Director of Development (Nonprofit Fundraising / Major Gifts)
HR Media & Co., Dallas, TX, United States
HR Media & Co. is seeking a Director of Development (Nonprofit Fundraising / Major Gifts) for our client, a faith-based higher education institution.
Position Title:
Director of Development (Nonprofit Fundraising / Major Gifts) Location:
Dallas, TX (Hybrid) Reports to:
President Job Type:
Full Time Position Summary: The Director of Development (internally known as Director of Advancement) will lead fundraising, alumni engagement, and external partnerships for a growing faith-based higher education institution. This role focuses on expanding donor relationships and increasing revenue through major gifts, annual giving, and grants. This is a high-impact opportunity to work directly with executive leadership and shape a growing advancement function. The position carries an ambitious goal of raising $2M in year one, with long-term growth to $3M annually. We welcome candidates with strong fundraising experience and a track record of securing major gifts, even if you dont meet every qualification listed. Responsibilities: Develop and execute a fundraising strategy across annual giving, major gifts, endowment growth, scholarships, and capital initiatives. Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners. Lead alumni engagement efforts, including communications, events, and volunteer initiatives to foster lifelong connections and loyalty to the institution. Partner with leadership, administration, faculty, and board members to identify funding priorities and develop compelling cases for support. Oversee advancement operations, including donor databases, gift processing, reporting, and compliance with all relevant regulations and ethical standards. Identify, cultivate, and manage grant opportunities from public and private sources, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and best practices observed at peer colleges and universities. Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of advancement volunteers to achieve fundraising goals. Represent the institution at internal and external events, serving as a key ambassador to prospective donors and community partners. Provide regular fundraising performance reports to the President and the Board of Trustees. Achieve $2 million in fundraising revenue in 2026, with a goal of $3 million annually thereafter.
Qualifications: Bachelors degree required; advanced degree preferred. Five years of progressive experience in advancement, fundraising, or development, ideally within higher education or faith-based organizations. Demonstrated success securing major gifts and driving fundraising outcomes (multi-six-figure to seven-figure preferred) Ability to secure major gifts and manage donor relationships at all levels. Strong foundation in major gifts, donor cultivation, and relationship management. Exposure to higher education or student financial processes is a plus Ability to build and sustain high-impact relationships with diverse stakeholders. Operate with integrity, professionalism, and strong ethical standards. Strong leadership skills with experience supervising staff and volunteers. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational abilities. Commitment to the mission and values of the institution, with an understanding of the broader context of theological education and ministry formation. Proficiency with fundraising CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
Candidates from nonprofit, higher education, or faith-based fundraising backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Director of Development (Nonprofit Fundraising / Major Gifts) Location:
Dallas, TX (Hybrid) Reports to:
President Job Type:
Full Time Position Summary: The Director of Development (internally known as Director of Advancement) will lead fundraising, alumni engagement, and external partnerships for a growing faith-based higher education institution. This role focuses on expanding donor relationships and increasing revenue through major gifts, annual giving, and grants. This is a high-impact opportunity to work directly with executive leadership and shape a growing advancement function. The position carries an ambitious goal of raising $2M in year one, with long-term growth to $3M annually. We welcome candidates with strong fundraising experience and a track record of securing major gifts, even if you dont meet every qualification listed. Responsibilities: Develop and execute a fundraising strategy across annual giving, major gifts, endowment growth, scholarships, and capital initiatives. Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners. Lead alumni engagement efforts, including communications, events, and volunteer initiatives to foster lifelong connections and loyalty to the institution. Partner with leadership, administration, faculty, and board members to identify funding priorities and develop compelling cases for support. Oversee advancement operations, including donor databases, gift processing, reporting, and compliance with all relevant regulations and ethical standards. Identify, cultivate, and manage grant opportunities from public and private sources, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and best practices observed at peer colleges and universities. Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of advancement volunteers to achieve fundraising goals. Represent the institution at internal and external events, serving as a key ambassador to prospective donors and community partners. Provide regular fundraising performance reports to the President and the Board of Trustees. Achieve $2 million in fundraising revenue in 2026, with a goal of $3 million annually thereafter.
Qualifications: Bachelors degree required; advanced degree preferred. Five years of progressive experience in advancement, fundraising, or development, ideally within higher education or faith-based organizations. Demonstrated success securing major gifts and driving fundraising outcomes (multi-six-figure to seven-figure preferred) Ability to secure major gifts and manage donor relationships at all levels. Strong foundation in major gifts, donor cultivation, and relationship management. Exposure to higher education or student financial processes is a plus Ability to build and sustain high-impact relationships with diverse stakeholders. Operate with integrity, professionalism, and strong ethical standards. Strong leadership skills with experience supervising staff and volunteers. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational abilities. Commitment to the mission and values of the institution, with an understanding of the broader context of theological education and ministry formation. Proficiency with fundraising CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
Candidates from nonprofit, higher education, or faith-based fundraising backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.