Donor Engagement Director & Major Events Architect

AVDA; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

AVDA is seeking a strategic Director of Donor Engagement and Special Events to grow individual giving, major gifts, sponsorships, and donor stewardship in Greater Houston. The role partners with the CEO, Board, Marketing, Finance, and program leadership to expand annual revenue and deepen relationships through thoughtful engagement, compelling events, and effective fundraising campaigns.

The successful candidate will manage a moves-management portfolio, oversee gala and luncheon events, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• 5+ years in individual giving, major gifts, donor relations or fundraising events.
• Proven success securing gifts, sponsorships, or event revenue.
• Strong relationship-management, solicitation, communication and project-management.
• Experience leading complex fundraising events with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with donors, executives and boards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM/donor-database tools.
• Commitment to AVDA’s mission and sound judgment handling sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute annual individual giving and donor-engagement plans.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors through meetings and events.
• Manage moves-management portfolio with stages and owners.
• Lead donor appeals, campaigns, and stewardship with Marketing.
• Oversee fundraising events, sponsorships, and volunteer engagement.
• Provide monthly and quarterly reporting on pipeline activity and outcomes.
• Collaborate with Finance, Marketing, program staff, and Institutional Giving.

Skills

Relationship management

Solicitation

Communication

Project management

Organization

Follow-through

Donor relations

Sponsorships

Fundraising events

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

AVDA is seeking a strategic Director of Donor Engagement and Special Events to grow individual giving, major gifts, sponsorships, and donor stewardship in Greater Houston. The role partners with the CEO, Board, Marketing, Finance, and program leadership to expand annual revenue and deepen relationships through thoughtful engagement, compelling events, and effective fundraising campaigns.

The successful candidate will manage a moves-management portfolio, oversee gala and luncheon events, and