About the Role
The Development Director will be tasked with expanding on a successful fundraising model while maintaining our existing donor programs and fund development relationships. You will join our team in an exciting moment in our history, while we are expanding our impact and relevance across the community and educational landscape. As WITS grows, we look forward to bringing on an experienced Development professional who will lead the organization’s individual and corporate giving efforts, nurture funder relationships (including grant applications and reporting) and oversee the successful implementation of our annual gala.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Plan, lead, and execute successful annual gala
- Plan, lead, and oversee individual and corporate giving
- Support the organization’s Development Committee
Fundraising Strategy and Execution:
- Execute annual fundraising strategy
- Serve as lead contact for current and prospective major gift donors, and guide an excellent donor appreciation and stewardship program; keep abreast of and inform donors of activities and programs designed to fulfill its mission by phone, visit, letter or proposal
- In concert with the Development team, implement a comprehensive strategy to build relationships, secure gifts, and achieve annual revenue goals
Team Leadership:
- Provide strategic analysis and thought partnership to the Executive Director and Development Committee relative to fundraising and stewardship
- Provide staff support for Development Committee
Benefits:
WITS offers a generous benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance. First year full-time staff receive 10 vacation days per calendar year, 12 personal time off days per calendar year, and a robust paid holiday schedule.
Thinking of Applying:
If you are excited about the role and see connection with what we are looking for, but don’t meet every single requirement, we’d encourage you to apply anyway.
Application Process:
To apply, please submit the following to Tasmine Harrell at tharrell@witshouston.org.
A cover letter that provides an introduction and gives us a sense of your writing style
A résumé or CV
Please include a bulleted list of fundraising achievements related to individual giving revenue increases, board engagement, gala target goals, or other relevant development-related successes.
Work product samples that give us a sense of the scope of your development experience. We would like to understand the tone, style, and scope of your past work. Consider materials such as stewardship letters, event invitations or programs, project plans for past development events, white papers, or impact reports.
Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree (Required)
3+ years’ development experience (Required)
Outstanding written and oral communication skills (Required)
Experience planning special events, with occasional evenings and weekends (Required)
Experience with fund development strategy, planning, and donor-cultivation (Required)
Demonstrated experience managing fundraising targets of $1M and above (Highly Preferred)
Understanding of the Houston philanthropic and/or education and arts landscapes (Highly Preferred)
Previous experience managing teams (Preferred)
Experience with Salesforce management platform (Preferred)
Ability to travel across Houston and the surrounding area; applicants should have access to reliable transportation (Required)
About the Company
At Writers in the Schools (WITS) we believe storytelling reveals our truest selves, that creativity prepares children for a successful future. To that end, our mission is to connect children and youth with professional writers and spoken word artists to unlock the joy and power of storytelling and creative expression. Our vision is that all young people will possess the skills and confidence to share their stories, experiences, and ideas with the world.
* WITS is an equal opportunity employer. WITS’ policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against any applicant or employee based on any legally-recognized basis, including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local law.