The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, known as "The HARRIS CENTER," is seeking an experienced Executive Director -Foundation. The Executive Director of The Harris Center Foundation 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 for Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). This role 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. The Executive Director serves as the primary liaison between the Foundation, The Harris Center leadership, Board members, donors, and community stakeholders.
Your role in Action:
Strategic Leadership
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Develop and implement a multi-year strategic plan aligned with The Harris Center’s mission and priorities.
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Provide visionary leadership to grow the Foundation’s philanthropic impact and visibility in the community.
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Partner with The Harris Center executive team to identify funding priorities and opportunities.
Fundraising & Development
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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.
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Personally cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
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Oversee grant-making processes supporting internal innovation and program enhancements.
Board Engagement & Governance
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Support and collaborate with the Foundation Board of Directors to maximize engagement, governance, and fundraising effectiveness.
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Provide regular updates on financial performance, fundraising progress, and strategic initiatives.
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Assist in recruiting and onboarding new Board members.
Community & External Relations
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Serve as a key ambassador for the Foundation and The Harris Center within the community.
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Increase awareness of the Foundation’s mission and impact through public speaking, partnerships, and outreach.
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Strengthen relationships with local, regional, and national stakeholders.
Operations & Financial Oversight
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Oversee day-to-day Foundation operations, including budgeting, financial management, and compliance.
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Ensure responsible stewardship of donor funds and adherence to all regulatory requirements.
- Establish and track key performance indicators to measure impact and effectiveness.
Program & Grant Oversight
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Oversee onboarding programs to ensure a positive and effective transition for new employees.
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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.
Process Improvement and Compliance
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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.
What qualifications you will need:
Education :
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Bachelor’s degree required
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Master’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, public health, or related field preferred.
Experience:
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Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, or philanthropy.
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Proven success in securing major gifts and building sustainable fundraising programs.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
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Strong understanding of nonprofit governance, fundraising best practices, and donor engagement strategies.
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Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
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Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
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Strategic thinker with strong organizational and execution capabilities.
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Financial acumen and experience managing budgets and resources effectively.
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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.
As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The Harris Center provides a full continuum of services at 80 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 40 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the largest communities in the nation.
By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.
What else you should know:
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This posting is associated with position #1001.
What we have to offer:
The Harris Center not only offers a competitive salary but also a suite of excellent benefits designed to enrich your life both professionally and personally. Imagine a future with a robust retirement plan complemented by our generous company matching – a testament to our investment in your long-term financial well-being. Experience the unique advantage of our prior service credit, accelerating your journey towards a more substantial Paid Time Off accrual, empowering you to enjoy well-deserved breaks.
Enjoy Cell Phone Discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free Headspace subscription for mental wellness. Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program supports your overall well-being.
Take advantage of significant financial relief through student loan forgiveness as a valued member of The Harris Center team. As a qualifying entity, our employees are eligible for various student loan forgiveness programs, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education.
Contributes to suicide care and prevention by embracing our values and applying a trauma-informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.
