Director of Development​/Major Gifts

Waterloo Greenway Conservancy is a nonprofit partner to the City of Austin, leading the creation of a 35-acre, 1.5-mile urban park system along Waller Creek. Through environmental restoration, inclusive cultural programming, intentional and committed philanthropy, and community partnerships, we are transforming public space in the heart of downtown Austin.

Highlights include Moody Amphitheater, Waterloo Park, The Confluence, and Creek Show.

Our mission is to connect people to nature, art, and each other—creating extraordinary public parks for all.

TO APPLY Qualified applicants are invited to submit a résumé, cover letter, and contact information for at least three professional references via email to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). (References will not be contacted without prior notification.)

As a key member of Waterloo Greenway’s fundraising team, the Director of Development / Major Gifts will lead fundraising strategies focused on major gifts and capital campaign initiatives that fuel the continued growth of the 35-acre urban park system connecting Austin through nature, art, and community.

Reporting directly to the Chief Development Officer (CDO), this position will manage a robust portfolio of high-net-worth donors and prospects, working collaboratively with the CEO, CDO, VP of Development/ Operations, Board of Directors, and Capital Campaign Committee to secure transformational philanthropic investments that advance Waterloo Greenway’s capital and programmatic priorities. While this role focuses on the capital campaign, it will also support operating goals, ensuring long-term sustainability of the organization through strategic identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors of $25,000 and beyond.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic, relationship-driven fundraiser to help shape one of Austin’s most significant public projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Major Gift and Campaign Strategy

• Lead the development and implementation of Waterloo Greenway’s major gifts and capital campaign strategies, in partnership with the CDO, CEO, VP for Development/Operations, Board, and Capital Campaign Committee.
• Manage a personal portfolio of approximately 100 major gift prospects, including individuals and foundations.
• Establish and achieve annual fundraising goals aligned with Waterloo Greenway’s capital project milestones.
• Manage the campaign prospect pipeline, using a moves management framework to ensure steady progress of prospects through all phases of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Document staff and volunteer activity in a tracking system for planned or completed actions, gifts commitments, and naming opportunities.
• Create compelling cases for support, campaign materials, and proposals tailored to donor interests and organizational priorities.
• In partnership with the CDO and VP of Development, manage the Greenway Guardians major donor program and the development of the annual case for support for operating major gifts based on priority needs.
• Develop strategies for Foundation support and manage grant writer on preparation of applications and proposals.
• Partner with the CDO and VP of Development to engage and prepare organizational leadership, board members, and campaign volunteers for solicitation activities.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CDO and CEO, providing leadership on long-term fundraising strategy, campaign planning, and donor engagement.
• Work closely with other development team members to ensure alignment between campaign and annual fundraising efforts, donor recognition, communications, and events.
• Provide regular reports, forecasts, and analytics to the CDO, CEO, Board of Directors, and Capital Campaign Committee, maintaining transparency and accountability in campaign progress.

Donor Relations and Stewardship

• Personally manage relationships with the organization’s top-tier individual donors, ensuring meaningful engagement and long-term commitment.
• Plan and execute high-touch stewardship activities, including private tours, salon events, and campaign briefings that deepen donor relationships.
• Serve as a visible ambassador…