacy skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.

  • Experience working in databases, entering data, and searching information.

  • The required competencies include accuracy, attention to detail, effective communications, initiative, strong interpersonal skills, listening, problem-solving, and a commitment to service excellence.

  • Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Hourly Rate

$18.00 per hour.

Work Shift
  • This is a part-time position working 15 to 19 hours per week during the standard work week. The schedule is flexible during the standard workday, with a minimum of 3-4 hour blocks of time.

  • May include limited holiday or event support outside of the standard work week.

Working Conditions
  • Usual office equipment.

  • Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.

  • Use of manual dexterity

  • Climbing of stairs, lifting, and moving

  • Work with confidential information

Required Materials
  • Resume/CV

  • Three work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

Importantfor applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you can multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure thatALLRequired Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for current university employees and contingent workers:As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left-hand navigation menu, and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled into your application. The application is one page, and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questionspresented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) noted above.

----

Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

----

Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

----

Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

----

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

----

Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

----

Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

----

E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

  • E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

----

Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

Applied = 0

(web-675dddd98f-rz56g)