Director of Development

Houston SPCA; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Houston SPCA is seeking a strategic Director of Development to lead fundraising efforts in Houston, building lasting donor relationships and directing major gifts, corporate partnerships, and planned giving opportunities.

You will manage a team and work across philanthropy, marketing, and operations to ensure a seamless donor experience while driving revenue growth and impact for thousands of animals.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive fundraising experience
• Demonstrated success securing significant philanthropic support, including gifts of $25,000 or more
• Experience managing donor portfolios and moving prospects through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies
• Leadership experience that includes supervising staff, managing budgets, and contributing to organizational strategy
• Experience using donor databases and CRM systems, preferably Raiser's Edge
• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred. CFRE certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Build trusted relationships with donors, corporate partners, foundations, and community leaders.
• Move supporters through the donor journey from engagement to major gifts.
• Create personalized stewardship experiences that connect donors to impact.
• Identify new opportunities for revenue growth while strengthening existing donor relationships.
• Partner with colleagues across philanthropy, marketing, finance, and operations for a seamless donor experience.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team focused on donor service and fundraising excellence.
• Use data and reporting to set goals, measure results, and inform decisions.
• Elevate Houston SPCA's fundraising events by cultivating sponsorships and partnerships.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Leadership

CRM / Raiser’s Edge

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

CFRE certification

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Job description

Are you the kind of fundraiser who builds relationships that last, inspires people to invest in a mission they believe in, and knows how to turn a supporter into a lifelong champion?

At the Houston SPCA, we're looking for a strategic, relationship-driven fundraising leader who thrives on connecting people with purpose. As our Director of Development, you'll play a key role in securing the philanthropic support that allows us to rescue, heal, and protect thousands of animals each year.

This is not a desk-only fundraising role. We're looking for someone who enjoys being in front of donors, creating meaningful connections, and translating passion for animal welfare into transformational giving opportunities.

What Success Looks Like

In this role, you will:

• Build trusted relationships with donors, corporate partners, foundations, and community leaders.
• Confidently move supporters through the donor journey, from initial engagement to major and planned gifts.
• Create personalized stewardship experiences that make donors feel connected to the impact of their giving.
• Identify new opportunities for revenue growth while strengthening existing donor relationships.
• Partner with colleagues across philanthropy, marketing, finance, and operations to ensure a seamless donor experience.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team focused on exceptional donor service and fundraising excellence.
• Use data and reporting to set goals, measure results, and make informed decisions.
• Help elevate Houston SPCA's signature fundraising events by cultivating sponsorships and philanthropic partnerships.

The Person Who Will Thrive Here

You may be a great fit if you:

• Naturally build strong relationships and enjoy connecting with people from all backgrounds.
• Are comfortable asking for significant gifts and have a track record of successful solicitations.
• Balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution.
• Are energized by ambitious fundraising goals and accountability for results.
• Communicate with confidence, authenticity, and professionalism.
• Can manage multiple priorities without losing sight of the details.
• Enjoy coaching and developing team members.
• Believe donor stewardship is just as important as donor acquisition.
• Want your work to have a direct and meaningful impact on animals and the community.

Experience We're Looking For

• 5+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including major gifts and corporate partnerships.
• Demonstrated success securing significant philanthropic support, including gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Experience managing donor portfolios and moving prospects through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Leadership experience that includes supervising staff, managing budgets, and contributing to organizational strategy.
• Experience using donor databases and CRM systems, preferably Raiser's Edge.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred. CFRE certification is a plus.

Why Houston SPCA?

For more than 100 years, Houston SPCA has been dedicated to improving and protecting the lives of animals throughout the region. Every donation, sponsorship, and planned gift helps provide rescue, rehabilitation, veterinary care, cruelty investigations, wildlife rehabilitation, and lifesaving programs for animals in need.

When you join Houston SPCA, you're not just raising funds. You're creating opportunities for animals to receive care, find loving homes, and experience a better future.

Benefits of Joining Houston SPCA

In addition to the opportunity to make a lifesaving impact for animals every day, Director of Development.pdf offers a competitive benefits package and a rewarding work environment.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Leave)
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• A meaningful work environment where your contributions matter every day

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Basic and supplemental life insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Vacation Time Off
• Paid Sick Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Short-term disability options
• Aflac accident and critical illness coverage
• VCA Animal Hospital employee discounts
• Hill’s Pet Food discounts
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility for qualifying employees of nonprofit organizations

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, creed, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing or service in the military. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, transfer, leave of absence, compensation and training.