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Community Development Director Jobs in Tennessee

Girls Inc of Memphis

Development Director

Memphis, TN · On-site

$75K/yr

The Development Director will work closely with the President and CEO, Board of Directors, Development Committee, staff, consultants, and community volunteers to identify, cultivate, solicit, secure ...

Girls Inc.

Development Director

Memphis, TN

The Development Director will work closely with the President and CEO, Board of Directors, Development Committee, staff, consultants, and community volunteers to identify, cultivate, solicit, secure ...

Anchor Health Properties

Development Director

Franklin, TN · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Development Director Franklin, TN Who We Are At Anchor Health Properties, we pursue better health ... Workplace perks like summer hours, team summits, community service events, referral bonuses, and ...

Anchor Health Properties

Development Director

Franklin, TN · On-site

$120 - $140/hr

Workplace perks like summer hours, team summits, community service events, referral bonuses, and ... The Opportunity We are seeking a Development Director to join our team. This role is responsible ...

The Equity Alliance

Development Director

Nashville, TN · Hybrid

$70K - $75K/yr

Deputy Director & CEO The Equity Alliance (TEA) and The Equity Alliance Fund (TEAF) are seeking a ... You are fluent in the language of wealth building, systems change, self-governance, and community ...

The Equity Alliance

Development Director

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Deputy Director & CEO The Equity Alliance (TEA) and The Equity Alliance Fund (TEAF) are seeking a ... You are fluent in the language of wealth building, systems change, self-governance, and community ...

The Equity Alliance

Development Director

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Deputy Director & CEO The Equity Alliance (TEA) and The Equity Alliance Fund (TEAF) are seeking a ... You are fluent in the language of wealth building, systems change, self-governance, and community ...

The Equity Alliance

Development Director

Nashville, TN · On-site

Deputy Director & CEO The Equity Alliance (TEA) and The Equity Alliance Fund (TEAF) are seeking a ... You are fluent in the language of wealth building, systems change, self-governance, and community ...

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All JobsCommunity Development JobsCommunity Development Director JobsCommunity Development Director Jobs in Tennessee

Community Development Director information

See Tennessee salary details

$42.7K

$117.5K

$193.3K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Tennessee is $117,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,800.00 and $144,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a community development director do?

A Community Development Director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing programs and initiatives that promote the growth and improvement of a community. This role often involves working with local government, businesses, and residents to develop policies related to housing, land use, economic development, and public services. The director manages staff, secures funding, and ensures that projects align with the community’s goals and regulations. Their work helps create vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

What is the difference between Community Development Director vs Urban Planner?

AspectCommunity Development DirectorUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, or related field; often requires experience in community developmentBachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, geography, or related field; certification like AICP is common
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, non-profits, community organizationsMunicipal planning departments, consulting firms, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLocal governments, non-profits, development agenciesCity planning departments, private consulting firms, government agencies

The Community Development Director focuses on overseeing community growth, housing, and economic development initiatives, often managing teams and programs. Urban Planners primarily analyze land use, develop zoning policies, and create urban designs. While both roles require planning expertise and work within government or related sectors, the Community Development Director has a broader leadership role in community projects, whereas Urban Planners focus more on land use and spatial planning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community development director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Development Director, you need strong expertise in urban planning, project management, and a relevant degree such as public administration or urban studies. Familiarity with land use regulations, GIS systems, and grant management software is typically required. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills set top candidates apart in this role. These abilities are crucial for effectively guiding community initiatives, securing funding, and balancing the needs of diverse populations.

What are some common challenges a community development director faces when balancing the needs of various stakeholders?

A Community Development Director often navigates competing interests from local government, residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Balancing these diverse perspectives requires strong communication, negotiation, and consensus-building skills. Directors must ensure that development projects align with community goals while adhering to regulatory requirements and budget constraints. Proactively engaging stakeholders through public meetings and transparent processes helps address concerns and fosters collaboration, though it can be time-consuming and complex.

What does a community development director do?

A community development director manages and directs planning and management initiatives for a city organization or community, such as an elderly residential community. As a community development director, your job duties include working closely with community partners, such as businesses, community organizations, and the public, to develop strategies for improving economic, architectural, and community initiatives while preserving neighborhood or community cohesion. You also monitor programs and budgets for department initiatives. Qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, education, or public administration as well as several years of experience in public policy and planning and communication and leadership skills.

