Founding Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships

Ecclesia Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Ecclesia Houston is seeking a Founding Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships to lead efforts in affordable housing and community development. This role, ideal for those with entrepreneurial spirit, requires building donor relationships and organizing fundraising campaigns.

The successful candidate will also help establish organizational systems and collaborate with various stakeholders. Passion for community development and nonprofit leadership is essential, alongside strong communication and relational skills.

Qualifications

• Strong relational and communication skills.
• High emotional intelligence and maturity.
• Exceptional organizational and follow-through abilities.
• Ability to operate independently in fast-moving environments.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to help build systems from scratch.
• Passion for community development and affordable housing.
• Experience in fundraising, nonprofit leadership, or related fields preferred.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate relationships with major donors and philanthropic partners.
• Assist in planning fundraising campaigns and donor engagement.
• Develop partnerships with community stakeholders.
• Establish organizational systems and workflows.
• Coordinate communications connected to housing projects.

Skills

Relational and communication skills

High emotional intelligence

Organizational abilities

Entrepreneurial mindset

Ability to operate independently

Job description

Founding Director Of Development & Strategic Partnerships

Oikos Community Development Corporation is seeking a highly relational, entrepreneurial, mission-driven leader to help build a new model of affordable and supportive housing in Houston.

Oikos exists to develop beautiful, dignified, community-centered housing and wraparound services for individuals and families vulnerable to homelessness and housing instability. Our work sits at the intersection of affordable housing development, faith-rooted community transformation, philanthropy, design, and long-term neighborhood flourishing.

This is not a typical nonprofit role. We are looking for someone who can help build an organization from the ground up alongside visionary leadership during a critical season of growth.

The ideal candidate is strategic, highly organized, deeply relational, and energized by meaningful work that requires both creativity and execution.

The Founding Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships will work closely with Chris Seay and the leadership of Oikos to help expand fundraising capacity, cultivate major donors and foundations, strengthen organizational systems, coordinate strategic partnerships, and help shape the long-term growth of the organization.

This role will also support communications, campaigns, and selected operational initiatives connected to affordable housing development and community partnerships.

The position is ideal for someone who thrives in entrepreneurial environments and is excited about helping create something innovative, hopeful, and lasting.

Key Responsibilities

Development & Fundraising

• Help cultivate relationships with major donors, family foundations, and philanthropic partners
• Assist in planning and executing fundraising campaigns and donor engagement strategies
• Coordinate donor meetings, tours, presentations, and follow-up communication
• Research new funding opportunities and assist with grant and proposal development
• Help steward long‑term donor relationships and partnerships

Strategic Partnerships & Communications

• Assist in developing partnerships with churches, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, civic leaders, and community stakeholders
• Help shape public‑facing storytelling, presentations, campaign materials, and organizational messaging
• Coordinate communications and strategic initiatives connected to housing projects and community development efforts
• Support branding, media, and digital communication efforts as the organization grows

Operations & Organizational Development

• Help establish organizational systems, workflows, and operational structures
• Assist with board communication and organizational coordination
• Support project coordination across consultants, vendors, and external partners
• Help prioritize and manage high‑level organizational initiatives

Qualifications

• Strong relational and communication skills
• High emotional intelligence and maturity
• Exceptional organizational and follow‑through abilities
• Ability to operate independently in fast‑moving environments
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to help build systems from scratch
• Passion for community development, affordable housing, nonprofit leadership, or mission‑driven work
• Experience in fundraising, nonprofit leadership, communications, brand strategy, partnerships, marketing, or organizational development preferred

Ideal Characteristics

• Strategic thinker
• Trusted relationship-builder
• Calm under pressure
• Creative and solutions‑oriented
• Strong writer and communicator
• Mission‑driven without being performative
• Comfortable working across nonprofit, civic, philanthropic, and faith‑based environments

Competitive salary based on experience, with significant opportunity for long‑term organizational growth and leadership.