Director of Development

The World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that has been engaging the world in North Texas since 1951, creating connections, generating ideas, and inspiring action in all we do. As we celebrate our 75 th anniversary year, we are ready to welcome a full-time Development Director to our dynamic staff. In this role, you would be a primary leader on our fundraising team partnering directly with our President & CEO and development team to secure funding for the Council’s mission each year.

The position demands skills in individual and corporate donor research, solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship. This is an external-facing position interacting with our donors, members, and the public, so an ability to exercise discretion and thoughtfulness in interactions with varied constituencies is important.

We are a group of mission-driven, creative and deadline-oriented self-starters who also collaborate, learn quickly, and thrive in a high-productivity organization where we are flexible in adapting to new ideas and unexpected situations. This position requires a skilled communicator who can manage multiple projects and deadlines, generate ideas, and energetically spearhead the Council’s relationship with donors and members. We offer a flexible, hybrid work schedule.

To apply, email your resume and a cover letter to Martha Powell, Chief of Staff, lications without a cover letter and resume will not be considered.

• Fundraising – Designs, implements and quarterbacks comprehensive strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward supporters for the annual fundraising events (Mallon Award Dinner, International Educator of the Year Luncheon) and for individual program sponsor ships. Partners with the PCEO in recruiting and building long-term relationships with corporate, philanthropic and foundation partners to grow the Council’s mission capacity and its membership. Develops and maintains ongoing relationships with major corporate donors and board.
• Membership – Collaborate with Membership Director and Corporate Membership Director to devise winning strategies in new member recruitment, stewardship, renewal, and upgrading of current members. Represents the Council in the community, including speaking publicly for the organization in a recruiting role.
• Foundation and grants – Assist development team members to identify, maintain and nurture relationships with funding organizations.
• Collaborative efforts – Works with CEO and key stakeholders on all fundraising; responsible for facilitating meeting discussions, preparing materials including donor agreements and prospect research. Oversees timeline and goals, develops donor reports and works with marketing on publicity plan and marketing materials for fundraising events. Partners with development and marketing teams on membership promotions, partnerships and communications, and enhanced program attendee conversion.
  
  Leads the membership and development team’s annual budgeting process.

• Bachelor’s degree required; preference given to experience in the not-for-profit sector, especially in development or membership. CFRE is a plus, as is membership in AFP or similar organization.
• Solid knowledge and interest in geopolitical trends and issues are required, along with knowledge about current events and national and international key players.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills with excellent interpersonal, presentation, sales, and negotiation skills.
• Desirable candidates will be self-motivated, highly collaborative, organized, and detail-oriented. They should be adaptive and comfortable navigating the unknown, as well as be solutions-oriented and able to complete multiple projects concurrently while balancing competing priorities and always meeting deadlines. A proactive mindset and a high energy work ethic are essential.
• A commitment to delivering excellent internal and external customer service is required.
• MS Office proficiency is required; experience with customer database management system (e.g. Raiser’s Edge) is an advantage.

To apply, email your resume and a cover letter to Martha Powell, Chief of Staff, at resumes.

We are located in downtown Dallas, with a hybrid office/home work schedule.

Learn more about us . We are a dynamic nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that brings international awareness and cross-cultural understanding to the North Texas community and presents distinguished international figures year-round for in-depth interpretation of global events. We have more than 3,000 members. The Council is located in downtown Dallas and offers an excellent benefit package that includes health insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid parking.