Senior Director For Development

Doreen MeeksHewes

Refugee Services of Texas (RST), Inc. is a non-profit social service agency guided by principles of human compassion and dignity committed to providing quality services for refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking. The 7 RST service centers throughout the state provide refugee resettlement services and programs designed for the local communities we serve. The position is located in the DFW area.

Primary Purpose:

This position works in close collaboration with the RST Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors. The Development Director will participate in the design and execution of a comprehensive development strategy for Refugee Services of Texas, oversee all fundraising activities, and directly supervise the development team.

Essential Duties:

• Create and implement a development strategy to significantly increase the agency’s revenue in accordance with agency strategic plan; work with the CEO and board of directors to identify funds needed, preferred funding targets, and approaches
• Oversee broad and multifaceted fundraising efforts including the solicitation of financial support through individuals, families, foundations, corporations, volunteers, capital campaigns, and other fundraising events or initiatives
• Develop and maintain key long-term relationships with donors and prospects by organizing local staff, assigning tasks, and training
• Set and communicate fundraising goals and progress
• Prepare staff for support activities pertaining to donor recruitment, outreach and retention and donor data information input
• Complete accurate reports on fundraising efforts utilizing donor management database and other tracking mechanisms
• Work in collaboration with the agency Programs team to identify foundations and submit proposals
• Travel: 35 to 40%. Attend meetings and/or trainings as requested. Perform other related duties and special projects as requested.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Proven success in leadership and development for a multi-site non-profit agency, 5+ years fundraising experience
• Proven experience in planning, leading, and managing development projects and corresponding staff, including managing and training development staff to achieve desired outcomes, and tracking and reporting on progress to CEO and board of directors
• Demonstrated track record in realizing fundraising goals in excess of $1 million or greater
• Skilled in creating powerful, compelling written and oral communications; ability to convey complex ideas through brief, simple materials; experience and credibility when presenting materials to external audiences
• Ability to insight others to accept ideas by using convincing arguments, create a win-win situation and respond appropriately to key stakeholders
• Established background that includes the cultivation and stewardship of major gifts from individual donors with demonstrated success in securing four and five-figure gifts and ability to deepen relationships
• Proven development principles, fund raising techniques and professional ethics
• Self-starter possessing a strong work ethic and a passion for connecting donors with the mission of RST; ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously; able to take initiative and collaborate with staff at all levels
• Possesses an understanding that the achievement of fund raising goals is a reflection of time and resource allocations, as well as the ability to connect with and understand donor motivations for giving; experienced in prospect research, moves management, arranging and executing timely donor/prospect visits
• High level of computer proficiency including Microsoft Office applications and donor management software. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the U.S. and as needed to the local service center sites.
  
  

Competencies

• Communications: Demonstrate “transparency of information” by articulating program strategies, priorities, standards, and expectations to stakeholders. Communicate and model RST mission, values, and priorities to stakeholders. Represent RST in varied forums, effectively interpreting its mission, values and programs and inspiring audiences to support its work.
• Program Planning and Management: In collaboration with Chief Executive Director, the Board of Directors, Area Directors, Marketing and Grant Staff, implement and evaluate fund raising activities, establishing implementation steps and time frames. Contribute to the development of standards and expectations for performing activities and assure the quality of work produced. Participate in gathering and analyzing information from internal and external stakeholders. Build consensus with colleagues, stakeholders and management in support of new initiatives. Successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously.