Overview
A mission-driven, Houston-based nonprofit organization is seeking a dynamic and externally focused leader to serve as Senior Director of Development. This organization is dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for youth through a comprehensive approach that includes education, mentorship, and community-based programming.
The organization serves a large and growing population of youth and families through multiple program offerings and community partnerships.
Position Summary
The Senior Director of Development will lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support significant organizational growth. This individual will be responsible for expanding revenue streams across multiple channels, including corporate partnerships, foundations, individual giving, and events.
This role requires a strategic thinker who is also highly hands-on—someone who can both design fundraising initiatives and actively cultivate and close major gifts. The ideal candidate will bring a strong network, a track record of fundraising success, and the ability to build scalable systems and processes.
Key Responsibilities
Revenue Strategy & Growth
- Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with organizational growth goals
- Identify and expand revenue streams across individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundations, events, and planned giving
- Build and maintain strong relationships with new and existing donors
- Partner with internal teams to align fundraising efforts with programmatic priorities
- Support brand awareness and visibility through strategic communications and community engagement
Major Gifts & Donor Engagement
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and key stakeholders
- Develop donor engagement strategies, including events, communications, and recognition initiatives
- Partner with executive leadership and board members on donor strategy and relationship management
Events Strategy & Execution
- Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events
- Ensure events align with overall development strategy and revenue goals
Team Leadership & Operations
- Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to the development team
- Develop and manage budgets, forecasting, and reporting
- Implement and maintain donor management systems, processes, and reporting dashboards
- Ensure proper tracking and stewardship of restricted and unrestricted funds
Organizational Relationships
- Reports directly to Executive Leadership
- Works closely with Board members and key stakeholders
- Oversees development staff and external partners as needed
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required
- 5–10+ years of experience in fundraising, development, or advancement
- Proven success in securing major gifts and growing revenue
- Experience building or scaling fundraising programs preferred
- Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Experience with donor management systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, eTapestry, or similar)
Compensation
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package included.