VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT

The Children's Shelter; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Children’s Shelter in San Antonio, TX seeks a visionary Vice President of Development to lead a comprehensive fundraising program driving a mult i‑million dollar strategy. You will shape donor stewardship, grants, communications, public relations, volunteer services, budgets, compliance, and continuous improvement with an accountable, Trauma-Informed Care oriented team.

You will build strong relationships with donors, the Board, staff and partners, recruit and develop staff, and ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred.
• 10+ years in fundraising, development, or sales with leadership in nonprofit development.
• Proven success cultivating and soliciting donors and managing major gifts.
• Ability to lead diverse teams and develop staff and volunteers.
• Strong proposal writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of child and family welfare or public policy is a plus.
• Background check and valid driver’s license; local travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the mission and budget.
• Lead prospect research, moves management, solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship for donors.
• Stay informed on programs and funding trends to strengthen donor communications.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Board Development Committee and support leadership volunteers.
• Partner with Program, HR, and Finance to administer compliant grant proposals and budgets.
• Lead community relations and public relations activities to boost awareness and results.
• Direct Development and Volunteer Services staff and advise on fundraising and events.
• Manage budgets, policies, records, and regulatory compliance; ensure data-driven improvements.
• Foster a collaborative culture grounded in Trauma-Informed Care and safety practices.
• Recruit, supervise, coach, evaluate, and recognize staff with clear expectations.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Donor cultivation

Strategic planning

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, nonprofit management, social science, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Description

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE

The Vice President of Development leads the Children’s Shelter’s comprehensive fundraising and development program in support of its mission and strategic priorities. The role directs fundraising, donor stewardship, grants, communications, public relations, volunteer services, departmental operations, budgets, compliance, and continuous improvement. The Vice President builds strong relationships with donors, the Board, volunteers, staff, and community partners while developing an accountable, inclusive team grounded in Trauma-Informed Care and safety practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the organization’s mission, strategic plan, and $10M+ annual budget, with measurable goals across annual giving, major and planned gifts, corporate and foundation support, endowment growth, and other revenue-generating programs.
• Lead prospect research, portfolio and moves management, solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship for individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Maintain current knowledge of organizational programs, child and family welfare issues, and funding trends to strengthen fundraising strategy and donor communications.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Board Development Committee and equip Board members and leadership volunteers to support fundraising.
• Partner with Program, Human Resources, and Finance leaders to develop and administer compliant grant proposals, budgets, and awards.
• Lead community relations, communications, and public relations activities that strengthen awareness, engagement, and fundraising results.
• Direct Development and Volunteer Services staff and advise teams on fundraising, volunteer engagement, community relations, and events.
• Manage departmental budgets, expenditures, policies, records, ethical standards, regulatory requirements, and accreditation compliance
• Use data and continuous quality improvement practices to evaluate results and improve operations and services.
• Build a collaborative, accountable culture aligned with the organization’s mission, values, employee promise, Trauma-Informed Care principles, safety practices, and commitment to engagement and retention.
• Recruit, supervise, coach, develop, evaluate, and recognize staff; set clear expectations and address performance or workplace concerns respectfully and effectively.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• Support a safe, family-centered, community-connected, and evidence-informed child welfare system.
• Follow agency policies, accrediting standards, licensing requirements, applicable laws, ethical standards, confidentiality rules, and conflict-of-interest requirements.
• Demonstrate the agency’s mission, values, Trauma-Informed Care principles, Presidium safety practices, cultural respect, teamwork, and professional collaboration.
• Complete required training, manage priorities, meet deadlines, maintain reliable attendance, and perform other duties needed for continuity of operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, public relations, nonprofit management, social science, or a related field required; master’s degree is preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in Fundraising, Development, or Sales with progressive leadership experience directing a comprehensive nonprofit development department, including fundraising strategy, annual and major giving, corporate and foundation support, planned giving, donor stewardship, grants, budgets, forecasting, and compliance.
• Demonstrated success cultivating and soliciting donors, managing major-gift portfolios and moves-management strategies, and engaging Board members, volunteers, civic and business leaders, and community partners.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to create persuasive proposals and communications for varied audiences.
• Proven ability to lead and develop staff, work independently, exercise sound judgment, manage competing priorities, use data to improve results, and maintain effective relationships across diverse communities.
• Knowledge of child and family welfare, human services, public policy, or advocacy preferred.
• Successful criminal background check, fingerprinting, and drug testing; valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel locally.

The Children’s Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer, hiring individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications and ability to perform the job.