Head of Development

As Forest Forward enters its next phase of growth, the organization seeks an accomplished and visionary Head of Development to lead a comprehensive fundraising program capable of generating transformational philanthropic investment and long-term sustainability.

The Head of Development serves as a key member of Forest Forward’s Executive Leadership Team and is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the organization’s comprehensive fundraising strategy and revenue growth initiatives. This leader will oversee all aspects of philanthropy, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation relations, capital campaigns, planned giving, donor stewardship, special events, board engagement, and fundraising communications.

The Head of Development will partner closely with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, philanthropic partners, corporate executives, foundation leaders, and community stakeholders to secure transformational investments that advance Forest Forward’s mission and strategic priorities.

The ideal candidate will bring significant experience in capital campaign leadership, transformational fundraising, and major gift development. Given Forest Forward’s continued investment in the Forest Theater, educational programming, housing initiatives, and community revitalization efforts, this leader must have the ability to secure and steward six- and seven-figure gifts while building long-term philanthropic partnerships that create generational impact in South Dallas.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with Forest Forward’s strategic plan and revenue goals.
• Build and manage a diversified fundraising portfolio that includes major gifts, annual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation funding, capital campaigns, planned giving, sponsor ships, and special events.
• Establish annual fundraising goals, revenue forecasts, and key performance indicators.
• Lead fundraising initiatives supporting education, arts and culture, housing, workforce development, economic mobility, and community revitalization.

Major Gifts & Individual Giving

• Manage a portfolio of major, principal, and transformational gift prospects.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward high-net-worth donors and family foundations.
• Expand annual giving programs and donor recognition societies.
• Develop personalized stewardship strategies for key donors.
• Partner with the President & CEO and Board members on donor cultivation and solicitation efforts.

Corporate Partnerships & Foundation Relations

• Develop and secure strategic partnerships with corporations and institutional funders.
• Lead sponsorship efforts for programs, events, and strategic initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national foundations.
• Pursue multi-year philanthropic investments and institutional funding opportunities.
• Oversee grant strategy, proposal development, reporting, and compliance.
• Lead planning and execution of capital campaign strategies and fundraising efforts.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward principal gift prospects.
• Develop campaign cases for support, naming opportunities, and donor engagement strategies.
• Partner with campaign volunteers, leadership committees, and board members to maximize fundraising success.
• Support the long-term fundraising needs associated with the Forest Theater and broader community transformation initiatives.

Board & Community Engagement

• Partner with the Board of Directors and Development Committee to build a culture of philanthropy.
• Support goals for board giving, donor engagement, and fundraising participation.
• Equip board members to identify, cultivate, and solicit new prospects.
• Represent Forest Forward at donor…