Director of Annual Giving

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.)

The Director of Annual Giving is responsible for the strategic leadership, planning, management, and execution of Waterloo Greenway’s signature fundraising events and annual giving programs, serving as a key driver of philanthropic revenue and community engagement. Reporting to and working directly with the VP of Development this role leads the development and execution of event fundraising strategy, the engagement of host committee and volunteers, the event budget creation and adherence in alignment with the organization’s annual revenue and expense goals, and the management of event production contractors.

Additionally, the Director of Annual Giving (DAG) is responsible for key elements of Waterloo Greenway’s individual giving program, including the membership program and annual appeal campaigns, ensuring the organization is engaging a broad community of support in our important work. The DAG will lead the growth of our young membership program, including developing and executing membership drives, writing marketing content and creating in-park benefits in collaboration with our community engagement and programming teams.

Additionally, the Director will develop the strategy for at least two appeal campaigns annually, working in collaboration with our communications team to execute. The DAG will also support the Leadership Circle individual giving program, managing a portfolio of donors. Lastly, the DAG will lead the planning and logistics for donor-hosted as well as in-park donor engagement events and receptions throughout the year, supporting critical donor cultivation and stewardship efforts.

This position plays a vital role in advancing Waterloo Greenway’s mission by delivering exceptional, high-impact events and individual giving programs that inspire giving, deepen donor relationships, and support long-term organizational sustainability. In collaboration with the VP of Development and development team, the DAG is responsible for meeting or exceeding events-related fundraising goals; membership and appeal campaign goals; developing and executing successful fundraising events;

stewarding and growing contributions generated through events and appeals; representing the organization to donors, vendors, and the public; coordinating event-related materials with the communications team; and managing production partners, volunteer co-chairs, and host committees.

The successful candidate will be self-motivated, entrepreneurial, detail-oriented, and highly collaborative, with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders, timelines, and budgets while maintaining a strong focus on revenue outcomes.

• Lead the fundraising strategy, and execution of Waterloo Greenway’s two annual signature events - Pop-Up Picnic and Glow in the Park Dinner & Concert - generating $1.9M+ annually in support of operations.
• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising plans and timelines, including sponsor ships, ticket and table sales, underwriting, auctions, and donor engagement strategies.
• Ensure all events align with Waterloo Greenway’s mission, brand, and long-term fundraising goals while delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Serve as the primary lead for event production, working closely with internal teams and external production partners.
• Manage vendor selection, contract negotiations, timelines, and deliverables…