Development Officer - Major Gifts

HOUSTON, TX 77054 Overview Position Type:
Full Time Description

Houston Area Women's Center (HAWC) is dedicated to preventing domestic violence for all—women, children, and families throughout the Greater Houston Area. We provide survivors with the tools for long-term stability and success through comprehensive services that empower individuals and work to end the cycle of violence.

In collaboration with the Chief Advancement and Public Strategies Officer (CAPSO) and the Director of Development (DOD) the Development Officer, Major Gifts (DOMG) provides strategic leadership for HAWC’s comprehensive advancement efforts. This position is essential to the growth and sustainability of HAWC, as it involves building our donor base, securing funding, and increasing community visibility to advance the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability.

The primary focus of the DOMG is to identify, qualify, cultivate and solicit prospects and donors for gifts $10,000 or more. This position works closely with the DOD on various fundraising activities including developing and executing cultivation and solicitation strategies, preparing proposals and reports, and cultivating, stewarding and soliciting major donors and prospects.

25% - 35% - Donor meetings, special events, and various meetings

• Under the guidance of the DOD, conduct frequent site visits, meetings, and meaningful contacts to cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of assigned donors and prospects with a minimum giving capacity of $10,000 or more.
• Serve as a frontline ambassador for HAWC by responding to the needs and interests of major donors and members of philanthropic groups, strengthening relationships and encouraging continued investment in the mission.
• Serve as the key point of contact and relationship manager for the Monthly Giving Program.

• Achieve annual fundraising and performance goals as established by the CAPSO and the DOD, including dollars raised, donor contacts, solicitations, and other key performance metrics.
• Work with the DOD and CAPSO to identify and prioritize annual fundraising initiatives, creating strategies, timelines, and resources to support measurable outcomes.
• With guidance from the DOD and CAPSO, oversee and support annual giving strategies across multiple revenue streams, including major gifts, online giving, direct mail, special events, planned giving, and recurring gifts.

• In collaboration with the DOD and CAPSO, develop tailored, donor-centered proposals and reports.
• Assist in drafting, editing, and reviewing acknowledgments, fundraising materials, and other donor communications.

• Under the direction of the DOD and CAPSO, prepare materials and reports for presentation to the Board of Directors and relevant Board committees.
• Serve as the lead on maintaining data integrity within the Raiser’s Edge donor database.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of all donor interactions, proposals, and gifts within Raiser’s Edge.

• Collaborate with the Advancement and Public Strategies team on special events and campaigns throughout the year, including public speaking and donor engagement activities as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the goals of the Advancement and Public Strategies team and the organization.

• Bachelor's degree.

• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, and/or advancement.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience working with a direct service agency.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of Houston’s philanthropic community, including individuals and foundations.
• A strong working knowledge of the major gift area, including securing multi-year commitments; capital campaign experience is highly desirable.

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams).

• Texas…