Director of Development

The Director of Development is a key member of our leadership team, responsible for planning, implementing, and sustaining a comprehensive fundraising program to support our $2.3 million annual budget. This role is ideal for a dynamic, organized, and relationship-driven professional who thrives in a small team environment. The Director of Development works closely with the President & CEO and staff to foster donor relationships, manage grants, and oversee fundraising systems and events.

Location: Houston, Texas

Employment Type: Full-Time, In-Person

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

  • Develop and implement annual and multi-year fundraising plans aligned with strategic priorities.

  • Drive a diversified revenue portfolio, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, events, grants, and corporate sponsorships.

  • Track and report progress toward revenue goals using data dashboards and metrics.

  • Support fundraising for special initiatives, capital projects, and endowment-building efforts as approved by the Board.

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, with emphasis on mid-level and major gifts.

  • Partner with the President & CEO on key donor relationships and solicitations.

  • Ensure timely, personalized donor communications and acknowledgments.

  • Maintain and grow a robust donor pipeline through strategic outreach and relationship management.

Grants & Institutional Funding

  • Work in collaboration with Development Consultant to research and pursue grant opportunities aligned with the Institute’s mission.

  • Write compelling proposals and manage timely reporting and compliance in partnership with program and finance staff.

  • Maintain a grants calendar to track deadlines and reporting requirements.

Events Management

  • Lead planning and execution of the Institute’s signature fundraising dinner and other development events.

  • Oversee event strategy, logistics, sponsorships, guest experience, and post-event cultivation.

Team & Board Collaboration

  • Collaborate with program and communications teams to align fundraising messaging with impact storytelling.

  • Serve as liaison to the Board Development Committee and support Board and staff fundraising engagement.

  • Supervise development consultants, grant writers, and interns, as applicable.

Data & Systems Management

  • Oversee donor database (NeonCRM), ensuring data integrity, accurate tracking, and effective segmentation.

  • Generate reports to support decision-making and donor engagement strategy.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 5 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including success with major gifts, events, and grants.

  • Proficiency with donor database systems.

  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

  • Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.

  • Self-motivated and collaborative team player.

  • Commitment to the Institute’s mission and values.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary commensurate with experience. Baseline $90,000 annually.

  • We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Simple IRA with 3% company match

  • Paid time off (PTO) and holidays

  • Professional development opportunities