Director of Development

Scion Executive Search; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Scion Executive Search has been engaged to conduct an immediate search for a visionary nonprofit Director of Development for a Houston-based child literacy organization. This on-site role supervises fundraising, donor engagement, grant writing, events, and marketing to support a plan to double book distribution by 2028.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development will cultivate donor relationships, manage grants and reporting, oversee donation processes, and coordinate two

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of nonprofit fundraising experience.
• Proven track record in fundraising and grant writing.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to travel locally and work evenings/weekends as required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan aligned with the mission.
• Oversee foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
• Cultivate and steward donor relationships and report progress.
• Lead grant writing, submission, and reporting.
• Plan and coordinate two annual fundraising events with 250–350 attendees.
• Guide marketing and communications to maximize outreach.
• Manage data and reporting in the donor CRM.
• Support warehouse operations as needed.

Skills

Fundraising

Grant Writing

Donor Relations

Event Planning

Communication

Project Management

CRM Experience

Tools

Little Green Light

Job description

Scion Executive Search has been engaged to conduct an immediate search for a visionary nonprofit Director of Development for a child literacy organization. This Houston-based nonprofit is dedicated to collecting and distributing books to children in need, ensuring every child has access to books in their home. Its mission is to build home libraries for children who may not otherwise have books of their own, fostering a love for reading and lifelong learning. Under a new strategic plan, the organization aims to double its book distribution by 2028. This is a full-time role offering an annual salary of $85,000 - $95,000 DOE located on-site in Houston, TX 77036.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development will advance the organization’s mission by leading all fundraising, donor engagement, event planning, and marketing initiatives. This individual will play a critical role in cultivating and stewarding donor relationships, overseeing grant development and reporting, managing donation processes, and executing major fundraising events.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, collaborative, and passionate about literacy and community impact, with the ability to work both in an office environment and actively support warehouse operations when needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Strategy and Execution

• Create and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan aligned with the organization’s strategic plan.
• Oversee a portfolio of foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
• Identify opportunities to expand and diversify the donor base.

Donor Relations and Stewardship

• Develop and implement stewardship initiatives to recognize and appreciate donors at all giving levels.
• Provide personalized acknowledgments, including preparing letters and making thank-you calls.
• Build and nurture relationships with current and prospective donors.
• Host donor tours and meetings to engage supporters.
• Research new donor opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Manager to upgrade volunteers to donors.

Grant Writing and Management

• Prepare and submit all grant proposals and required reports, including needs statements, narratives, budgets, and supplemental documents.
• Tailor proposals to meet specific funder guidelines and priorities.
• Conduct research to identify grant opportunities aligned with the mission.
• Maintain a detailed calendar of grant deadlines and reporting requirements.

Event Planning and Coordination

• Plan and execute two annual fundraising events (250–350 attendees each).
• Identify and secure event sponsors and ensure fulfillment of sponsorship benefits.
• Develop speeches, videos, presentations, talking points, and related materials for leadership and board members.

Marketing and Communications

• Help guide cross-platform marketing strategies to ensure cohesive messaging and maximize outreach.
• Craft and distribute engaging fundraising and event emails via Mailchimp.
• Serve as a key liaison and community representative.

Data Management and Reporting

• Process donations using Little Green Light.
• Provide regular fundraising updates to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

Book Sorting & Operational Support

• Participate in book sorting, inventory movement, and unloading donations alongside staff and volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 5 years of relevant nonprofit professional fundraising experience.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising and grant writing.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to work with diverse groups of individuals.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel locally as needed.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, cloud-based storage, and social media platforms.
• Experience with constituent relationship management (CRM) systems.
• Strong analytical, reasoning, conflict-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for fostering a love of reading in children and advancing the organization’s mission.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This wonderful opportunity offers the ability to make a significant impact. In addition to a competitive annual salary of $85,000-$95,000 (DOE),