Senior Director of Development, DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation (HMHF or the Foundation) – the dedicated fundraising arm and philanthropic engine of Houston Methodist – seeks a strategic and entrepreneurial Senior Director of Development to expertly lead fundraising efforts for the DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center (DeBakey or the Center).

Among Houston Methodist’s six multidisciplinary Centers of Excellence, the DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center stands as an international leader in cardiovascular care. Named in honor of pioneering cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, the Center has transformed the diagnosis and treatment of heart and vascular disease through groundbreaking innovation, world-renowned clinicians, and a commitment to advancing research and education. Ranked No. 10 nationally for Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery by U.S. News & World Report, DeBakey combines nationally recognized physicians specializing in complex heart and vascular conditions with some of the most advanced cardiac imaging, surgical, and interventional technologies available.

As Houston Methodist continues to expand its impact in patient care, research, and education, philanthropy has become an increasingly important catalyst for innovation and growth. The Senior Director of Development for the DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center will lead fundraising efforts for one of the institution’s most distinguished clinical enterprises, partnering with visionary physician leaders, grateful patients and families, and philanthropic champions to secure transformational support that advances the Center’s mission and reinforces Houston Methodist’s position among the nation’s leading academic medical centers. This opportunity becomes available at a uniquely exciting moment as Houston Methodist embarks on its third comprehensive fundraising campaign with a target goal to raise more than $1.25 billion over ten years.

Reporting to Josh Thiel, Associate Chief Development Officer, the Senior Director will lead fundraising for the DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, advancing philanthropic support and donor engagement for this prominent clinical area amid Houston Methodist’s current comprehensive campaign and beyond. This leader will work in close partnership with DeBakey’s co-chairs and effectively liaise with division and physician leaders to champion the Center’s funding priorities and align philanthropic strategy with institutional goals. The Senior Director will initially oversee one frontline fundraiser, with opportunity to hire another over time, while personally managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, with an emphasis on expanding the major gift pipeline and securing transformational philanthropy. As a collaborative member of the Foundation, the Senior Director will also partner closely with fellow frontline fundraisers, donor relations stewardship colleagues, and Foundation leadership while exemplifying Houston Methodist’s core values and commitment to excellence.

The ideal candidate will bring at least five years of successful frontline fundraising experience, preferably within a complex research university or academic medical center. This individual will demonstrate a deep understanding of fundraising best practices and a proven ability to build and sustain a robust major gifts pipeline. The successful candidate will have a track record of cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding six- and seven-figure gifts and will be adept at leveraging data, metrics, and technology to inform strategy and drive results. Critical to success will be the credibility, maturity, and sophistication to build trusted relationships with clinician leaders, physicians, hospital executives, and volunteer leaders. With oversight for a growing team, the Senior Director will also bring a demonstrated ability – or clear potential – to mentor, develop, and inspire frontline fundraisers while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance.

Rachel Ellenport is leading this search with Nicole Poe, Noa Boonin, and Megan Gorman.

Houston Methodist Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against, or harassment of, any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist Hospital on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other characteristics protected by law.