Director of Development

Reports to:  Chief Executive Officer

Location:  Memphis, TN

Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000 / year

Status:  Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Director of Development is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing a comprehensive fundraising program to support the mission and strategic goals of the nonprofit organization. This includes oversight of individual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation relations, special events, planned giving, and donor stewardship. The Director of Development will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Development Committee to build and sustain relationships that drive philanthropic support and long-term engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Leadership

• Develop and execute annual and multi-year development plans that align with the organization’s strategic priorities and revenue goals.
• Lead all aspects of fundraising operations, including donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Work collaboratively with the Chief Executive Officer and Board to identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors.
• Establish and maintain best practices, policies, and systems to ensure effective and ethical fundraising.

Donor and Partner Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, including developing tailored engagement and stewardship strategies.
• Oversee grant research, proposal writing, and reporting to ensure timely and successful submissions.
• Coordinate donor communications, recognition programs, and impact reporting.

Events and Campaigns

• Plan and execute fundraising and stewardship events that align with organizational goals and donor engagement strategies.
• Lead or support capital campaigns, special projects, and other fundraising initiatives as needed.
• Represent the organization at community events to raise awareness and visibility of the organization. Evening and weekend events are required.

Team and Operations Management

• Supervise and mentor development staff and volunteers, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Manage the development budget and track fundraising progress against goals.
• Oversee donor database management and reporting, ensuring data integrity and compliance with confidentiality standards.

Board Engagement

• Partner with the Board Development Committee to strengthen board involvement in fundraising.
• Provide training and support to board members to enhance their comfort and effectiveness in donor engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree and/or CFRE certification preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in fundraising or development, with a proven record of securing major gifts and managing campaigns.
• Strong understanding of donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship best practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including grant and proposal writing.
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience.
• Skilled with CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Passion for the mission of organization and commitment to ethical fundraising.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary, based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with matching and PTO