Senior Director of Development

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation; United States; On-site; USD 140,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation seeks a strategic Senior Director of Development to lead fundraising for the heart and vascular center, advancing transformational gifts to expand patient care, research, and education.

The Senior Director will oversee frontline fundraisers, manage a major gifts portfolio, and collaborate with physician and executive leaders to align donor engagement with institutional goals. Prior frontline fundraising experience is required.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Portfolio management

Strategic planning

Leadership & mentoring

Data-driven decision making

Job description

The client is seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial Senior Director of Development to lead fundraising efforts for a prominent heart and vascular center. This role is responsible for advancing philanthropic support for a distinguished clinical enterprise, working closely with physician leaders, grateful patients, and philanthropic supporters to secure transformational gifts that further the center's mission. The position plays a key role in supporting the client's comprehensive fundraising campaign, which aims to significantly expand resources for patient care, research, and education.

The Senior Director will oversee fundraising initiatives for the center, collaborating with co-chairs, division leaders, and other stakeholders to champion funding priorities and align philanthropic strategies with institutional goals. This leader will initially supervise one frontline fundraiser, with the potential to expand the team, and will personally manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors. The role emphasizes expanding the major gift pipeline and securing significant philanthropic contributions, while also partnering with colleagues across the development team to ensure coordinated donor engagement and stewardship.

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of successful frontline fundraising experience, preferably within a complex research or academic medical environment. A strong understanding of fundraising best practices, experience cultivating and securing major gifts, and the ability to leverage data and technology to inform strategy are essential. The successful candidate will demonstrate the credibility and interpersonal skills needed to build trusted relationships with clinical and executive leaders, as well as the ability or potential to mentor and inspire a growing team of fundraisers.