1

Development Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Development Director

Nashville, TN · On-site

$81K - $102K/yr

The Development Director is responsible for leading and executing the chapter's fundraising efforts, with a strong emphasis on individual giving, corporate partnerships, special events, volunteer and ...

The Senior Development Director develops and executes fundraising events, campaigns, and programs to ensure financial growth, in compliance with CFF policies. They deliver quality results, fostering ...

As a director of the software engineering division, you will apply your extensive knowledge of software architecture to manage software development tasks associated with developing, debugging or ...

As a director of the software engineering division, you will apply your extensive knowledge of software architecture to manage software development tasks associated with developing, debugging or ...

As a director of the software engineering division, you will apply your extensive knowledge of software architecture to manage software development tasks associated with developing, debugging or ...

The Business Development Manager will be a critical player in landing new development opportunities and growing relationships with clients, project managers, designers, lenders, and others critical.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Development Director information

See Tennessee salary details

$36.8K

$83.9K

$140.7K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Tennessee is $83,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Development Director do?

A Development Director is responsible for overseeing fundraising and resource development efforts within an organization, typically a nonprofit. They create and implement strategies to secure financial support, manage donor relationships, lead fundraising campaigns, and often supervise development staff. Their goal is to ensure the organization has the funding needed to achieve its mission and objectives. Development Directors also work closely with executive leadership and the board of directors to align fundraising goals with the organization's overall strategy.

What Does a Development Director Do?

A development director is responsible for fundraising strategies and initiatives to help promote the business and operations of nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and hospitals. As a development director, your job duties include reaching out to potential benefactors, maintaining relationships with existing donors, devising new strategies for fundraising, and organizing fundraising events. These events may consist of benefit concerts, dinners, parties, and special events. Collaborating with company management is also a regular part of your job. Depending on the organization, your exact duties may vary.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Development Director, you need expertise in fundraising strategy, donor relations, and nonprofit management, often supported by a relevant degree or CFRE certification. Familiarity with donor management systems (like Salesforce or Raiser’s Edge) and CRM platforms is typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are crucial for driving organizational growth, securing funding, and building lasting partnerships essential to the nonprofit’s mission.

How does a Development Director typically collaborate with other departments to achieve organizational goals?

A Development Director frequently works cross-functionally with teams such as marketing, finance, and program management to align fundraising strategies with organizational objectives. This collaboration often involves coordinating on campaigns, sharing donor insights, and ensuring consistent messaging across platforms. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential, as the Development Director serves as a bridge between departments to maximize impact and foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.

What is the difference between Development Director vs Fundraising Manager?

AspectDevelopment DirectorFundraising Manager
Primary FocusOversees overall fundraising strategies, donor relations, and development initiativesExecutes specific fundraising campaigns and manages donor outreach
ResponsibilitiesStrategic planning, team leadership, major gift cultivationEvent planning, donor communication, campaign execution
CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Nonprofit Management, Fundraising, or related fields; experience in leadership rolesBachelor’s degree; experience in fundraising or development roles often preferred
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, charities, educational institutionsNonprofit organizations, charities, fundraising agencies

The Development Director typically holds a strategic leadership role, overseeing the entire development department and long-term fundraising goals. In contrast, the Fundraising Manager focuses on executing specific campaigns and managing day-to-day donor activities. Both roles require similar credentials and work in similar environments, but the Development Director has broader responsibilities and higher-level oversight.

What are the most commonly searched types of Development jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Development jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Development Director jobs in Tennessee? For Development Director jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Development Director jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 47% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,851 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

The Development Director serves as the chief advancement and fundraising leader for Mount Juliet Christian Academy, working to secure financial resources, strengthen donor relationships, and advance MJCA's mission and vision as a ministry of First Baptist Church Mount Juliet. This individual will lead all development initiatives, including annual giving, donor cultivation, capital campaigns, sponsorships, grants, alumni relations, fundraising events, and stewardship efforts.

The Development Director must be a relational leader who is passionate about Christian education, highly organized, visionary, and able to build strong partnerships with families, churches, alumni, community leaders, and supporters. The ideal candidate will help create a culture of generosity that supports MJCA’s mission to develop students who Think, Lead, and Live from a biblical worldview.

Spiritual Qualifications

  • Demonstrates a mature and growing Christian faith.
  • Fully supports the mission, vision, and doctrinal beliefs of MJCA and First Baptist Church, Mount Juliet.
  • Models Christ-like leadership, integrity, professionalism, and servant-heartedness.
  • Actively involved in First Baptist Mount Juliet

Professional Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
  • Experience in fundraising, development, advancement, nonprofit leadership, marketing, admissions, or related fields preferred.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships.
  • Experience with donor databases, fundraising software, Google Workspace, and preferred communication platforms.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills.
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events and donor engagement.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive development and fundraising strategy aligned with MJCA’s mission and strategic plan.
  • Work closely with the Superintendent, School Board, church leadership, and administrative team to identify funding priorities and advancement goals.
  • Help cultivate a school-wide culture of stewardship, generosity, and mission ownership.
  • Assist in long-range planning for enrollment growth, facilities expansion, and strategic initiatives.

Fundraising & Donor Development

  • Lead all annual fundraising efforts, including the annual fund, giving campaigns, donor appeals, and sponsorship opportunities.
  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, alumni, grandparents, foundations, businesses, and church partners.
  • Coordinate donor meetings, tours, presentations, and relationship-building opportunities.
  • Maintain a strategic donor pipeline and prospect management system.
  • Prepare fundraising reports and updates for leadership and the School Board.
  • Develop and oversee donor recognition and appreciation initiatives.

Capital Campaign Leadership

  • Assist in planning and executing capital campaigns and major facility initiatives.
  • Coordinate campaign communication strategies, donor follow-up, and campaign events.
  • Work collaboratively with campaign volunteers and leadership teams.
  • Support vision-casting efforts related to future school growth and expansion.

Events & Community Engagement

  • Oversee fundraising events, donor receptions, community engagement activities, and special initiatives.
  • Develop partnerships with local businesses, churches, and community organizations.
  • Assist with alumni engagement and parent involvement initiatives.
  • Represent MJCA professionally within the community and at school events.

Marketing & Communications Support

  • Collaborate with admissions, communications, and leadership teams to promote MJCA’s mission and advancement priorities.
  • Assist with development-related publications, newsletters, donor communications, annual reports, social media messaging, and campaign materials.
  • Ensure consistent branding and mission-centered storytelling throughout advancement efforts.

Grant Writing & Stewardship

  • Research grant opportunities and assist in grant proposal development.
  • Maintain accurate donor records, track contributions, and produce stewardship reports.
  • Ensure proper acknowledgment and receipting of gifts in coordination with the finance office.

Biblical Foundation

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” — 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

This position exists to help strengthen and sustain the ministry of Mount Juliet Christian Academy by building relationships, advancing vision, and creating opportunities for future generations of students to grow academically, spiritually, and relationally in a Christ-centered environment.