Preservation Texas Seeks Director of Development
Preservation Texas is seeking a Director of Development to lead our fundraising and mission-aligned marketing efforts. This individual will be responsible for the strategy and execution of individual giving, corporate partnerships, grants, memberships, planned giving, and leading an effort to initiate a capital campaign. Preservation Texas is currently based in San Marcos. The position can be remote, but would require residency in Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio, or surrounding areas) for regular onsite attendance at key meetings and events.
Founded in 1985, Preservation Texas is a dynamic, growing statewide organization. Major initiatives include (1) the development of the Preservation Texas Institute in Tehuacana and its field school at Bassett Farms Conservancy, (2) the West Texas Heritage Center in El Paso, (3) a new architectural salvage program in Northeast Texas; (4) a National Park Service-funded grant program for historic log buildings, and (5) ongoing educational and advocacy programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Revenue Strategy and Execution:
Annual Development Plan. Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy with specific, measurable goals for each revenue stream (Individual, Corporate, Foundation, Membership, and Events).
Capital Campaign Leadership. Partner with the Executive Director and Board to lead the quiet and public phases of a capital campaign to support institutional growth and historic site stewardship.
Major Gifts. Manage a portfolio of high-capacity prospects. Oversee the process of identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Grant Management. Supervise the grant lifecycle, ensuring accuracy of proposals and adherence to reporting deadlines and compliance requirements.
2. Relationship Management and Stewardship:
Corporate Partnerships. Negotiate and secure corporate sponsorships and multi-year partnerships.
Board Empowerment. Provide the Board of Directors with the necessary data, training, and collateral materials to act as effective ambassadors and fundraisers.
Membership Growth. Oversee programs to increase membership, improve retention and convert members into long-term donors.
3. Operations and Financial Oversight:
Database Administration. Ensure the integrity of the donor database (Neon CRM). Use analytics to provide regular reports on fundraising ROI, donor retention rates, and gift trends.
Budgetary Management. Develop and manage the annual development budget, ensuring expenses align with projected revenue and organizational goals.
Marketing Coordination. Collaborate with staff to ensure all fundraising collateral, appeals, and digital campaigns are consistent with the organization's brand and case for support.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience. 5+ years of professional experience in non-profit development, preferably in the history, museum, arts or conservation fields in Texas, with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets. Proven experience in planning and executing a capital campaign, with a focus on major gift solicitation and donor cultivation.
Certification. Professional certification (CFRE) is highly preferred.
Technology. Proficiency in CRM software (we presently use Neon) and advanced skills in Google office suite for data analysis and reporting.
Communication. Ability to write sophisticated, technical grant proposals and deliver professional presentations to high-net-worth individuals and corporate executives.
Mission. Understanding of and commitment to the preservation of Texas's historic and cultural resources
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
Salary: $80-85,000/yr commensurate with experience. PTO per personnel policy and monthly health care reimbursement.
TO APPLY:
Please send CV and Letter of Interest to info@preservationtexas.org by March 31, 2026. In your letter, please specifically address (1) your track record of success and (2) why preserving Texas's historic resources matters to you personally.
