Assistant Director, Development – Grant Writing and Development Communication

Description

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Assistant Director of Development – Grant Writing & Development Communication to support our fundraising efforts focused on major gifts from foundations and corporations. This role manages a portfolio of donors, with emphasis on annual and unrestricted giving, capital campaign priorities, and sponsorships for the Institute’s Global Health Symposium. The successful candidate will lead development communications, oversee stewardship strategies, and craft compelling grant proposals to secure funding. Reporting to the Director of Development – Principal Gifts, this position is ideal for a strong communicator and collaborative team player passionate about advancing global health through impactful fundraising.

• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects ($50,000+), including qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship aligned with campaign and funding priorities.
• Lead the full lifecycle of grant proposal development, from identifying opportunities and conducting research to writing, submitting, and managing proposals and supporting documentation.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including Communications, to develop and execute donor communication strategies and ensure aligned messaging across platforms.
• Maintain detailed records of donor interactions, proposal progress, and stewardship activities; coordinate donor meetings, tours, and related logistics.
• Support sponsorship strategy and coordination for the Global Health Symposium, and represent Development at institutional and community events.
• Contribute to strategic planning and calendar management, foster relationships with institutional leaders, and promote a strong culture of philanthropy at Texas Biomed.

Our Ideal Candidates:

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required.

Experience: 8–10 years of progressive development experience preferred, with a strong background in major gift portfolio management, donor solicitation, and strategic fundraising communications.

Certifications/Licenses: A valid Texas driver’s license with a clean driving record is required. CFRE certification is a plus.

Preferred Skills: 

• Proven knowledge of major gift fundraising principles and best practices, with a strong commitment to excellence and professional growth.
• Exceptional communication, writing, editing, and public-speaking skills, with the ability to engage effectively with donors, volunteers, and staff at all levels.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, capable of managing multiple long-term projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a personable, professional demeanor for face-to-face donor interactions and relationship building.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and fundraising CRMs (e.g., Raiser’s Edge), with the ability to work independently and travel as needed.

Who We Are: 

Join our incredible mission to pave the way for a world free from the fear of infectious disease! 

Texas Biomedical Research Institute is pioneering and sharing scientific research to protect you, your families, and our global community from the threat of infectious diseases. Our scientific discoveries create breakthroughs in medical research to provide better overall global health.

Texas Biomed is the only independent, nonprofit infectious disease research institute in the U.S. to combine: 

• The highest-level biocontainment labs for infectious disease and biodefense research
• A federally-designated National Primate Research Center 
• More than 80 years of discoveries advancing diagnostics,  vaccines and therapies
• An entrepreneurial culture and specialized expertise in regulated science required for FDA approval 

What We Can Offer You:

• Employee-centered culture with an emphasis on open communication, job empowerment and trust! 
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for your family (and even your pets)!
• An incomparable employer funded retirement plan with 7% retirement funding starting day 1 (and increases upon years of service)!
• Generous paid time off, with 14 paid holidays including Winter Recess (paid week off the last week of December)
• On-site medical clinic, wellness incentives & paid prescription drug resources to promote health management! 
• On-site gym & wellness programs!
• Flexible work arrangements for work-life balance!
• Dynamic learning environment with opportunities for professional development, mentorship, continuing education (tuition reimbursement) and leadersh