Vice President of Development

 Status: Full Time 

Reports to: President/CEO

Submit all inquiries and applications to: Ashley Wilson, Executive Vice President, awilson@forestforward.org

Forest Forward is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization partnering with the community to drive equitable development, economic mobility, and improved outcomes for children, residents, and families of the South Dallas community.

Forest Forward launched in 2021 and has experienced a wonderful period of growth and impact. To continue this trajectory, we’re searching for a highly qualified Vice President of Development to lead the Development team. The Vice President of Development serves as a key member of Forest Forward’s executive leadership team, responsible for developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies to support the organization’s mission to drive equitable revitalization in South Dallas through arts, education, and economic development.

This individual will lead all aspects of development—including major gifts, capital campaigns, corporate and foundation relations, annual giving, donor stewardship, and special events—with a focus on building sustainable revenue streams and deepening donor engagement. The VP of Development will partner closely with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, and key stakeholders to secure transformational investments that advance the organization’s ambitious multi-million-dollar initiatives, including the restoration of the historic Forest Theater and broader neighborhood redevelopment.

The ideal candidate is a dynamic, strategic, and relationship-driven fundraising professional with a passion for social impact and a proven track record of securing significant philanthropic support. This role requires strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, as well as a deep commitment to racial equity and community-centered development.

Responsibilities:

1. Partner with President/CEO and Board Chair to execute and further develop our strategic capital fundraising campaign. 
2. Partner with the President & CEO to cultivate and solicit major donors, foundations, and institutional partners.
3. Manage a portfolio of high-level donors and prospects, providing tailored engagement and stewardship strategies.
4. Oversee vital input in short- and long-term strategic and operational planning and positioning within the organization.
5. Lead the strategic planning, execution, and evaluation of all fundraising programs, including capital campaigns, major gifts, annual giving, grants, sponsorships, and special events.
6. Identify and address organizational development issues that challenge and support health and effectiveness.
7. Oversee that philanthropy and fund development are carried out according to Forest Forward’s values, mission, vision, and plans.
8. Evaluate the effect of internal and external forces on the organization and its fund development, recommending short- and long-range fund development plans and programs that support the organization’s values, mission, and general objectives.
9. Collaborate with the Board of Directors and Development Committee to leverage their networks and strengthen fundraising outcomes.
10. Lead strategic projects and initiatives as determined by and in partnership with the President/CEO. 
11. Lead development team/contractors in achieving significant strategic goals and daily operational tasks/duties. 
12. Develop and oversee donor communications, case statements, proposals, and reports to clearly articulate the organization’s impact and funding needs.
13. Build and lead a high-performing development team, providing clear direction, mentorship, and performance management.
14. Track and analyze fundraising metrics to inform decision-making, forecasting, and reporting.
15. Maintain a deep understanding of Forest Forward’s programs, initiatives, and community impact to effectively engage supporters.
16. Oversee marketing, communications, and social media strategies, vendors, relationships, and implementation.
17. Represent Forest Forward at community, donor, and stakeholder events to enhance visibility and relationships.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts, including experience leading major capital or comprehensive campaigns.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor cultivation strategies, and philanthropic trends.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to inspire and influence diverse audiences.
• Strategic thinker with exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including the ability to recruit, manage, and develop teams.
• Deep commitment to racial equity, social justice, and place-based community development.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Proficiency in donor CRM systems (e.g., Network for Good, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge) and data-driven fundraising analytics.
• Knowledge of the Dallas philanthropic landscape is a strong plus.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.  Advanced degree in business or related field a plus.
• Seven years of fundraising required with experience leading and completing a successful capital campaign, preferred. CFRE certification and experience working in an arts-related organization, a plus.
• Proficiency using CRMs such as Network for Good, Project Management platforms such as Monday, and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, Outlook
• Additional Competitive Skills/Culture Fit Competencies: The VP of Development can communicate and cultivate relationships with different audiences and is passionate about community development, education, and racial equity.

Compensation and Benefits

Forest Forward offers a competitive compensation package, with an expected salary starting at $150,000, along with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, and holidays.

Applications and Inquiries

Please submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), to Ashley Wilson, Executive Vice President, awilson@forestforward.org.

Additional Information

Occasional overtime and flexible hours may be required. This position will require occasional evening and weekend work, in conjunction with major performances and other special events. As we aim to balance the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work, the schedule for this position will entail working in the office from Monday- Thursday, with Fridays designated for remote work from home.

Forest Forward provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.