Chief Development Officer

Houston, TX

We are seeking a Chief Development Officer for our client, a reputable Houston museum.

This role is responsible for leadership, strategic direction, management, and coordination of all fundraising efforts. The CDO works closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees, Development Team, and other key staff, to achieve the museum’s fundraising goals. This position requires a true commitment to the museum’s mission and dedication to setting direction that ensures their longevity.

Principle Responsibilities:

• Creates annual development plans and long-term fundraising strategies and leads a team of five to achieve goals to sustain operations.

• Works with the Chief Financial Officer to determine achievable fundraising goals.

• Maintains a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects.

• Oversees all development functions including special events, membership, annual fund, tribute giving, institutional giving, major giving, planned giving, and endowments.

• Collaborates closely with the CEO and Chief Learning and Interpretation Officer to determine funding opportunities and lead efforts to secure support for the Museum’s core mission-driven initiatives.

• Works with the CEO to plan and facilitate cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship meetings with high level donors and prospects. Leads the campaign to grow the museum’s Endowment.

• Serves as the primary liaison between the Board and Development team, reporting at Board meetings, leveraging Board relationships to cultivate new support, and communicating pertinent fundraising information from the Board to Development staff.

• Manage the Development Committee comprised of Board members and volunteers.

• Establishes performance measures, monitors results, and evaluates the efficacy of development plans continuously throughout the fiscal year.

• Maintains accountability and ensures compliance with all regulations and laws, as well as the code of ethics for fundraising professionals. Keeps abreast of local and national philanthropy trends.

• Collaborates closely with the Chief Marketing Officer to ensure a consistent message to stakeholders and the public and communicates marketing and communication needs of the development department.

• Attends Finance Committee Meetings.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required , Master's degree and CFRE preferred

• 10-15 years of progressive Development experience including five years in supervisory roles leading teams of front-line fundraisers and support staff

• Successful track record of leading a team to achieve annual fundraising goals of $4,000,000

• Experience soliciting and securing major and principal gifts ($50,000 ) from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government entities

• Experience soliciting and securing planned and endowment gifts

• Extensive knowledge of Houston’s philanthropic community

• Extensive knowledge of fundraising principles and techniques and budgeting practices

• Experience using a development database (e.g. Altru, Raiser’s Edge, Tessitura, etc.)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability and willingness to travel locally and regionally