Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Katie Sorensen is an experienced development professional with a strong track record of success in principal and major gift fundraising. As the Director of Development, Principal Gifts at The University of Texas at Austin, she is responsible for cultivating and securing transformational gifts to support the university's strategic priorities.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In her current role, Katie oversees a portfolio of top-tier donors and prospects, developing tailored engagement strategies to secure major and principal-level gifts. She collaborates closely with university leadership, deans, and faculty to align fundraising efforts with institutional goals. Under her leadership, the principal gifts program has experienced significant growth, achieving record-breaking donation levels and strengthening the university's philanthropic partnership.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Katie served as the Director of Development, Major Gifts at The University of Texas at Austin, where she managed a team of development officers and secured multimillion-dollar gifts to support key initiatives. Earlier in her career, she held positions as a Senior Development Associate, focusing on principal gifts and international advancement, and a Development Associate, leading international advancement efforts.
Before joining the university, Katie worked as a Project Coordinator at Beacon Nonprofit Consulting, where she supported strategic planning and fundraising initiatives for various nonprofit organizations. She also has experience as a Personal Assistant and Supplemental Instructor, demonstrating her adaptability and breadth of skills.
Academic Background
Katie holds a Bachelor's degree from Texas State University, where she graduated with distinction. Her academic background has provided her with a strong foundation in strategic communication, project management, and nonprofit leadership.
Areas of Expertise
- Principal and major gift fundraising
- Donor cultivation and stewardship
- Collaborative partnership development
- Strategic planning and program management
- Effective communication and stakeholder engagement
- Nonprofit leadership and organizational development
Professional Impact
Under Katie's leadership, the principal gifts program at The University of Texas at Austin has achieved significant milestones, including securing several transformational gifts to support the university's research, student success, and community engagement initiatives. Her innovative approaches to donor engagement and her ability to align fundraising efforts with institutional priorities have positioned her as a respected leader in the field of higher education advancement.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, strategic mindset, and proven track record of success, Katie Sorensen is a valuable asset to The University of Texas at Austin. Her commitment to driving philanthropic growth and supporting the institution's mission positions her as a trusted partner and a respected voice in the industry.
