Director of Leadership Giving

Association of Fundraising Professionals; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan 403b

Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

EAP

Job summary

Houston SPCA in Houston, Texas is seeking a Director of Leadership Giving to lead our major gifts program, build lasting donor relationships, and translate compassion for animals into transformational philanthropy. You will manage donor portfolios, set strategy with cross-functional teams, mentor staff, and use data to measure success while expanding signature fundraising events and sponsorships.

If you thrive in a mission-driven, hands-on role with ambitious goals, this is your opportunity to

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive fundraising experience including major gifts and partnerships.
• Demonstrated success securing significant philanthropic support.
• Experience managing donor portfolios and cultivation strategies.
• Leadership experience supervising staff and managing budgets.
• Experience using donor databases; CFRE 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 connecting donors to impact.
• Identify new opportunities for revenue growth and partnerships.
• Collaborate with 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 guide decisions.
• Cultivate sponsorships and partnerships to elevate fundraising events.

Skills

Relationship building

Major gifts

Donor stewardship

Strategic thinking

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

CFRE certification

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Job description

Director of Leadership Giving

Houston SPCA | Houston, Texas

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 Leadership Giving, 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, The Director of Leadership Giving position 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