Share Email Opening Apply Now Title Director of Development  EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.   About the Organization The Houston SPCA, founded in 1924, is Houston's first and largest animal protection organization and shelter. Our mission is to promote commitment to and respect for all animals and free them from suffering, abuse and exploitation. The Houston SPCA is a private, non-profit charity, funded entirely by donations, which receives no funding from the Government, United Way or national animal groups.   Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time   Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt   Category Development & Fundraising   Description Primary Purpose: The Director of Development is responsible for advancing the donor journey beyond direct response, with a focus on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual, corporate, and foundation donors capable of mid-level, major, planned, and leadership gifts. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Philanthropy, this position plays a key role in sustaining and growing contributed revenue by deepening donor relationships, building a robust pipeline, and collaborating across departments to ensure a seamless, mission-driven donor experience.   Essential Functions Donor Cultivation, Solicitation & Stewardship Manage a personal portfolio of mid-level, major gift, and planned giving prospects, ensuring consistent, strategic engagement. Conduct face-to-face visits, donor tours, and other high-touch cultivation activities. Partner with Senior Director of Direct Marketing to transition annual giving donors into higher-level cultivation portfolios. Create individualized stewardship plans to recognize and retain donors, ensuring timely follow-up and personalized communication.   Corporate & Event-Based Fundraising Lead cultivation and solicitation of corporate sponsorships and philanthropic partnerships, including for the Howl-O-Ween Ball and other signature events. Build strong relationships with event sponsors and attendees to encourage continued and increased support.   Planned Giving Partner with marketing and legal resources to promote and secure planned gifts. Maintain regular contact with planned giving prospects, ensuring recognition and inclusion in legacy societies.   VP, Philanthropy responsibilities Collaboration & Internal Partnerships Work closely with Senior Director of Direct Marketing to align messaging and donor touchpoints, ensuring smooth handoffs between mass appeals and major donor engagement. Partner with Marketing & Communications to develop compelling proposals, stewardship reports, and impact stories. Coordinate with Database & Donor Services team to ensure accurate donor records, coding, and reporting.   Reporting & Goal Setting Develop and track metrics for portfolio performance, donor retention, and revenue growth. Provide regular progress updates to the Vice President of Philanthropy.   Budget Management and Fiscal Accountability Effectively managers resources, both people and dollars, for the maximum benefit of the agency. Works with the Vice President of Philanthropy to develop the annual income and expenditures budgets for the development department. Collaborates with the Vice President of Philanthropy to develop measurables and collect and analyze data to track success.   Management Responsible for the development and supervision of all direct and indirect reports, including hiring, orientation, training, coaching, recognition, guidance, and overall performance. Identifies areas of need and coordinates staff training of all direct reports on topics including data entry and integrity, confidentiality, department operations, Shelter programs, animal behavior and comfort, and workplace safety. Identifies and promotes advanced learning opportunities for team members. Oversees the development support team. Creates and oversees the implementation of online fundraising campaigns, direct mail campaigns, monthly giving programs, and tribute/memorial programs. Ensures donors receive timely acknowledgments. Oversees the integrity of the donor database and works with the finance department to ensure monthly reconciliation.     Position Requirements Knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to perform the essential functions of this position: Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or related field; advanced degree or CFRE preferred. Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive fundraising experience, including direct responsibility for major gifts and corporate sponsorships. Proven track record in cultivating and securing gifts of $25K+ from individuals and institutions. Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively. Proficiency with donor CRM platforms (Raiser’s Edge preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite. Commitment to the mission of the Houston SPCA; comfort working in an animal welfare environment. Minimum three years of leadership experience in development/engagement in which key responsibilities include budget oversight, strategic planning, and managing people. Experience in animal welfare a plus, but not required   Working Conditions Occasional evenings/weekends to support media, events, or donor meetings. Noise, odors, chemical fumes, animal hair/dander are encountered due to equipment and animals. Subject to animal bites and scratches Occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs. Ability to drive, stand, bend, squat, walk, and talk for up to eight hours a day.     This position is currently accepting applications. Apply Now WE ALSO RECOMMEND Other Jobs Within Same Category Director of Direct Marketing in Houston, Texas Posted on: 9/18/2025 [Apply Now] Other Jobs Within 60 Miles Vice President of Finance and Administration in Houston, Texas Posted on: 7/1/2025 [Apply Now] Education Manager in Houston, Texas Posted on: 9/18/2025 [Apply Now] Companion Animal Care Coordinator in Houston, Texas Posted on: 5/6/2025 [Apply Now] Companion Animal Care Associate in Houston, Texas Posted on: 7/17/2025 [Apply Now] Companion Animal Training Manager in Houston, Texas Posted on: 9/24/2025 [Apply Now]

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