Director of Development

Job Posting: Development Director for Museum

Organization: The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park

Location: Houston, TX

Department: Development & Membership

Reports to: Executive Director

Schedule: Full-Time (35 hours/week), Non-Exempt

About The Heritage Society

The Heritage Society (THS) at Sam Houston Park is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating Houston’s diverse history through historic buildings, exhibitions, and educational programs. We are seeking a dynamic Development Director to lead our fundraising, membership, and donor relations efforts, ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of our mission.

Position Summary

The Development Director is responsible for managing special events, fundraising, annual fund campaigns, grants, and membership revenue streams. This role oversees donor recognition programs, cultivates funding sources, and ensures fiscal accountability for the Development and Membership departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as chief liaison to the Board Development Committee: schedule meetings, prepare agendas, record minutes, and support fundraising initiatives.
• Lead fundraising efforts for special events, including chair recruitment, ticket/table sales, silent auctions, and venue management.
• Plan and coordinate annual campaigns and special project fundraising (capital improvements, restoration campaigns, etc.).
• Collaborate with the contract Grants Writer to secure underwriting, sponsorships, and grants.
• Develop donor recognition programs and maintain strong donor relations.
• Oversee departmental budgets and contribute to overall organizational financial planning.
• Enter contributions into DonorView, issue receipts, and generate donor reports for finance and auditing purposes.
• Partner with THS staff to identify funding needs and secure resources.
• Represent THS professionally at exhibits, grand openings, and community events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in development, grant writing, fundraising, and event planning.
• Strong accounting skills; proficiency with QuickBooks for Non-Profits.
• Skilled in Microsoft 365 applications and donor management software (DonorView).
• Nonprofit, tourism, or museum experience strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong marketing and presentation abilities.
• Proven ability to solicit major gifts and maintain donor relationships with diplomacy.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven.
• Must be able to pass credit and pre-employment background checks and pre-employment drug testing.
• Flexible schedule with availability for evenings and weekends as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain seated or standing for extended periods (up to 80% of the time).
• Occasional lifting/moving of supplies and equipment up to 30 pounds.
• Frequent use of computers and office equipment.
• Rare exposure to outdoor weather conditions during events.

Why Join Us?

At The Heritage Society, you’ll play a pivotal role in preserving Houston’s history while engaging with a vibrant community of donors, Board members, and other volunteers. This is an opportunity to combine your fundraising expertise with a passion for cultural heritage and nonprofit impact.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing relevant experience and qualifications to: info@heritagesociety.org.