Executive Director - Foundation

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, known as "The HARRIS CENTER," is seeking an experienced Executive Director for its Foundation. This role provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and fundraising direction to advance the Foundation’s mission of cultivating philanthropic investments that expand programs and services for individuals and families served by The Harris Center.

About the role

The Executive Director of The Harris Center Foundation serves as the primary liaison between the Foundation, The Harris Center leadership, Board members, donors, and community stakeholders. This position is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy, strengthening donor relationships, increasing community engagement, and ensuring alignment with The Harris Center’s priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a multi-year strategic plan aligned with The Harris Center’s mission and priorities.
• Provide visionary leadership to grow the Foundation’s philanthropic impact and visibility in the community.
• Partner with The Harris Center executive team to identify funding priorities and opportunities.
• Design and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies, including major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, and special events.
• Build and manage a robust donor pipeline to increase annual and long-term philanthropic support.
• Personally cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Oversee grant-making processes supporting internal innovation and program enhancements.
• Support and collaborate with the Foundation Board of Directors to maximize engagement, governance, and fundraising effectiveness.
• Provide regular updates on financial performance, fundraising progress, and strategic initiatives.
• Assist in recruiting and onboarding new Board members.
• Serve as a key ambassador for the Foundation and The Harris Center within the community.
• Increase awareness of the Foundation’s mission and impact through public speaking, partnerships, and outreach.
• Strengthen relationships with local, regional, and national stakeholders.
• Oversee day-to-day Foundation operations, including budgeting, financial management, and compliance.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of donor funds and adherence to all regulatory requirements.
• Establish and track key performance indicators to measure impact and effectiveness.
• Guide the annual internal grant process enabling Harris Center staff to propose initiatives that enhance care delivery and services.
• Ensure alignment of funded projects with strategic priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Monitor and report on program effectiveness and impact of funded initiatives.
• Oversee onboarding programs to ensure a positive and effective transition for new employees.
• Ensure alignment between recruitment, onboarding, and employee integration processes.
• Monitor onboarding effectiveness and implement improvements to improve retention and employee experience.
• Promote a seamless employee journey from candidate through established employee.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, public health, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, or philanthropy.
• Proven success in securing major gifts and building sustainable fundraising programs.

Skills

• Strong understanding of nonprofit governance, fundraising best practices, and donor engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and execution capabilities.
• Financial acumen and experience managing budgets and resources effectively.
• Passion for mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and community impact.

About Us

The Harris Center is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The Harris Center provides care to over 90,000 people and has an annual budget of over $300 million. The Harris Center offers a full continuum of services at 80 different sites across Harris County and provides services in more than 40 different languages, including sign language. With over 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Robust retirement plan with generous company matching and prior service credit.
• Accelerated Paid Time Off accrual.
• Cell Phone Discounts.
• Exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work.
• Free Headspace subscription for mental wellness.
• Employee Assistance Program for overall well-being.
• Student loan forgiveness programs.