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.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the role to info@heritagesociety.org.

1 JOB POSTING

1. Development Director

Location: 1100 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002 Department: Development & Membership Reports to: Executive Director Schedule: Full-Time, 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 its historic buildings, exhibitions, and educational programs. We are seeking a dynamic and relationship‑driven Development Director to lead fundraising, membership, and donor engagement efforts that sustain and grow our mission.

About the Role

This is a hands‑on, high‑ownership role. You will manage donor relationships, lead major gifts, grow events and sponsorships, strengthen grants, and build the systems and structure of a modern development department. As revenue grows, this position will evolve into Chief Development Officer. 

Fundraising & Donor Relations (Primary Focus)

  • Lead major donor strategy, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship

  • Build and manage donor pipelines with clear revenue targets

  • Conduct donor meetings, prepare proposals, and manage follow‑up

  • Strengthen donor retention and stewardship systems

  • Maintain accurate, actionable donor data in DonorView

Events & Sponsorships

  • Lead all fundraising events from concept to execution

  • Grow event revenue, attendance, and sponsorships year over year

  • Develop sponsorship packages and renewals

  • Coordinate with vendors, volunteers, and museum leadership

Strategic Planning & Revenue Management

  • Track revenue, KPIs, and donor activity using DonorView

  • Partner with the Executive Director and Board Development Committee on strategy

  • Improve donor communications (appeals, updates, acknowledgments)

  • Build the infrastructure for a scalable development department

Grants & Institutional Giving

  • Manage the grants calendar, deadlines, and reporting

  • Coordinate information, write, and submit grant applications

  • Identify new funding opportunities and maintain foundation relationships

Future Department Leadership

  • Recommend development staffing structure as revenue grows

  • Establish development policies, processes, and performance standards

  • Serve as the organization’s lead fundraising strategist

What We’re Looking For

  • 5+ years of progressive fundraising experience

  • Demonstrated success with major gifts, sponsorships, and donor stewardship

  • Experience building or scaling a development program

  • Strong communication and relationship‑building skills

  • CRM proficiency (DonorView preferred)

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑moving environment

  • Museum or cultural nonprofit experience strongly preferred

What Success Looks Like in Year One

  • A clear, board‑aligned fundraising plan with milestones

  • Growth in major gifts, sponsorships, and event revenue

  • Strengthened donor relationships and stewardship systems

  • A clean, optimized DonorView database

  • A functioning grants pipeline with predictable deadlines

  • A documented vision for the future development department

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 résumé and cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the role to info@heritagesociety.org.