Regional Development Director

The Texas Tribune is seeking an experienced, relationship-driven Regional Development Director to grow philanthropic revenue and deepen donor relationships in a priority region of Texas, with an initial emphasis on Dallas–Fort Worth, Waco and surrounding communities. This position will support revenue growth for The Texas Tribune and one of its local regional newsrooms, The Waco Bridge.

This is a frontline fundraising position with direct responsibility for a mid-major donor portfolio, new donor development and annual revenue goals for both The Texas Tribune and The Waco Bridge. The Regional Development Director will identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward individual donors and prospects, with a primary focus on securing philanthropic gifts ranging from $500 to $10,000 annually.

The Regional Development Director will be responsible for both growing current donor relationships and developing significant new sources of philanthropic support. They will build relationships with people who believe in the value of independent journalism and create opportunities for them to increase their philanthropic investment over time.

Success requires someone who enjoys meeting people, understanding why they care about Texas and journalism, developing and executing thoughtful donor cultivation strategies, asking for and closing gifts and building ongoing relationships that grow over years rather than transactional ones.

The Director will also be an important part of the Tribune’s broader regional growth strategy. Because philanthropic relationships often begin through membership, events, foundations and other forms of engagement, the Director will work closely with colleagues who lead those functions to help bring their strategies to life in the region. This person will provide local relationships, market knowledge and a consistent physical presence while maintaining a clear primary accountability for fundraising and portfolio revenue.

This is a remote position based in Texas. Because the role depends heavily on in-person relationship building and regional engagement, candidates located in or with strong ties to the Dallas–Fort Worth/Waco region are preferred. Regular travel throughout the region is expected, along with periodic travel elsewhere in Texas.

• Fundraising and portfolio management are the primary responsibilities of this position.

• Own and actively manage a mid-major donor portfolio in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and greater Waco region, with a primary focus on donors and prospects capable of making annual gifts ranging from $500–$10,000.

• Own an individual annual fundraising goal tied to each region and be accountable for meeting or exceeding assigned revenue targets.

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward current and prospective donors throughout the region.

• Personally conduct a consistent volume of donor meetings, cultivation activities and direct solicitations.

• Develop individualized strategies to increase donor engagement, retention and philanthropic investment.

• Create opportunities for donors to increase their support

• Build relationships grounded in donors’ interests, motivations and connection to the mission rather than approaching fundraising as a series of transactions.

• Identify compelling opportunities for philanthropic investment that connect donor interests with the journalism and strategic priorities while protecting the independence and integrity of our journalism.

• Partner with development team colleagues on proposals, donor communications, stewardship and other materials necessary to secure and increase annual and multi-year gifts.