Development Director

position Overview

Houston Audubon seeks an experienced, senior-level Development Director to serve as the organization’s chief philanthropic strategist and revenue leader. This role is responsible for planning, leading, and executing a comprehensive fundraising program that advances Houston Audubon’s mission and directly supports the goals of the 2024–2034 Strategic Framework.

The Development Director is accountable for growing and diversifying philanthropic revenue across all sources while strengthening donor, foundation, corporate, and community partnerships. As a member of the senior management team, this position plays a central role in aligning fundraising strategy with program priorities, capital and endowment goals, and long-term organizational sustainability. Houston Audubon’s annual operating budget ranges from approximately $2–$2.5 million, with roughly 80% derived from philanthropic support.

Strategic Context

Houston Audubon’s Strategic Framework calls for:

• Increasing operational fundraising targets by a minimum of 5% annually to address inflation and support strategic plan implementation;
• Growing the Stewardship Endowment by 50% by 2033;
• Launching and executing a capital campaign by 2026 to support sanctuary and facility acquisition and improvements; and
• Expanding community-centered conservation, education, and engagement initiatives that require reliable, multi-year funding.

The Development Director will lead the fundraising strategies required to achieve these outcomes and ensure philanthropy is fully integrated into organizational planning, budgeting, and execution.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Revenue Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with Houston Audubon’s strategic plan, annual operating budgets, capital priorities, and endowment growth goals.
• Own performance across all philanthropic revenue streams, including major gifts, individual giving, membership, corporate partnerships, foundations, government grants (as applicable), special events, appeals, and planned giving.
• Collaborate with the President & CEO to develop and execute an annual development plan that outlines revenue targets, expenses, and key initiatives; monitor progress and provide regular reporting to senior leadership and the Board.
• Establish annual and long-range revenue targets; monitor performance against goals; adjust strategies based on data, trends, and organizational priorities.
• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive capital campaign, in close partnership with the President & CEO and Board leadership.

Donor, Foundation & Partner Engagement

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors and prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations capable of five- and six-figure commitments.
• Partner with the President & CEO and senior leadership to understand program goals and priorities and translate them into compelling funding proposals and donor requests.
• Oversee grant strategy and execution, including prospect research, proposal development, compliance, reporting, and relationship management.
• Maintain strong relationships with funders and partners to ensure alignment between funded projects and organizational goals.
• Ensure best-in-class stewardship practices that reflect Houston Audubon’s values and reinforce long-term donor loyalty.

Board & Volunteer Leadership

• Serve as a primary staff partner to the Board of Directors and relevant committees, including the Development committee.
• Support and activate board members in fundraising, donor cultivation, and ambassador roles through training, tools, and clear expectations.
• Participate as needed in board meetings and provide clear, actionable fundraising reports and insights.

Events & Campaigns

• Provide strategic oversight of Houston Audubon’s signature fundraising events, including Avian Affair, Birdathon, and Evening on the Canopy, with a focus on net revenue, donor pipeline development, and mission integration.
• Ensure fundraising events, appeals, and campaigns support long-term donor engagement strategies rather than operating as stand-alone activities.

Systems, Planning & Accountability

• Ensure accurate revenue forecasting, pipeline management, and monthly and annual reporting to senior leadership and the Board.
• Oversee donor database management, data integrity, and reporting systems to support transparency, accountability, and decision-making.
• Collaborate with Finance and Operations to align fundraising projections with cash flow, restricted funds management, and compliance requirements.

Team Leadership & Organizational Collaboration

• Provide leadership, management, mentorship, and performance oversight to a team of skilled development staff.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing development team with clear goals and professional growth pathways.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization by collaborating closely with Communications, Land jobshiringnearme.org, and Education teams.
• Represent Houston Audubon in the community and confidently articulate the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, and impact to a variety of audiences.

Qualifications and experience:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum of seven years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, including leadership of comprehensive development programs
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts in the $50,000–$250,000+ range
• Proven experience developing and executing multi-year fundraising strategies aligned with organizational growth
• Experience working closely with Boards of Directors and senior executives
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and revenue analysis
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and support team members and to build strong, trusting relationships with peers and potential partners
• Highly relational, high touch, politically savvy and intuitive with high emotional intelligence
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Preferred

• Experience leading or playing a senior role in a capital campaign or endowment initiative
• Familiarity with conservation, environmental, education, or land trust organizations
• Knowledge of the Greater Houston philanthropic landscape
• Experience managing CRM systems and using data to drive fundraising strategy
• CFRE designation a plus