Director of Development

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

The Friends of the Dallas Public Library (FoDPL) is seeking an experienced Director of Development to lead the next chapter of the philanthropic fundraising strategy of the organization. Working in close partnership with the Executive Director, Board of Directors and Dallas Public Library leadership, the Director of Development will build and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy across individual, major donor, corporate, foundation, legacy and grant portfolios.

The Director of Development will manage a personal donor portfolio, develop a strategy to continue to diversify FoDPL’s donor base while retaining its current donors, build a culture of philanthropy that maximizes its volunteer and event opportunities and help to increase the community’s awareness of FoDPL’s mission and impact.

The successful candidate will create, implement and manage strategies that embrace the full continuum of donor engagement and stewardship opportunities. This position requires a goal-oriented, results-driven individual who adeptly interacts with the organization’s leadership to determine and accomplish annual objectives.

About the Friends of the Dallas Public Library:

Friends of the Dallas Public Library is the nonprofit foundation supporting the Dallas Public Library’s system of 29 branches that serves one of the nation's largest and most diverse metropolitan areas. FoDPL raises private funds, cultivates public and private partnerships and champions policies that ensure broad access to resources that foster learning, literacy and opportunity for all Dallas residents. With a legacy of powerful civic engagement and advocacy for city bond campaigns, support for early-childhood and lifelong literacy programs and fostering employment searches and job-growth activities, FoDPL is a catalytic partner to the library system and a recognized force in Dallas's nonprofit landscape.

Friends of the Dallas Public Library was instrumental in passing both the 2017 and 2024 bond issues which financed new library facilities, constructions and significant improvements at the Central Library. Through fundraising and grant acquisition, the organization provides essential support for programming, staff development and other critical needs beyond the city’s budget.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-term fundraising strategy aligned with the goals of FoDPL along with an annual fundraising goal of approximately $1 million across all funding sources.
• Cultivate transformative relationships with new and existing major donors including identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding prospects and personally managing a portfolio of major donors.
• Oversee grant strategy, proposals, reporting and stewardship with assistance of the Marketing and Development Communications Manager who will draft and submit proposals.
• Develop and grow corporate partnerships that extend beyond transactional sponsorships and create meaningful long-term relationships.
• Review current plans and messages and advise on legacy and estate giving.
• Oversee fundraising policies and procedures with approval from the Board and Executive Director.
• Serve as the staff leader of the Board’s Development Committee and actively engage the board in fundraising, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activities.
• Liaise with the Board’s Membership Committee Chair to implement fundraising strategies into membership acquisition and retention.
• Coordinate with Events Manager to set fundraising goals for three signature annual events.
• Set and support the fundraising goals and strategy for community partnership events as applicable.
• Build and actively manage a prospect pipeline with clear goals and regular forecasting progress reports to the Executive Director and Board.
• Oversee the development budget and monitor expenses.
• Serve as the trusted advisor to the Executive Director on fundraising strategy and donor engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of related experience
• Knowledge of and experience with the North Texas philanthropic community desired
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
• Superb written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Time management and flexibility with job duties.
• Fundraising software and tools expertise (DonorPerfect is FoDPL’s current platform)
• Creative, self-starter attitude.
• Donor and volunteer service mentality.
• Organized and collaborative team member.

Compensation:

Salary Range: $100,000-$120,000

The Friends of the Dallas Public Library is committed to supporting a healthy work-life balance and offers a benefits package that includes generous paid time off and vacation, employer matching for a retirement plan, and a health care stipend that provides employees with flexibility in selecting and purchasing the health coverage that best meets their needs.

To apply:

Please email resume, cover letter and salary range to recruitment@fodpl.org.

The Friends of the Dallas Public Library is committed to supporting a healthy work-life balance and offers a benefits package that includes generous paid time off and vacation, employer matching for a retirement plan, and a health care stipend that provides employees with flexibility in selecting and purchasing the health coverage that best meets their needs.