Founding Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships

Founding Director Of Development & Strategic Partnerships Oikos Community Development Corporation is seeking a highly relational, entrepreneurial, mission-driven leader to help build a new model of affordable and supportive housing in Houston. Oikos exists to develop beautiful, dignified, community-centered housing and wraparound services for individuals and families vulnerable to homelessness and housing instability. Our work sits at the intersection of affordable housing development, faith-rooted community transformation, philanthropy, design, and long-term neighborhood flourishing. This is not a typical nonprofit role. We are looking for someone who can help build an organization from the ground up alongside visionary leadership during a critical season of growth. The ideal candidate is strategic, highly organized, deeply relational, and energized by meaningful work that requires both creativity and execution. The Founding Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships will work closely with Chris Seay and the leadership of Oikos to help expand fundraising capacity, cultivate major donors and foundations, strengthen organizational systems, coordinate strategic partnerships, and help shape the long-term growth of the organization. This role will also support communications, campaigns, and selected operational initiatives connected to affordable housing development and community partnerships. The position is ideal for someone who thrives in entrepreneurial environments and is excited about helping create something innovative, hopeful, and lasting. Key Responsibilities Development & Fundraising Help cultivate relationships with major donors, family foundations, and philanthropic partners Assist in planning and executing fundraising campaigns and donor engagement strategies Coordinate donor meetings, tours, presentations, and follow-up communication Research new funding opportunities and assist with grant and proposal development Help steward long‑term donor relationships and partnerships Strategic Partnerships & Communications Assist in developing partnerships with churches, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, civic leaders, and community stakeholders Help shape public‑facing storytelling, presentations, campaign materials, and organizational messaging Coordinate communications and strategic initiatives connected to housing projects and community development efforts Support branding, media, and digital communication efforts as the organization grows Operations & Organizational Development Help establish organizational systems, workflows, and operational structures Assist with board communication and organizational coordination Support project coordination across consultants, vendors, and external partners Help prioritize and manage high‑level organizational initiatives Qualifications Strong relational and communication skills High emotional intelligence and maturity Exceptional organizational and follow‑through abilities Ability to operate independently in fast‑moving environments Entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to help build systems from scratch Passion for community development, affordable housing, nonprofit leadership, or mission‑driven work Experience in fundraising, nonprofit leadership, communications, brand strategy, partnerships, marketing, or organizational development preferred Ideal Characteristics Strategic thinker Trusted relationship-builder Calm under pressure Creative and solutions‑oriented Strong writer and communicator Mission‑driven without being performative Comfortable working across nonprofit, civic, philanthropic, and faith‑based environments Competitive salary based on experience, with significant opportunity for long‑term organizational growth and leadership. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ecclesia Houston