Director of Development

The Bronx; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Scion Executive Search represents a Houston-based nonprofit seeking a Director of Development to advance literacy efforts for children. The role demands strategic fundraising leadership, grant writing, donor stewardship, and event coordination to grow support.

The position offers a competitive salary of $85,000-$95,000 DOE and is on-site in Houston, TX. Strong communication, organization, and collaboration with a dedicated team are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum 5 years of nonprofit fundraising experience.
• Proven track record in fundraising and grant writing.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Proven ability to work with diverse groups and travel locally as needed.
• Evenings and weekends availability as required.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and MS Word/Excel.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Develop and implement donor stewardship programs and acknowledgments.
• Prepare and submit grant proposals and required reports.
• Plan and coordinate two annual fundraising events (250–350 attendees each).
• Guide cross-platform marketing and communications for fundraising.
• Process donations and provide fundraising updates to leadership and board.
• Support book sorting and operational tasks as needed.

Skills

Fundraising

Grant writing

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Travel locally

Evenings/weekends flexibility

CRM systems

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Word

Excel

Mailchimp

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.

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

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 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),

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Scion Executive Search is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected class.

We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value, for ourselves, our client companies, and the candidates we represent.

For opportunities located in a region that has enacted fair chance, arrest, or conviction-based employment ordinances, Scion Executive Search proactively follows the enacted guidance and considers for employment all qualified applications with arrest and conviction records.

We engage in socially conscious business practices and believe that diverse, inclusive, and non-biased talent and recruitment processes are foundational to the success of Scion as well as every client organization with whom we partner.