Director of Advancement (Research Philanthropy)

Key Responsibilities

Advancement & Fundraising Strategy

• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive fundraising strategies supporting the institutional advancement goals of the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (NRI) and Texas Children’s Research Institute (TCRI).
• Oversee principal and major gift initiatives while managing and developing a high-performing advancement team.
• Maintain an active portfolio of key donor relationships and lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for high-value prospects and donors.
• Establish performance metrics, fundraising benchmarks, and accountability measures to drive team success and philanthropic growth.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to maximize donor engagement through events, stewardship initiatives, marketing efforts, and frontline fundraising activities.

Campaign & Priority Fundraising Leadership

• Collaborate with research and philanthropy executives, faculty leaders, and volunteer leadership to establish fundraising priorities and campaign strategies.
• Identify opportunities to align donor interests with institutional priorities in partnership with frontline fundraising teams.
• Develop measurable fundraising goals and provide ongoing reporting and analysis related to campaign performance and donor activity.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with key volunteer leaders, advisory councils, and philanthropic stakeholders.

Advancement Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Foster strong partnerships across philanthropy, marketing, communications, public relations, and operational teams to advance fundraising objectives.
• Provide strategic leadership, coaching, and performance management to advancement team members, ensuring achievement of annual fundraising goals.
• Promote efficient, cost-effective fundraising practices that strengthen donor relationships and maximize philanthropic impact.
• Champion a collaborative, transparent, and mission-driven culture that reflects Texas Children’s values.

Philanthropic Communications & Storytelling

• Develop and execute strategic communications initiatives that elevate awareness and visibility of the NRI and TCRI mission, leadership, and research impact.
• Engage internal and external stakeholders in communicating the vision, priorities, and philanthropic opportunities supporting research innovation.
• Oversee the development of donor-facing proposals, case studies, publications, digital content, and multimedia storytelling in partnership with Texas Children’s creative and marketing teams.
• Communicate the impact of philanthropy through compelling narratives that inspire donor engagement and investment.

Donor Development & National Growth

• Expand the philanthropic footprint of the NRI and TCRI by cultivating new donor relationships locally, nationally, and globally.
• Partner with marketing and public relations teams to leverage research discoveries, institutional achievements, and thought leadership opportunities to enhance donor engagement.
• Manage a portfolio of qualified major gift prospects and donors, developing and executing tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Build meaningful engagement opportunities for fundraising volunteers and advocates to advance philanthropic support and long-term donor relationships.

Donor Data Management & Performance Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of donor and prospect interactions within fundraising technology platforms.
• Utilize donor data, analytics, and reporting tools to measure fundraising effectiveness, track performance metrics, and inform strategic decision-making.
• Maintain the integrity and quality of donor records, portfolio management practices, and fundraising data systems.
• Provide regular reporting and insights to leadership regarding fundraising outcomes, pipeline development, and donor engagement activity.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree
• 8+ years of fundraising experience
• 5+ years of leadership and people management experience

Preferred

• Major gift fundraising experience