Director of Development

Date Posted	January 07, 2025
Industry	Nonprofit
Specialty	Not Specified
Required Education	High School Diploma
Job Status	Full-time
Salary	$75,000 – $85,000

Description:

The Texas Observer is a
nonprofit news outlet and print magazine dedicated to investigative
reporting, narrative storytelling, and cultural commentary in Texas.
Since 1954, we have prioritized reporting that not only seeks to inform,
but also to empower our readers and hold power to account. Our readers’
commitment to independent investigative journalism is a key component
to the Observer’s long-term sustainability.

The Observer is hiring a
Director of Development to lead its fundraising efforts. This is a key
leadership position within the organization. The Texas Observer has a current annual budget of $1.2 million, with a goal of growing to $1.3 million in 2025.

Core Responsibilities: 

• Create and implement a comprehensive
  development plan. The Director of Development will lead the management
  and execution of the Texas Observer’s fundraising efforts, with
  oversight including but not limited to membership acquisition,
  individual giving, Salesforce database administration, and fundraising
  events.
• Collaborate closely with the Executive
  Director (ED) to set ambitious yet achievable fundraising budget goals,
  backed by clear strategies and metrics.
• Develop and execute campaign strategies to increase individual philanthropic support for the Texas Observer’s journalism and strategic initiatives through its established membership program and single one-time gifts. 
• Strengthen advancement processes,
  systems, content strategy, and prospect management to enhance
  unrestricted philanthropy and solicit mid-tier and major gifts under
  $10,000 from individuals, corporations, and foundations. 
• Direct the creation and execution of donor events, including the MOLLY National Journalism Prize Gala, the Observer’s largest annual in-person fundraiser.
• Support the ED and Board of Directors
  in fundraising activities, helping to execute a comprehensive
  cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategy for major gift
  portfolios in order to maximize donor retention and engagement. 
• Collaborate with staff, board members
  and consultants to lead the creation of compelling cases for support,
  general fundraising communication copy and materials, and build campaign
  readiness to further increase donor engagement.
• Assist the Executive Director with foundation prospecting, grant writing, and reporting.
• Work with the ED and board members to
  produce fundraising reports for meetings and committees and serve as the
  staff liaison to the Board Development Committee.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in
  nonprofit fundraising, with a proven track record in leadership, events,
  and gift solicitation.
• Media experience is strongly preferred but not required.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred, or at least seven years of experience directly related to this position.
• Strong understanding of fundraising best practices, donor relations, and campaign management.
• Experience developing and analyzing financial reports, including budgets, revenue projections, and revenue tracking.
• Knowledge of Salesforce or similar database software. 
• Excellent writing, communication, and
  interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and inspire
  confidence among diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Strong organizational skills and project management abilities.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice, aligned with the values and mission of the Texas Observer.

Location 

Preferably based in the Texas Observer’s
main office in Austin, Texas, where staff work on a hybrid schedule;
however, exceptionally qualified candidates located elsewhere in Texas
will also be considered.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $75,000 to $85,000. The Texas Observer
offers benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401K
retirement plan with a 3% employer contribution match, generous PTO,
paid parental leave, and holidays.

Application Process:

Please submit a resume and cover letter
outlining your qualifications and interest in the position, and two work
samples (an email solicitation, case for support, grant introduction,
etc.) to [email protected]. Application deadline is January 27, 2025.

We know some great candidates won’t meet
every requirement in this job posting, and we also know you might bring
valuable skills that we haven’t considered. If that’s you, don’t
hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

The Texas Observer is an equal
opportunity employer. We believe it’s critical that our organization
adequately represent the demographics of the state we cover, and we’re
committed to taking steps to meet that goal. We especially encourage
members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply for this
role, including women, veterans, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and
people with disabilities.