Development Director

Company Description Students Engaged In Advancing Texas (SEAT) is a youth-led movement focused on developing transferable skills and elevating youth visibility in policymaking across Texas. In 100+ school districts and colleges statewide, the organization engages young people in hands-on advocacy and educational opportunities that foster civic participation and leadership. These include peer-led fellowship programs, campus-based chapters, an annual Advocacy Day at the Texas Capitol, legal action, creative projects, and public advocacy campaigns. SEAT aims to drive civic transformation by empowering communities to address systemic issues and dismantle oppressive power structures. Team members collaborate in a mission-driven environment that values equity, grassroots engagement, and sustainable social change. Joining SEAT means contributing to a growing movement centered on youth voice, community betterment, and inclusive policy impact.

Role Description The Development Director is a full-time (40/hours), mostly remote role based in Texas, responsible for leading and executing SEAT’s fundraising and development strategy. This position oversees donor cultivation and stewardship, including individual, corporate, and foundation relationships, while designing and implementing annual and long-term giving plans that align with organizational goals. Day-to-day responsibilities include managing fundraising campaigns, coordinating special events, preparing development-related budgets and financial reports, and ensuring accurate tracking of contributions and donor data. The Development Director collaborates with leadership and program staff to craft compelling cases for support, develop grant proposals, and integrate fundraising messages into communications. This role also involves managing volunteers or interns engaged in development activities and continuously assessing and improving fundraising processes to support SEAT’s mission and growth. Up to 20% of work could include in-person activities such as hosting fundraiser events, meeting with prospective donors, and traveling to conferences.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of demonstrated expertise in Fundraising and Philanthropy, including cultivating and stewarding diverse donor and partner relationships.
• Proven ability to develop and implement comprehensive development plans, including grant writing, event-based fundraising, securing major gifts, and digital engagement.
• Track record of securing five-figure or more contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Experience with Annual Giving and Planned Giving programs, with the ability to design and manage multi-channel campaigns and long-term giving strategies.
• Strong Budgeting skills, including planning, monitoring, and reporting on development-related revenue, expenses, and financial projections - and proficiency with CRMs and donor databases.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with capacity to build relationships and craft persuasive proposals, impact reports, and donor communications.
• Comfort working in a youth-centered, mission-driven environment, with a commitment to equity, civic engagement, and social justice – including occasionally working during evening hours.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail, the ability to meet deadlines in a dynamic setting, and solid ability to navigate complex challenges.
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, communications, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience. Previous management experience is preferred.
• Preferred: 1+ years of experience in the Texas nonprofit social advocacy, policy, and philanthropic ecosystem and an interest in civics and community organizing.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $65,000-$70,000 dependent on experience
• Health stipend: $250/month