Director of Development

Humane Society of Harris County

Job Description

Job Title:  

Director of Development

Status: 

Full-Time Administrative position - 40 hours per week, occasional evenings and weekends as required for special events and donor engagement.

Pay:  

Salaried $50,000 - $60,000

Job Summary

The Director of Development is a key leadership position responsible for planning, implementing, and managing Humane Society of Harris County's fundraising strategies and activities. This role focuses on expanding the donor base, cultivating major gifts, and ensuring the financial sustainability of the organization's programs and initiatives. The Director of Development will work closely with the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors and other staff to achieve ambitious fundraising goals and enhance the organization's visibility and impact.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fundraising and Development:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising plan to support HSHC's mission and strategic objectives. This plan should include donor acquisition, retention, and growth strategies, with specific goals and metrics.
• Implement and manage all aspects of direct mail and email campaigns, working with vendors (mail houses, list brokers, and agencies) to ensure accurate list management, compelling copy, and effective design.
• Identify, research, and pursue potential funding sources, including grant opportunities, corporate sponsorships, and individual donors. Prepare and submit high-quality grant proposals and reports.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with existing and prospective donors, with a particular emphasis on major gift donors. Develop personalized cultivation strategies and presentations to secure significant contributions.
• Create compelling case statements and project-focused proposals to attract major gifts and support capital campaigns for land and building projects.
• Utilize online resources and donor database tools to evaluate donor capacity, identify major gift prospects, and track donor interactions.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and community leaders to identify and engage new major donor prospects.
• Ensure regular, meaningful communication with major donors, providing program updates, impact reports, and personalized stewardship. Produce engaging content, such as videos and stories, to keep donors informed and connected to the organization’s work.
• Monitor and manage incoming bequest gifts and work with legal counsel to facilitate estate planning discussions with potential donors.

1. Events and Donor Relations:

• Plan and execute donor recognition events and activities.
• Conduct tours and informational meetings for visiting donors, providing personalized engagement opportunities.
• Staff annual special events to interact with donors and promote the organization's mission.
• Manage lists for direct mail, event invitations, and other communications.
• Represent HSHC at community and public events and serve as a liaison to community partners.
• Will be a representative and/or member for HSHC at other organizations, city and county chambers, and other civic-related organizations, which may include speaking engagements.

1. Communications and Administration:

• Develop and distribute in-hand newsletters or mailers to keep donors and supporters informed.
• Develop and implement multi-channel digital marketing campaigns to raise awareness, support fundraising, and promote the organization’s initiatives to reach potential adopters, donors, foster homes, and volunteers.  
• Create, manage, and distribute content for social media, email marketing, websites, and other digital platforms to engage current and prospective donors, adopters, volunteers, and fosters.  
• Monitor and analyze the performance of marketing campaigns using analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media insights, and donor reporting software) to optimize reach and impact.
• Assist in the creation of Public Service Announcements and Press Releases for HSHC.
• Generate, prepare, and present monthly reports to the Board of Directors.
• Communicate directly with a designated member of the Executive Committee as liaison for the Board of Directors.
• Communicate weekly with the Director of Animal Care and Programming to discuss, plan, and implement fundraising and communication needs of the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in development/fundraising.
• 3-4 years of experience in fundraising and/or development, with proven success in major gift cultivation and solicitation.
• Previous supervisory or management experience is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in using computerized databases, CRM systems, and Microsoft or Google Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Work Environment

• The role requires occasional flexibility to work evenings or weekends during events or critical operations that will include on and off-site of the HSHC. ***Designated office will be assigned in the future with the completion of the expansion of the current HSHC.

• The Director of Development will work in an office setting but may occasionally assist in areas involving animal handling or interaction with the public

Compensation

• Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Benefits include paid time off and access to professional development opportunities
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance packages available

Last Update: 12 April 2025 TJM