Director of Advancement (Research Philanthropy)

Houston, TX · United StatesFull-timePosted Jun 9, 2026

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

Preferred