The Heritage Society is looking for talented, business-minded, history afficionados who treasure preservation and enjoy being ambassadors for Houston to locals and tourists from around the world. We are a small team, so a strong work ethic and can-do attitude are imperative, as we are growing to enrich our visitors’ and members’ experiences. We are about showcasing Houston’s history in educational and memorable ways.

Our work culture: We have been showcasing Houston’s history for 70 years. Our volunteer leadership is dedicated and devoted, and they carry the torches of our famous Houston founders to preserve Houston’s history and celebrate the stories of Houston’s heritages. They personally invest in supporting the mission, and it’s important that Staff work as a team to support THS’s mission for the 4th largest city in the USA.

Benefits include paid time off, paid company holidays, free parking, museum membership, gift shop discount, free drinks and snacks.

We are an equal opportunity employer. The Heritage Society takes appropriate action to ensure that all qualified applicants and employees receive equal opportunity, as defined by applicable law, for recruitment, selection, advancement, and all other aspects of employment. All employment decisions are based on legitimate non-discriminatory business criteria.

All candidates must successfully pass required background checks for the position and must have excellent references.

Send resume to jobs@heritagesociety.org, no calls please.

1 JOB POSTING

Development Director

Location: 1100 Bagby Street Houston, TX 77002

Department: Development & Membership

Reports to: Executive Director

Schedule: Full-Time (35 hours/week), Non-Exempt

About The Heritage Society

The Heritage Society (THS) at Sam Houston Park is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating Houston’s diverse history through historic buildings, exhibitions, and educational programs. We are seeking a dynamic Development Director to lead our fundraising, membership, and donor relations efforts, ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of our mission.

Position Summary

The Development Director is responsible for managing special events, fundraising, annual fund campaigns, grants, and membership revenue streams. This role oversees donor recognition programs, cultivates funding sources, and ensures fiscal accountability for the Development and Membership departments.

Responsibilities

·       Act as chief liaison to Board Development Committee; schedule meetings; develop meeting agendas in association with Development Committee Chairman; prepare meeting reports; record meeting minutes; facilitate and support Development Committee’s fundraising efforts. 

·       Fundraise for Exhibits and Grand Openings.

·       Coordinate and obtain underwriting, grants, and sponsors with contract Grants Writer.

·       Create and implement programs to appropriately recognize contributions by donors. 

·       Help with Budgets and Accounting.

·       Identify and cultivate potential funding sources from individuals, corporations, foundations, civic organizations. 

·       Manage other projects as assigned by the Executive Director. 

·       Oversee Development and Membership departments’ expense budgets. 

·       Oversee special events fundraising including recruiting chairmen, table and ticket sales, silent auction acquisition, seating, venue management, etc. 

·       Plan and coordinate annual fund campaigns. 

·       Plan and coordinate special project fundraising including capital improvement, restoration campaigns and other one-time project campaigns as directed by the Executive Director and Board.

·       Represent THS in a professional manner and enhance donor relations.  

·       Responsible for entering contributions into DonorView and sending receipts for contributions. 

·       Responsible for generating donor reports for weekly balancing activities with Finance Department and for auditing and other reporting purposes. 

·       Work with THS staff to identify funding needs and seek resources. 

Competencies/Skills

·       Professional interaction skills behind the scenes and in the public with THS guests, public, third parties, volunteers, and staff

·       Be a team player and assist with other departments

·       Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed

·       Must be able to maintain organization of both physical and digital files as well as objects

·       Computer Skills: Knowledge of DonorView or another similar CRM for Non-Profits and QuickBooks for Non-Profits. Data entry management on MS Excel and automation experience are a must. Usage of general office equipment such as scanners and copying machine

·       Knowledge of development concepts and appropriate solicitation techniques is essential

·       Must have excellent written and verbal communications skills and report results

·       Must have strong marketing and presentation skills

·       Must be able to solicit major gifts, maintain relationships with donors and prospective donors, and interact with diplomacy amid diverse groups

·       Attention to detail and organizational skills are a must; be deadline oriented

·       Must keep confidential and secure donations and other banking information

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to remain seated or standing for extended periods (up to 80% of the time).

  • Occasional lifting/moving of supplies and equipment up to 30 pounds.

  • Frequent use of computers and office equipment.

  • Rare exposure to outdoor weather conditions during events.

Why Join Us?

At The Heritage Society, you’ll play a pivotal role in preserving Houston’s history while engaging with a vibrant community of donors, Board members, and other volunteers. This is an opportunity to combine your fundraising expertise with a passion for cultural heritage and nonprofit impact.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing relevant experience and qualifications to: info@heritagesociety.org.