ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Development Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Highwoods

Director of Development

Nashville, TN · On-site

As a Director of Development at Highwoods, you will direct the design and construction of development, repositioning ("HIW-tizing"), and on-occasion customer tenant improvement projects from the pre ...

HEALTHSTREAM INC

Director, Development

Nashville, TN · On-site

In addition to management responsibilities, a Director of Development will serve as the technical lead of the Continuing Medical Education (CME) product development group. This group is responsible ...

HEALTHSTREAM INC

Director, Development

Nashville, TN · Hybrid

In addition to management responsibilities, a Director of Development will serve as the technical lead of the Continuing Medical Education (CME) product development group. This group is responsible ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDevelopment JobsDevelopment Director JobsDevelopment Director Jobs in Tennessee

Development Director information

See Tennessee salary details

$36.8K

$83.9K

$140.7K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 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 jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Development Directors in large organizations or corporations can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses, profit sharing, and extensive experience. High-level executive roles such as Chief Development Officer or similar senior leadership positions in nonprofit or corporate sectors also have the potential for such compensation, often requiring advanced skills, strategic planning, and a strong network.

How much money should a development director raise?

A development director's fundraising goals vary depending on the organization size and sector, but they typically aim to raise several million dollars annually for nonprofits or large projects. Success often depends on skills in donor relations, strategic planning, and use of fundraising tools. Setting realistic targets aligned with organizational needs is essential for effective performance.

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 does a Director of Development do?

A Director of Development oversees fundraising efforts, builds relationships with donors, and develops strategies to support an organization’s financial growth. They often manage a team, coordinate campaigns, and utilize tools like CRM systems to track progress, ensuring the organization meets its funding goals.

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.

Is being a BDM a stressful job?

A Business Development Manager (BDM) role can be stressful due to targets, client negotiations, and workload management. Success often depends on strong communication, time management, and resilience, with some roles involving high-pressure environments and performance metrics.
More about Development Director jobs
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 job categories do people searching Development Director jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Development Director jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Development Director jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Development Director job openings:
Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% 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.
Director of Development

Director of Development

Highwoods Properties

Nashville, TN

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

As a Director of Development at Highwoods, you will direct the design and construction of development, repositioning (“HIW-tizing”), and on-occasion customer tenant improvement projects from the pre-construction phase all the way through project closeout. Represent Highwoods in a professional manner to clients, vendors and the general public. Must be a team player who collaborates and works unselfishly with co-workers and the project team. Should be curious in nature, comfortable with innovation and be up-to-speed on the latest trends and technologies.

Work Performed

  • Supervises architects, engineers and consultants during design, permitting and construction; negotiates professional service agreements
  • Assists Market Leaders to obtain zoning entitlements and necessary permits
  • Reviews plans and specifications for base building for conformance with design, budget and schedule goals
  • Directs construction bid process; approves bid documents; reviews bids; recommends vendors
  • Confers with and directs general contractor, subcontractors and personnel engaged in planning and executing work procedures, interpreting specifications, and coordinating various phases of construction
  • Prepares project budgets and assists Development Analyst with cost accounting; approves invoices, pay applications and change orders
  • Inspects work in progress to ensure that workmanship conforms to specifications, budget and construction schedules
  • Prepares or reviews reports on progress, materials used and costs, and adjusts work schedules as indicated by reports
  • Consults with other staff on major maintenance and capital projects for existing buildings
  • Supervises and acts as a resource for construction staff handling customer improvement jobs
  • Manages and obtains 3rd party certifications (LEED, Fitwel, Well, Wired, etc.)

Requirements

  • Results-oriented and methodical about achieving those results
  • Ability to communicate across all levels of the organization
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written are required
  • Strong analytical skills are essential
  • Prior supervisory experience of development or construction projects or teams preferred
  • Ability to handle multiple projects concurrently and troubleshoot problems by identifying causes, and rectifying with appropriate action plan
  • Occasional travel may be required
  • Must be task and detail-oriented with good follow through skills
  • Excellent organization and time management skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PPT, Outlook, Teams, etc.) as well as project management tools such as Bluebeam, Microsoft Project/Primavera, etc.
  • Experience in MRI and LEED AP, Well AP, Fitwell Ambassador certifications would be a plus

Education/Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Construction Engineering or Architecture required.
  • 10-15 years of progressively responsible experience in development, construction management, including on–site supervision of base building and tenant improvement construction for a developer, owner or general contractor preferred

Work environment/Physical Demands

This job operates in a professional office environment, as well as throughout a variety of properties.  May be exposed to construction sites and various weather conditions.  This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, phones, and video conferencing equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, see, sit, stand, and walk for prolonged periods of time; required to use arms and hands to reach and handle.  The employee may occasionally need to climb, balance, bend, and crouch.  Must be able to inspect all areas of the properties, including roof and basement.  The employee may occasionally lift, push, or pull up to 25 pounds.  Ability to read, understand and to communicate information and ideas clearly in writing and orally required. 

Apply