Director of Development

About Dress for Success Houston

Dress for Success Houston empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help them thrive in work and in life. Our team is passionate, mission-driven, and committed to creating positive, life-changing opportunities for women across Houston.

Position Overview

The Director of Development is a senior-level leader responsible for designing, planning, and executing a robust calendar of events to raise critical funding and increase community engagement. In partnership with the President and a dedicated team, you will lead the production of 33+ events annually, including 10 high-profile, revenue-generating events, ensuring alignment with our strategic goals and mission.

This role requires a proven fundraiser, a relationship builder, and a strong project manager capable of managing logistics, sponsors, volunteers, and stakeholders with grace and precision.

• Lead and execute fundraising strategies with the President across individual, corporate, foundation, and event revenue streams to meet annual and long-term goals.
• Oversee donor stewardship, database management, marketing, event strategy, and sustained donor engagement.
• In partnership with executive leadership: create strategic and operational initiatives, define agency policies, support internal initiatives for gift cultivation, and ensure cross-departmental collaboration.
• Lead, coach, and manage a three-person development team to ensure clear priorities, accountability, and successful achievement of team and organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Sponsorship Development

• Build and steward long-term relationships with corporate partners, foundations, and individual donors.
• Secure event sponsorships, underwriting, and in-kind donations to meet revenue targets.
• Develop customized sponsor packages and recognition plans.
• Provide oversight for the Grant writing process

Event Strategy & Execution

• Oversee planning and execution of 33+ events annually, including 10 major fundraising events such as galas, luncheons, and signature programs, and lead the post-event analysis
• Ensure every event reflects the Dress for Success Houston brand, values, and mission impact.

Marketing Strategy

• Oversee DFS Houston’s marketing and communications strategies and agency wide brand compliance through collaboration with the President, external contractors/vendors, and the development team
• Represent DFS Houston as a Brand Ambassador on tours, speaking engagements, and media interviews

Leadership & Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with the President to align event strategies with organizational priorities.
• Lead and mentor events, the Development staff, and volunteers.
• Partner with internal departments (Programs, Client Experience, Marketing, Operations) to ensure seamless execution.
• Participate in Board Meetings to provide strategic fundraising updates, share progress toward revenue goals, and collaborate on organizational priorities that drive financial sustainability.

Budget & Reporting

• Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and return on investment.
• Track sponsorship revenue, event metrics, and donor engagement through Salesforce or related CRM tools.
• Prepare reports and presentations for leadership and board as needed.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and large-scale event planning
• 5+ years of experience in Marketing
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing sponsorships, donors, and partnerships
• Excellent project management, communication, and organizational skills
• Experience managing teams and collaborating across departments
• Proficiency with Salesforce (or similar CRM), Microsoft Office, and event platforms
• Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE or relevant certification a plus
• Passion for the mission of Dress for Success Houston and commitment to women’s empowerment