Development Director

As the Development Director, you will play a critical role in overseeing the Development and Fundraising functions of the organization. This position is responsible for the annual fundraising plan; donor development, acquisition, and retention; database management; and donor management (campaigns, events, touchpoints, recognition).The Development Director will report to the Managing Director and will play a vital role in identifying, organizing and managing the fundraising activities of the organization and maintaining donor relations while staying in alignment with our organization's core values. The Development Director is responsible for leading and managing a team including the Marketing & Comms Manager.

Friends For Life’s core values: courage, integrity, compassion, team-oriented, innovation, evidence-driven

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management

· Team Management: Leading a team effectively, ensuring collaboration, and maintaining high morale.

· Strategic Planning: Setting long-term goals and devising plans to achieve them. Implement performance metrics to track success, resulting in data-driven improvements and higher accountability.

· Mentorship and Development: Facilitating team meetings and performance reviews, fostering a culture of continuous feedback and improvement. Developing and mentoring staff, leading to improved individual performance and career growth.

· Decision Making: Making informed and timely decisions that drive success.

· Communication: Clearly conveying ideas and feedback to foster a transparent and productive work environment.

· Problem Solving: Addressing and resolving issues efficiently to maintain progress.

· Innovation: Driving initiatives that lead to growth and improvement.

Annual fundraising plan

· Work with the Executive Director and Managing Director to identify funds needed, preferred funding targets, and effective approaches.

· Plan, execute, and evaluate fundraising campaigns, including direct mail, online giving, and special events.

· Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications Manager to create compelling fundraising materials and messaging.

· Coordinate with Grant Writer to prepare and submit grant proposals, ensuring compliance with grant requirements and reporting deadlines.

· Collaborate with the Managing Director and Full Charge Bookkeeper to create and manage the annual fundraising budget.

· Monitor and report on fundraising progress and variances.

· Provide insights and feedback on donor interests and preferences to enhance fundraising strategies.

Donor development, acquisition, and retention

· Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners.

· Respond promptly to donor inquiries, expressing gratitude and providing relevant information about Friends For Life's programs and impact.

· Develop personalized stewardship plans to deepen donor engagement and retention.

· Ensure timely acknowledgment of donations and personalized thank-you notes and receipts.

· Implement recognition programs to express appreciation for donors, such as acknowledgment in publications, events, or on the organization's website.

· Coordinate personalized interactions, such as phone calls, meetings, or special events, to deepen donor relationships.

· Work collaboratively with all departments in the organization to align donor relations activities with organizational goals.

Database management

· Maintain accurate donor records in the donor management system (Little Green Light), including gift processing and data entry.

· Generate donor reports and analyze data to inform fundraising strategies.

Donor management (campaigns and events)

· Organize and secure donors (guests, runners) for Friends For Life’s two largest fundraisers of the year – the annual Gala and the Chevron Houston Marathon.

· Provide support and strategy for other larger donor events (Awkward Pet Portraits, Shelter Anniversary Party).

· Represent Friends For Life at community events and engage with potential supporters.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field preferred (e.g., nonprofit management, communications, marketing).
• Proven experience in fundraising, donor relations, or related roles in the nonprofit sector.
• Proficiency in donor management software (e.g. LGL, Raiser's Edge etc.) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Exceptional communication and people skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Creative thinker with the ability to generate innovative ideas and campaigns.
• Passion for animal welfare and dedication to the mission of Friends For Life is a plus.
• Ability to work in a diverse, fast-changing environment and the ability to be flexible, resourceful and maintain a positive attitude in the face of challenging circumstances
• Strong organizational skills; ability to multi-task; time-management is key
• Excellent inter-personal skills; excellent teamwork; ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others

About Friends For Life:

Founded in 2002, Friends For Life introduced the no-kill shelter model to Houston – saving animals regardless of their breed, age or condition. Houston-grown, we’re here to help our neighbors care for the pets they love. We save animals regardless of their origin, breed, age or condition. Many shelters refuse strays, animals from private citizens, or even entire breeds. Instead, we are guided by a simple principle: Every Animal Matters.

We’re not finished until every animal has a safe home. Until then, we'll be innovating, improving, and tracking results to discover the most potent methods for saving lives, and we're in search of a vital team member to become a part of our unwavering mission to make animal lives better.

Pay: $63,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Experience:

• Fundraising: 3 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Houston, TX 77008 (Required)

Work Location: In person