Nonprofit Director of Development-Fundraising

Nonprofit Director of Development-Fundraising

Houston, TX

Our client, one of Houston’s most vibrant congregations and largest synagogue, is seeking a Director of Development. This congregation is dedicated to spiritual life, inclusive community, lifelong Jewish learning, and social justice. With an annual budget of approximately $10M and a separate $30 million endowment, their operating budget is funded through a combination of annual membership dues, tuition income from their schools, revenue from the endowment, and philanthropy. With the recent completion of a $21M capital campaign, they are entering an exciting new phase as a community. The success of their capital campaign demonstrated a longstanding culture of generosity, and leadership is now seeking to build on that momentum to continue to advance ongoing philanthropy as a strong revenue stream to support the congregation’s mission and programs.

Position Overview:

We seek a strategic and hands-on Director of Development to build and

strengthen the program. As a member of the synagogue’s senior leadership team, and reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development will have the opportunity to build a philanthropy program grounded in Jewish values and industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and implement a comprehensive development plan designed to maximize immediate fundraising potential and grow philanthropy over time.
• Assess and strengthen fundraising infrastructure, including processes, systems, personnel, and technology to support a high-growth philanthropy program.
• Establish and pursue annual fundraising goals, in partnership with the synagogue’s Senior Rabbi and Executive Director, to support the operating budget and special initiatives.
• Coordinate closely with the Director of Membership Engagement and the members of the Finance staff to ensure a seamless experience for the members.
• Manage a prioritized portfolio of philanthropists with capacity and interest to make major gifts of $25k and up.
• Manage and coordinate a gift solicitation effort that includes direct solicitation as well as support for the Senior Rabbi and other clergy and lay leaders in their solicitation efforts. Collaborate with these and other departmental leaders to identify potential donors and coordinate meaningful engagement and stewardship.
• Identify and cultivate prospects for planned gifts.
• Track annual fundraising performance using clear metrics, including philanthropic dollars committed, number of proposals or requests submitted, and number of personal visits to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors.
• Engage with members and other supporters through donor circles (e.g. enhanced giving tiers, Rabbi’s Circle, Friends of Music, and others).
• Execute a limited number of targeted appeals that align with the congregation’s culture.
• Manage the Advancement Committee and facilitate volunteer involvement in prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Oversee donor events which will include occasional evening/weekend responsibilities.

Requirements:

• Minimum of seven years of experience in relationship-based fundraising
• Familiarity with Jewish communal life
• Solid track record of direct solicitation with individual donors
• Knowledgeable about information management in philanthropy contexts
• Exceptional relationship-builder
• Excellent writer and compelling verbal communicator
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications