Senior Director of Development

Dress for Success Houston (DFSH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower women to achieve economic independence through support, professional attire, and development tools. Since its inception in 1998, DFSH has served more than 48,000 women across the Greater Houston region through career services, education, and professional development programs.

Under the leadership of its President since 2019, DFSH has expanded its reach and impact through strategic investments in technology, the rapid deployment of virtual programming, and the continued evolution of its workforce development offerings. With the current operating budget at approximately $5 million, the organization is now entering a new phase of growth, with plans to significantly scale its development program—from $3–3.5 million annually today to as much as $6–7 million over the next five years.

The Development Department plays a vital role in advancing DFSH’s mission by generating the philanthropic support necessary to sustain and expand its programs. Revenue is derived from a diverse mix of individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, and a robust calendar of fundraising events. DFSH benefits from an engaged Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and Corporate Guild, all of which contribute to fundraising efforts and community visibility.

Reporting to the President and working closely with the Board of Directors and senior leadership team, the Senior Director of Development will advance a comprehensive and scalable philanthropic development program to support DFSH’s near‑ and long‑term goals. Currently reporting directly to this position are the Development Manager, Events and Development Manager, Development Coordinator, and Marketing and Communications contract support.

As a member of the leadership team, this individual will provide strategic direction and hands‑on leadership across all areas of fundraising, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation support, and events. The Senior Director will be responsible for driving revenue growth, strengthening donor engagement, and building the internal capacity necessary to support the organization’s continued expansion.

This individual will also play a key role in strengthening the internal development infrastructure—enhancing systems, processes, and team coordination to ensure the organization is well‑positioned to support its continued growth.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of DFSH’s fundraising strategy, partner closely with an engaged President and Board, and build a high‑performing development function that advances economic opportunity for women across the Houston region.

• Develop and implement annual and multi‑year fundraising strategies aligned with DFSH’s growth trajectory and strategic priorities.
• Partner closely with the President to align development initiatives with organizational goals and mission impact.
• Partner closely with the President on key donor relationships while helping to expand broader team capacity for sustained donor engagement.
• Provide leadership in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding philanthropic support.
• Lead, manage, and mentor a development team of four, with responsibility for building additional capacity over time.

• Direct efforts to grow and diversify philanthropic revenue from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Manage a personal portfolio of major donors and corporate partners, focusing on securing transformational gifts.
• Expand individual giving as a key area of opportunity, building on the organization’s strong base of corporate and foundation support.
• Streng…