Director, Major Gifts & Giving Societies

University of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Houston is seeking a Director of Development to advance Houston Public Media’s mission by leading major gift fundraising, donor engagement, cultivation, and stewardship as a key member of the Major Gifts Team and Strategic Advancement Team.

The role develops and manages relationships with high-level donors, oversees giving societies, and secures philanthropic support to strengthen programming, journalism, education, and growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressive fundraising experience.
• Experience closing major gifts of $25k+.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Proficiency with donor CRM databases (Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, etc.) and prospect research tools.

Responsibilities

• Reports to the Senior Director of Major Gifts.
• Manage a portfolio of qualified major gift donors and prospects, foundations and planned giving prospects.
• Giving Society Oversight: Direct strategy, growth and stewardship of the station's premier annual giving societies.
• Donor Cultivation: Design personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Align donor interests with station needs across teams.
• Pipeline Development: Create pathways for annual donors to major gift and planned giving portfolios.
• Staff Management: Supervise development coordinators or gift officers.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor engagement

Portfolio management

Relationship building

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Salesforce

Raiser’s Edge

Prospect research tools

Job description

University of Houston is seeking a Director of Development to advance Houston Public Media’s mission by leading major gift fundraising, donor engagement, cultivation, and stewardship as a key member of the Major Gifts Team and Strategic Advancement Team.

The role develops and manages relationships with high-level donors, oversees giving societies, and secures philanthropic support to strengthen programming, journalism, education, and growth.