Director, Advancement & External Affairs

Goodwill Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Houston seeks a Director of Advancement and External Affairs to lead fundraising and community engagement efforts. The role involves developing strategies to grow donor support and enhance public awareness of the organization’s mission.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in fundraising principles, with a passion for community impact and a proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. This full-time position is based in Houston, Texas.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years experience in fundraising.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit best practices.
• Proficient in donor databases and CRM systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies.
• Lead donor research and cultivation activities.
• Prepare materials for donor meetings and engagements.

Skills

Fundraising principles

Donor stewardship

Strategic thinking

Project management

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management or related field

Tools

Blackbaud Raiser's Edge

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Director of Advancement and External Affairs

Department: Fund Development & Community Relations

Reports to: VP of Fund Development & Community Relations

Status: Exempt

Mission Support

Goodwill Houston (GWH) is transforming lives by connecting people to opportunities that advance the future of work. Through education, training, and employment, we create pathways to success for individuals facing employment barriers. We empower people, strengthen families, and impact communities by addressing both immediate and future workforce needs. With the generous support of our donors and retail customers, we are changing lives through the power of work.

Job Summary

Leads and executes comprehensive fundraising, donor engagement, and community partnership strategies that support GWH’s mission and long-term growth. Works closely with executive leadership, GWH’s Board of Directors, community stakeholders, and program leaders to increase philanthropic revenue, strengthen donor relationships, and expand awareness of GWH’s workforce development (WFD) and community impact programs.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual and long-range fundraising strategies that expand and diversify revenue streams while supporting organizational growth objectives.
• Lead donor and prospect research efforts by identifying, profiling, and tracking individuals, corporations, foundations, and community organizations; maintain prospect pipelines and engagement strategies through the organization’s CRM.
• Prepare high‑level briefing materials, talking points, background summaries, and meeting packets for executive leadership prior to community engagements and donor meetings.
• Lead major gift initiatives, annual campaigns, capital campaigns, and planned giving efforts.
• Research, identify, and support the VP, FDCR in cultivating strategic relationships with key decision‑makers from corporations, foundations, community organizations, and government entities to advance philanthropic and partnership objectives.
• Lead donor cultivation, recognition, and stewardship activities, including events, executive engagements, and relationship‑building opportunities that strengthen long‑term donor support.
• Oversee grant research, proposal development, submission, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with donor and grant requirements. Monitor fundraising performance metrics and prepare regular reports for leadership.
• Develop and execute an integrated external affairs strategy encompassing public relations, media relations, government relations, and community visibility to advance organizational priorities and strengthen GWH’s public presence.
• Serve as a spokesperson and public representative of GWH with media outlets, government officials, community partners, and at public events and forums.
• Collaborate with program leadership to align fundraising and external affairs strategies with workforce development and community impact objectives.
• Establish departmental goals, budgets, and performance standards.
• Foster a collaborative and mission‑driven culture across teams.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of organizational objectives.

Additional Responsibilities

• Demonstrate professionalism, good judgment, and present a friendly, cooperative attitude.
• Ability to multitask, make quick decisions, adapt to change, and collaborate effectively in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.
• Adheres to all GWH Policies & Procedures, Loss Prevention & Safety Regulations, and GWH Guiding Principles.
• Must be punctual, maintain a professional appearance, and perform expected duties.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Must perform all duties according to GWH safety procedures, maintain good housekeeping standards, and ensure all walkways are clear and free of clutter.
• Adheres to local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communication, marketing, or a related field is required; equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in a related field.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet fundraising goals in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts, grants, and corporate partnerships.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising principles, donor stewardship, and nonprofit best practices.
• Proficient with donor databases and fundraising CRM systems, including Blackbaud Raiser's Edge, with experience in donor tracking, reporting, gift processing, and pipeline management.
• Experience leading capital or comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
• Knowledge of workforce development, education, or human services sectors.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and organizational abilities.
• Passion for community impact and GWH’s mission.
• Excellent computer skills (proficiency in Microsoft Office).
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for current or future employment. GWH does not offer visa sponsorship for employment purposes.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

• Donor and partnership growth
• External visibility and strategic partnerships
• Advancement, Public Relations & Community Engagement
• Fundraising revenue attainment & growth
• Effective communication across internal departments and external stakeholders

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Ability to sit, stand, bend, and reach.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 25 lbs.
• Able to spend most working hours at a computer.