Director of National Development

Texas Public Policy Foundation•Austin, TX

About The Position

The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) is seeking a senior fundraising professional to lead fundraising for its national initiatives in election integrity, energy policy, conservative criminal justice reform, and litigation. The Director will expand TPPF’s national donor base and secure major gifts to advance the Foundation’s work across the country. Working closely with TPPF leadership, national initiative leaders, and the development team, the Director will develop a national fundraising strategy and present the Foundation’s policy and legal work as compelling opportunities for donors. The position may be based anywhere in the United States with easy access to air travel. Regular domestic travel is required for donor meetings, cultivation activities, and Foundation events. TPPF is a nonprofit, research-based think tank established in 1989 and based in Austin, Texas. It promotes conservative principles and develops free-market approaches to public policy challenges affecting Texans and Americans. Its work includes analyzing complex issues, creating legislative policy solutions, and advocating for them at the Texas Legislature, Congress, and other public forums.

Requirements

Substantial progressive fundraising experience, including senior responsibility for major gift strategy and a demonstrated record of personally securing significant gifts.
Demonstrated success identifying new donors, building and managing major donor relationships, and meeting fundraising goals.
Ability to develop fundraising strategy while independently carrying out cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Excellent writing, presentation, listening, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain complex policy and litigation priorities clearly and persuasively.
Strong project management skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and follow-through.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with colleagues across locations.
Willingness and ability to travel regularly throughout the United States.
Strong commitment to TPPF’s mission and the principles of personal responsibility and free enterprise.
Bachelor’s degree or above.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with national philanthropic networks and donors interested in free-market public policy.
Experience fundraising for policy organizations or related causes is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a national fundraising strategy aligned with TPPF’s priorities, with clear revenue goals and plans to grow long-term philanthropic support.
Manage and grow a portfolio of current and prospective major donors, taking direct responsibility for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Identify and engage new donors nationwide, including individuals and foundations whose philanthropic interests align with TPPF’s national initiatives.
Work with national initiative leaders and donor communications staff to develop proposals, presentations, and funding opportunities that explain TPPF’s work and impact.
Coordinate with executive leadership and the development team on donor strategies, preparing and engaging TPPF leaders in meetings and major gift solicitations.
Lead donor cultivation through personal visits, briefings, and events that connect supporters with TPPF’s national work.
Provide timely, personalized stewardship and substantive updates to strengthen donor relationships and encourage renewed and increased support.
Track progress toward fundraising goals and regularly report results, prospective gifts, and growth opportunities to senior leadership.
Input contact reports in TPPF’s donor database and coordinate activity across the development team.