Director of Development

Development Director

Reports to: Executive Director and President Location: The Woodlands, TX Status: Full-Time / Exempt

About Project Beacon:

Project Beacon is a nonprofit organization setting a new national standard for services and resources dedicated to adults with autism and other neurodivergent conditions. Project Beacon recently opened its first Access Center and has established a broad and growing support base across Montgomery County and North Harris County. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where individuals can live, work, learn, and thrive as vital, visible members of society.

Founded in 2021 and led by experienced business professionals with direct family connections to the neurodivergent community, Project Beacon currently offers programs based on scientifically validated approaches and includes daily independent living skills and vocational training, along with monthly social enrichment opportunities. Looking ahead, we are expanding our vocational services and developing an intentional residential community to meet long-term needs.

Our management and board include nationally recognized leaders and medical professionals specializing in services for adults with autism. Our leadership team brings a balanced range of business expertise, including finance, marketing, operations, legal, and business development.

Position Summary:

Project Beacon seeks a mission-driven Development Director with experience in nonprofit development or relevant for-profit sales and business development. The ideal candidate will possess an entrepreneurial mindset and a strong drive to build a comprehensive fundraising program from the ground up. This individual will work in close collaboration with the board and management team to lead and execute the organization's marketing and fundraising strategies, expanding upon Project Beacon's early successes and strong community support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leverage an existing base of donors and supporters to build a fundraising organization and infrastructure.
• Collaborate with the board and management to develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year development strategy
• Develop marketing materials that raise awareness of the organization and mission; distribute marketing through the most effective channels to reach our targeted donor audience
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners
• Identify and apply for relevant grants; oversee grant compliance in collaboration with program staff
• Establish metrics and KPIs for fundraising performance and donor growth
• Develop and implement a donor stewardship program to enhance retention
• Represent the organization externally at donor meetings, community events, and conferences
• Prepare and present fundraising reports for the board and key constituents
• Plan and execute fundraising events, including the existing annual gala and golf tournament, plus other awareness events and community activities
• Lead capital campaigns and special initiatives as needed

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree; additional nonprofit development credentials or certifications preferred; or comparable sales and business development experience focused on corporations or individuals
• 5 to 10 years of progressive development or sales experience, with a track record of securing major accounts or donors
• Established relationships with potential supporters across Project Beacon's service area in Montgomery County and north Houston
• Professional demeanor, confident and goal-oriented
• Exceptional relationship-building and stewardship skills
• Strategic thinking, independent decision-making, problem-solving
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for target audiences
• Proficiency in CRM platforms and fundraising or sales analytics

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary range: $90,000 to $120,000 based on qualifications and experience
• Benefits: Health insurance, dental, paid time off, retirement

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Conroe, TX 77385