More about Community Development Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Development Director jobs in Tennessee? For Community Development Director jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Community Development Director jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Community Development Director job openings:
Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,460 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Development Director

Girls Inc of Memphis

Memphis, TN • On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

About Girls Inc. of Memphis
Girls Inc. of Memphis is growing to inspire more girls to be strong, smart, and bold.
Are you an accomplished fundraising professional with a record of building donor relationships and generating significant philanthropic revenue? Are you passionate about equipping girls ages 5-18 to find their voices, experience their power, and achieve their full potential?
Join our fast-paced, mission-driven, girl-centered team as we advance our vision of empowered girls in an equitable Memphis.
Learn more at www.girlsincmemphis.org.
Position Summary
The Development Director is an executive leadership position responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for Girls Inc. of Memphis' comprehensive fund development program. Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the Development Director will design, implement, manage, and evaluate a diversified fundraising strategy that supports the organization's annual operating budget, programs, facilities, special initiatives, and long-term sustainability.
This position supports efforts to raise more than $2 million annually from individuals, corporations, foundations, government sources, special events, and other philanthropic opportunities. The Development Director will have primary responsibility for corporate and individual donor development and stewardship, while also providing leadership for grant writing, grant management, fundraising events, donor communications, and development operations.
The Development Director will work closely with the President and CEO, Board of Directors, Development Committee, staff, consultants, and community volunteers to identify, cultivate, solicit, secure, and steward donors and funding partners.
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Development Director will help shape organizational strategy, strengthen Girls Inc. of Memphis' presence within the philanthropic community, and contribute to the overall leadership and future direction of the organization.
Primary Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy and Revenue Leadership
  • Develop, implement, and monitor a comprehensive annual fund development plan with clear goals, timelines, strategies, and performance measures.
  • Lead efforts to secure more than $2 million annually from diversified revenue sources, including individuals, corporations, foundations, government, events, and in-kind support.
  • Prepare fundraising forecasts, dashboards, and progress reports for the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, Board, and Development Committee.
  • Identify revenue gaps, emerging opportunities, and strategies that strengthen long-term financial sustainability.

Individual Giving and Major Gifts
  • Build and grow the organization's individual donor base through annual giving, major gifts, monthly giving, planned giving, and donor upgrade strategies.
  • Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects through identification, cultivation, solicitation, closing, and stewardship.
  • Personally solicit major gifts and prepare the CEO, Board members, and volunteer leaders for effective donor engagement and solicitation.
  • Transition campaign and special-project donors into long-term annual supporters.

Corporate, Foundation, and Government Support
  • Develop and steward corporate partnerships, sponsorships, employee engagement opportunities, and multi-year investments.
  • Lead foundation and government grant strategy with Grant Writer, including prospect research, proposal writing, budgeting, submission, reporting, compliance, and renewal.
  • Overses donor Stewardship and CRM Management
  • Create a donor-centered stewardship program that includes timely acknowledgments, impact reporting, tours, cultivation events, and personalized engagement, support by our marketing and communications team.
  • Ensure accurate gift processing, donor records, moves management, reporting, segmentation, and data integrity within Network for Good/Bonterra or a comparable CRM.
  • Reconcile fundraising records with Finance and use CRM data to guide strategy, retention, forecasting, and decision-making.

Executive, Board, and Team Leadership
  • Serve as the CEO's strategic fundraising partner and provide leadership to the Board Development Committee.
  • Engage and equip Board members, staff, volunteers, alumni, and community ambassadors to support fundraising goals.
  • Recruit, supervise, coach, and evaluate development staff, consultants, interns, and vendors.
  • Collaborate across program, finance, operations, and communications to align fundraising with organizational priorities and outcomes.
  • Represent Girls Inc. of Memphis professionally throughout the Memphis philanthropic, corporate, civic, and nonprofit communities.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • At least seven years of progressively responsible nonprofit fundraising experience, including three years leading a comprehensive development program or significant portfolio.
  • Demonstrated track record of supporting or leading fundraising efforts that generate more than $2 million annually.
  • Proven success in securing major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations, including gifts of $5,000 or more and grants of $100,000 or more.
  • Strong grant-writing experience and demonstrated ability to manage grant calendars, reporting requirements, deliverables, compliance, and renewals.
  • Demonstrated success in developing corporate relationships and growing an individual donor base.
  • At least two years of supervisory, team leadership, or consultant-management experience.
  • Experience managing a donor CRM, preferably Network for Good/Bonterra, with strong knowledge of data integrity, gift tracking, donor segmentation, moves management, and reporting.
  • Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, relationship-building, project-management, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, mission-driven environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity and the mission of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

Preferred Qualifications
  • CFRE or advanced degree.
  • Established relationships within the Memphis philanthropic, corporate, civic, and nonprofit communities.
  • Experience with capital campaigns, endowment development, planned giving, government grants, or public funding.
  • Experience in youth development, education, gender equity, workforce development, or community-based organizations.

Additional Requirements
  • Valid driver's license, current automobile insurance, and reliable transportation.
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends and travel locally as needed.
  • Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

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