VP of Development

Vice President of Development
Ascend Dallas is a nonprofit organization committed to helping women and families create their path to a better life through financial security and parenting supports. Formerly the YWCA of Dallas, Ascend Dallas served 3,000 women this past year through programs that include in-home healthcare for low-income women, one‑on‑one financial coaching, robust financial resilience curriculum, and career development and placement. If you want to make a lasting impact in the lives of women and children in Dallas County, work with a team of passionate professionals – Ascend Dallas is the place for you.
The Vice President of Development is primarily responsible for establishing and implementing the infrastructure needed to deliver and grow a $5.7M budget. A qualified candidate will manage all aspects of the agency’s fund‑raising strategy including major gifts, annual giving, corporate/foundation relations, sponsorships, and special events. The VP of Development shares responsibility with the CEO for stewarding key philanthropic relationships. VP of Development serves as the primary liaison to the Board Development Committee providing content and structure to development committee meetings, ensuring each meeting’s efficiency and effectiveness, keeping members engaged and focused on fundraising goals for the agency.
In addition, this position ensures the effective design, development and implementation of a communications and public relations program to build awareness of Ascend Dallas and the Ascend Dallas brand attributes. The VP of Development is a member of the executive team who works collaboratively with all departments within the agency to craft and implement meaningful opportunities for donors to become emotionally invested in the Ascend Dallas mission. The VP of Development sits on the leadership team along with the CEO, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide strategy, vision and content expertise for the future of the agency. This position reports directly to the CEO and oversees a team of 3 fundraising and communications professionals.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Create and lead development strategies Craft comprehensive fund‑raising strategy to enable sustainable growth
Lead the development team in building a more diversified donor base, including foundations, individuals, corporate giving and government grants
Grow unrestricted giving to $1M+ level
Research funding sources and trends, with foresight, to help position Ascend Dallas ahead of major funding changes or trends
Recruit and train volunteer leadership to assist with implementation of fundraising strategy
Provide strategy and implementation for agency’s North Texas Giving Day efforts – meeting and exceeding previous year’s revenue – including comms strategy, individual board members’ fundraising, securing matching gifts and all donor stewardship
Expand major gifts program Proactively develop and drive the strategic process for identification, cultivation, solicitation, and recognition of major donors
Manage personal portfolio of major donors/prospects as well as assist CEO with personal portfolio management
Build volunteer team to assist in major gift solicitations
Develop annual fund‑raising campaigns and events Primary responsibility for the writing, development, and execution of all proposals; craft all proposals with a long‑term relationship‑management approach
Ensures planning, development, and implementation of the annual campaign
Oversees and provides direction on special events, securing major corporate and individual sponsorships
Turnkey primary annual fundraising event Meet and exceed revenue goals
Responsible for all P&L
Collaborate with and manage external vendors to execute all details
Serve as primary point of contact for event chair, honorary chair, award recipient, and any/all volunteers working towards a successful event
Build Ascend Dallas Brand Working alongside the CEO, develops and implements an integrated communication plan that ensures consistency of messages to achieve major impact for resource development, social media and program promotion
Raises awareness of the organization and its primary goals through outreach efforts, regular events in the community, publications, and media relations
Serves as point person for media relations, working closely with CEO and outside public relations team
The VP of Development is a spokesperson and represents Ascend Dallas in the philanthropic community
Active member of senior leadership team Serves on senior leadership team, providing input on organization’s strategic direction
Develops and manages department budget
Works closely with CFO to provide appropriate, accurate and timely information for reporting
Serves as liaison to Board’s Development Committee, supporting committee chair
Lead the development and communication team Trains, coaches and mentors development and communications team
Provides leadership to ensure that individual and team areas of strength are effectively utilized
Directs and appraises the performance of personnel
Oversee Financial Development Systems Oversees and is responsible for the integrity and accuracy of the agency donor database (Salesforce) including the gift entry process, ensuring that gifts are appropriately recorded and acknowledged
Provides fundraising progress reports to CEO, fundraising volunteers, and Board on a regular basis
Oversee the maintenance of the fundraising database
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE High energy and passion for the mission of Ascend Dallas is essential
Minimum 7 years of fund‑raising experience required with career progression and senior leadership experience
Demonstrated success in securing major gifts
Ability to use interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with potential funders, board members as well as internal and external relations
Able to contribute at a strategic level and work collaboratively as part of a team
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s and/or CFRE preferred
ESSENTIAL SKILLS Demonstrated public speaking, presentation and written communication skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to multi‑task, set priorities, meet deadlines and maintain positive attitude at times of increased workload
Strong database experience required – Salesforce a plus
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites
PERKS & BENEFITS Medical/Dental/Vision/Short‑Long Term Disability
Company paid Life Insurance
401k with company match
Hybrid location: Mon/Fri WFH, T/W/TH in office, as fundraising responsibilities permit
Paid Parental leave
Generous PTO package including extended time off from December 24th to New Years
SALARY RANGE: $105,000 to $115,000
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