Development Director | Tyler, TX

Development Director 
The Discovery Science Place

Position Summary

The Development Director is a senior leader responsible for fostering a culture of philanthropy and leading comprehensive fund development efforts in alignment with the mission, vision, and strategic goals of The Discovery Science Place (DSP). This individual will work closely with the Board of Directors, Executive Director, UT Tyler, and community stakeholders to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Board and Organizational Development

1. Partner with the Board to identify, recruit, and onboard new members.
2. Support the Board in fulfilling governance responsibilities and long-range strategic planning.
3. Keep the Board informed of developments affecting the organization, including nonprofit management, governance, and philanthropy trends.
4. Plan, coordinate, and attend Board and committee meetings.
5. Acts on behalf of the Board with contractors, UT Tyler, and supervises the DSP part-time staff.

Fund Development

1. Develop, implement, and evaluate an annual fund development plan aligned with organizational goals.
2. Manage all fundraising initiatives, including
   1. Discovery Circle giving program
   2. Major gifts and donor stewardship
   3. Fundraising events
   4. Capital and endowment campaigns
   5. Special fundraising projects 
3. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners.
4. Maintain current grant relationships and actively research and pursue new grant opportunities.
5. Oversee the donor database to ensure accurate gift recording, classification, acknowledgement, and reporting.
6. Oversees the development of fundraising-related collateral materials such as donor letters, newsletters, and brochures.
7. Works with the Executive Director to coordinate media and community relations opportunities as they relate to fundraising activities.
8. Stay current on philanthropic trends and best practices in fundraising.
9. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Proven success in fundraising, sales, marketing, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and written/verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated self-motivation and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to manage donor databases (e.g., DonorPerfect or equivalent).
• Capacity to work independently, prioritize tasks, and exercise sound judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum five years of professional experience in development, sales, or marketing.
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) or similar credential preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• 10 days paid time off annually, plus holidays reflecting The University of Texas at Tyler schedule.
• Eligibility for increased salary and PTO based on tenure and performance.

Work Environment and Schedule

• FLSA status: Exempt (full-time, salaried).
• Will be expect to work full-time hours (40 weekly), including weekend and nightly functions and frequent lunch meetings related to the performance of essential duties.

Disclaimer

This job description outlines the general responsibilities and expectations of the position and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties. Discovery Science Place reserves the right to modify the role as needed and maintains employment-at-will status.

Approximate Salary/Pay Range: $50,000-65,000

Learn More and Apply:  www.discoveryscienceplace.org