Job Description

The Organization

The Trinity Park Conservancy (Conservancy) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization and stewardship of the Trinity River Corridor in Dallas, Texas. Originally established as The Trinity Trust Foundation, the Conservancy is guided by the Balance Vision Plan, a comprehensive strategy for transforming the river corridor’s 10,000 acres into a vibrant public space to connect communities, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance the quality of life for Dallas residents.

The Conservancy focuses on fundraising, education, community engagement, and the design and development of projects that improve accessibility, ecological restoration, and recreational opportunities along the river.

The Conservancy employs a robust fundraising strategy to support these projects through a public-private partnership formed by the City of Dallas and the Trinity River Corridor Local Government Corporation (an entity established by the City to enable solicitation of private funding for public improvements), private philanthropy, capital campaigns, and special events.

Harold Simmons Park

In 2018, the Conservancy was selected to design, construct, and manage Harold Simmons Park, the first major development in the area. Dallas philanthropist Annette Simmons made a landmark $50 million pledge toward the 250-acre park’s construction, honoring her late husband. Centrally located along the Trinity River near downtown Dallas, the park will feature elevated overlooks and gateways, seamlessly connecting neighborhoods to the river and its diverse natural habitats. The $325 million project kicked off with Demolition Day in October 2024, paving the way for a groundbreaking in spring 2025.

Governance and Leadership

The Conservancy team, consisting of 13 members, is in a growth phase and operates under the leadership of a 29-member Board of Directors. The Board serves advisory and fundraising capacities while overseeing strategic planning, budget approvals, and the development of operational policies for the organization.

The Opportunity

As an integral part of Trinity Park Conservancy’s advancement department, the Director of Philanthropy will be responsible for fostering a robust culture of philanthropy throughout the organization and will contribute crucial industry knowledge and relationship-building expertise to garner the deep and broad support needed to realize the vision of the Conservancy. Leveraging a heavily engaged Board of Directors and leading into the groundbreaking on Harold Simmons Park, the Director of Philanthropy will capture the momentum and attract support for land acquisition, construction, endowment, and a five-year launch fund. As the project advances, the Conservancy will continue connecting Dallasites to nature with similar projects and by investing in adjacent communities, allowing the successful Director to capitalize on donor interest in public health, arts and culture, affordable housing, and education, among other fields.

Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), the Director of Philanthropy (Director) will support and execute all stages of major and principal ($1 million +) gift cycles and advise on the organization’s long-term advancement department strategy. Internally, this individual will work with the Development Committee and senior stakeholders to support the Campaign for Harold Simmons Park, as well as other fundraising goals of the Conservancy. Essential duties and responsibilities include:

Portfolio Management:

1. Plan, coordinate, and execute effective cultivation and solicitation initiatives for current and prospective prospects to build relationships and increase financial or in-kind support.
2. Support senior leaders’ effective participation in development-related activities, including prospect research, moves management strategies, and follow-up actions.
3. With the CAO, ensure high-quality, individualized, and meaningful stewardship of donors through communications, events, and collateral.
4. Advise the ongoing discovery of new major and principal gift prospects, including increased support from existing or lapsed supporters.
5. Actively partner with the CAO and board leadership on committee management and robust engagement of board members.

Internal Leadership:

1. Participate in goal setting, analysis, and reporting for all fundraising activities.
2. Explore and support the addition and adoption of staff, contracts, technology, and tools that optimize processes and foster best-in-class operations.
3. Contribute to building a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
4. Model professionalism and a solutions-oriented mindset.
5. Contribute to organizational equity goals and objectives.

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