Director of Development

Director of Development

Location Houston, TX 77265 Date Posted August 10, 2026 Job ID 15212 Employment Type Direct Hire

Scion Executive Search has been engaged to conduct an immediate search for a visionary nonprofit Director of Development for a child literacy organization. This Houston-based nonprofit is dedicated to collecting and distributing books to children in need, ensuring every child has access to books in their home. Its mission is to build home libraries for children who may not otherwise have books of their own, fostering a love for reading and lifelong learning. Under a new strategic plan, the organization aims to double its book distribution by 2028. This is a full-time role offering an annual salary of $85,000 - $95,000 DOE located on-site in Houston, TX 77036.

THE ROLE:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development will advance the organization's mission by leading all fundraising, donor engagement, event planning, and marketing initiatives. This individual will play a critical role in cultivating and stewarding donor relationships, overseeing grant development and reporting, managing donation processes, and executing major fundraising events.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, collaborative, and passionate about literacy and community impact, with the ability to work both in an office environment and actively support warehouse operations when needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising Strategy and Execution

• Create and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan aligned with the organization's strategic plan.
• Oversee a portfolio of foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
• Identify opportunities to expand and diversify the donor base.

Donor Relations and Stewardship

• Develop and implement stewardship initiatives to recognize and appreciate donors at all giving levels.
• Provide personalized acknowledgments, including preparing letters and making thank-you calls.
• Build and nurture relationships with current and prospective donors.
• Host donor tours and meetings to engage supporters.
• Research new donor opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Manager to upgrade volunteers to donors.

Grant Writing and Management

• Prepare and submit all grant proposals and required reports, including needs statements, narratives, budgets, and supplemental documents.
• Tailor proposals to meet specific funder guidelines and priorities.
• Conduct research to identify grant opportunities aligned with the mission.
• Maintain a detailed calendar of grant deadlines and reporting requirements.

Event Planning and Coordination

• Plan and execute two annual fundraising events (250-350 attendees each).
• Identify and secure event sponsors and ensure fulfillment of sponsorship benefits.
• Develop speeches, videos, presentations, talking points, and related materials for leadership and board members.

Marketing and Communications

• Help guide cross-platform marketing strategies to ensure cohesive messaging and maximize outreach.
• Craft and distribute engaging fundraising and event emails via Mailchimp.
• Serve as a key liaison and community representative.

Data Management and Reporting

• Process donations using Little Green Light.
• Provide regular fundraising updates to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

Book Sorting & Operational Support

• Participate in book sorting, inventory movement, and unloading donations alongside staff and volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant nonprofit professional fundraising experience.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising and grant writing.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to work with diverse groups of individuals.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel locally as needed.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, cloud-based storage, and social media platforms.
• Experience with constituent relationship management (CRM) systems.
• Strong analytical, reasoning, conflict-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for fostering a love of reading in children and advancing the organization's mission.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This wonderful opportunity offers the ability to make a significant impact. In addition to a competitive annual salary of $85,000-$95,000 (DOE),

HOW TO APPLY:

For immediate consideration, please provide your resume and cover letter online via https://scionexecutivesearch.com/job/15212/

ABOUT OUR FIRM:

Scion Executive Search is an award-winning, retained executive search firm. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the United States. Through innovative team building and recruitment solutions, Scion Executive Search seamlessly bridges the gap in interim and executive searches.

We are proud to be part of the Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America. Additionally, Scion has been recognized as a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing firm as well as a top recruitment firm by The Business Times. Additional information about our firm and our practices can be found online.

Scion Executive Search is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected class. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value, for ourselves, our client companies, and the candidates we represent.

For opportunities located in a region that has enacted fair chance, arrest, or conviction-based employment ordinances, Scion Executive Search proactively follows the enacted guidance and considers for employment all qualified applications with arrest and conviction records. We engage in socially conscious business practices and believe that diverse, inclusive, and non-biased talent and recruitment processes are foundational to the success of Scion as well as every client organization with whom we partner