Associate Director of Development

Our client, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research, care, and advocacy for individuals affected by ALS, is seeking an Associate Director of Development based in Houston, TX. This role is responsible for generating over $500,000 in annual revenue through signature events such as Walk to Defeat ALS, CEO Soak, Team Challenge, sporting events, and distinguished fundraising programs. The Associate Director will support both statewide and territory-wide development efforts, with a strong focus on peer-to-peer coaching, volunteer leadership development, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of community engagement strategies, including peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, participant outreach and retention, volunteer committee development, and event planning.
• Collaborate with Advancement team members to support key fundraising accounts, including corporate and major donors.
• Manage all aspects of revenue generation, including fundraising strategy, budget oversight, donation tracking, and event logistics.
• Provide guidance and coaching to Development Managers as needed to help meet fundraising objectives.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors and volunteers to build a sustainable funding pipeline.
• Engage with volunteers through meetings, email, calls, public speaking, and event coordination.
• Assist in growing corporate partnerships by identifying prospects, cultivating relationships, creating proposals, and securing commitments.
• Support event participants and team captains by developing personalized fundraising strategies and offering mentorship.
• Maintain a portfolio of donors within the Southwest region and manage all aspects of cultivation and stewardship.
• Oversee recruitment, development, and retention of event committee leadership and community partnerships.
• Analyze event performance and fundraising data to forecast revenue and identify opportunities for growth.
• Coordinate with marketing and communications teams to support outreach and promotional efforts for local events.
• Use donor management platforms (such as Convio, Team Raiser, Salesforce, or Greater Giving) to track financial performance.
• Stay current with trends, technologies, and best practices in nonprofit fundraising and events.
• Employ a “moves management” approach to donor engagement, including cultivation, solicitation, and upgrading donor contributions.
• Work with internal staff to support planned and major gift solicitation where applicable.
• Complete additional duties as assigned by the Director of Development.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of recent experience in fundraising and event planning with a proven ability to meet revenue goals.
• Familiarity with regional corporate communities and local networks is a plus.
• Leadership experience with a demonstrated ability to coach and delegate responsibilities.
• Proficient in donor and event management tools, CRM platforms, and communication systems.
• Skilled in fundraising planning, donor engagement, and providing high-level support to stakeholders.
• Knowledge of peer-to-peer fundraising strategies and digital fundraising tools.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent writing, public speaking, and customer service capabilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and video conferencing platforms.
• Experience with design tools such as Quark, Illustrator, Publisher, or Photoshop is a plus.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and resolve problems independently.
• Strong relationship-building skills and a commitment to donor stewardship.
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and capable of working independently.
• Ability to travel up to 50% and work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Capable of lifting and carrying event-related materials (up to 30 pounds) occasionally.

• Annual salary range: $60,770 - $70,385, based on experience and geographic location.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage
• 401(k) with employer match
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits
• Basic life insurance
• Well-being support programs
• Generous paid time off and holidays