Director of National Development

The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) is seeking an accomplished senior fundraising professional to serve as Director of National Development. This position will lead fundraising for TPPF’s national initiatives in election integrity, energy policy, conservative criminal justice reform, and litigation. The Director will expand the Foundation’s national donor base and secure major gifts to advance its work across the country.

The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit research-based think tank in Austin, Texas. Established in 1989, TPPF promotes conservative principles and develops free-market approaches to public policy challenges affecting Texans and all Americans. To achieve its mission, TPPF analyzes complex issues, creates legislative policy solutions, and advocates for those solutions at the Texas Legislature, Congress, and other public forums.

The Foundation offers a unique opportunity to be part of an organization that shapes the future of Texas & beyond through innovative thought leadership. At TPPF, you will have the opportunity to be part of an engaged team whose mission is to create a freer future for all Texans and Americans. We look for individuals who are passionate about advancing conservative public policy and embody servant leadership. With a strong belief in personal responsibility, we trust our people and want to empower them to make the right decisions for the right reasons - this is why it is crucial we bring the right people on board. We value our team and work to cultivate a culture of hard work, entrepreneurship, intellectual curiosity, and collaboration. As a team, we support one another and strive to create an environment in which our team members are inspired to excel, motivated to innovate, and empowered to be servant leaders for the cause of liberty.

The ideal candidate brings substantial major gift fundraising experience and a proven record of personally cultivating, soliciting, and securing significant philanthropic support. Working closely with TPPF’s leadership, national initiative leaders, and development team, the Director will develop a national fundraising strategy and translate the Foundation’s policy and legal work into compelling opportunities for donors.

This 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.

• 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 compelling proposals, presentations, and funding opportunities that explain TPPF’s work and its 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 that strengthen donor relationships and encourage renewed and increased support.

• Track progress toward fundraising goals and regularly report on results, prospective gifts, and opportunities for growth to senior leadership.

• Input contact reports in TPPF’s donor database, coordinating activity across the development team.

• 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.

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

• Excellent writing, presentation, listening, and interpersonal skills, with 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, with a 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.

TPPF values our team members and strives to provide a comprehensive benefits package so that our people can focus on achieving the mission. We offer competitive salaries and excellent health insurance, for staff & dependents. In addition, we have generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policies, including holidays and parental leave, and retirement contribution matching.