Director of Philanthropy

Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is one of the most dynamic and impactful nonprofit organizations in Austin, Texas, dedicated to animal welfare and advancing the No Kill movement nationally. APA! has earned a reputation as a leading thought leader within the animal welfare community, distinguished by its large network of volunteers and grassroots approach to saving homeless dogs and cats. Annually, APA! rescues, treats, and facilitates the adoption of over 10,000 homeless pets, providing a crucial safety net for Austin’s most vulnerable shelter animals. This comprehensive lifesaving model has enabled Austin to maintain its status as a No Kill city, and APA! extends its influence by offering resources, mentorship, and best practices nationwide through its American Pets Alive! division.

APA! is continually pushing the boundaries of animal sheltering by introducing innovative initiatives such as Human Animal Support Services (HASS), which reimagines sheltering through community collaboration, focusing on the welfare of both people and pets. This initiative aims to reduce shelter intake by providing proactive, personalized support that fosters stronger community engagement and positions animal welfare as a social service, further amplifying APA!’s transformative impact on animals and their communities.

The Director of Philanthropy role at Austin Pets Alive! is a pivotal leadership position responsible for steering the operational excellence of the advancement team. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Advancement, the Director of Philanthropy spearheads the day-to-day implementation of fundraising and donor relations strategies. This position centers on optimizing team workflows and employing data analytics to ensure key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial targets are consistently achieved. The ideal candidate will be an analytically minded, experienced manager with a knack for data-driven decision-making and precise revenue tracking.

In this role, you will lead a high-performing team of up to five direct reports responsible for delivering personalized donor engagement programs, portfolio management, and stewardship activities. The Director of Philanthropy champions a collaborative culture, fosters professional growth, and ensures adherence to organizational fundraising plans by monitoring activity and financial outcomes. This position also plays a critical role in cultivating volunteer involvement to support fundamental fundraising and stewardship functions.

The role demands proficiency in leveraging donor CRM systems (particularly Virtuous) to generate detailed revenue reports, conduct comprehensive data analysis ranging from retention diagnostics to predictive modelling, and craft sophisticated donor segmentation strategies that maximize fundraising outcomes. Collaboration with major gift officers and other colleagues is essential for orchestrating high-level donor campaigns, managing operational workflows, and supporting the achievement of diverse revenue streams including corporate, foundation, and individual gifts.

This full-time role offers the opportunity to work in a mission-driven, fast-paced environment where strategic thinking, operational leadership, and exceptional communication skills are paramount. The position includes hybrid work arrangements with the expectation of regular onsite engagement at APA! facilities in Austin, Texas, with the flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required. Austin Pets Alive! offers a comprehensive benefits package suited to a committed nonprofit professional seeking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and the communities they serve.