1

Development Director Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Leadership Development Position

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$136K/yr

... development position, you will: Lead daily operations, ensuring excellent food quality, speed of ... director-level leadership over time) Sees themselves as a multiplier-developing others, not just ...

Showing results 21-40

Development Director information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$38.7K

$88.3K

$148.2K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Oak Ridge, TN is $88,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,900.00 and $103,700.00 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 Oak Ridge, TN?

The most popular types of Development jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What job categories do people searching Development Director jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Development Director jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Development Director jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,325 per year, or $42.5 per hour.

Director of Development and Community Engagement

YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee V

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Position Title: Director of Development & Community Engagement
Supervisor: Chief Executive Officer
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: 420 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, TN


Overview

YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women across East Tennessee. We live this mission every day through programs and services that help women, children, and families move toward safety, stability, and opportunity.


The Director of Development & Community Engagement leads efforts to strengthen the YWCA's relationships with donors, partners, volunteers, and the broader community. This position is responsible for donor and community communications, fundraising campaigns, special events, sponsorships, stewardship, and organizational storytelling that increase awareness, engagement, and philanthropic support.


Working closely with the CEO and program leadership, the Director translates the YWCA's mission and impact into meaningful opportunities for people and organizations to engage with and invest in our work.


Duties and Responsibilities


Development & Donor Engagement

  • Develop and implement annual strategies for donor cultivation, stewardship, retention, and engagement.
  • Manage donor communications and regular stewardship touchpoints throughout the year.
  • Support the CEO in cultivating and stewarding individual, corporate, foundation, and community relationships.
  • Identify opportunities to deepen relationships with current supporters and engage prospective donors.
  • Lead annual giving campaigns and other fundraising initiatives in coordination with the CEO.
  • Develop sponsorship opportunities and cultivate corporate and community partners.
  • Maintain accurate donor, sponsorship, and engagement information within the organization's CRM.
  • Track development activity and provide regular reporting on fundraising and engagement efforts.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

  • Serve as a visible ambassador for the YWCA and build relationships with businesses, civic organizations, community partners, and other stakeholders.
  • Identify opportunities for partnerships that increase awareness, engagement, and support for YWCA programs.
  • Coordinate organizational participation in community events and engagement opportunities.
  • Develop meaningful opportunities for donors, volunteers, businesses, and community groups to connect with the YWCA's mission.
  • Oversee the organization's approach to volunteer engagement and recognition.

Communications & Storytelling

  • Lead donor and community-facing communications, including newsletters, email campaigns, social media, fundraising appeals, and impact communications.
  • Develop compelling stories that demonstrate program impact and connect supporters to the YWCA's mission.
  • Create communications strategies that support fundraising campaigns, events, donor stewardship, and community engagement.
  • Maintain consistent organizational messaging and brand standards across external communications.
  • Oversee website and social media content to ensure information is current, engaging, and aligned with organizational priorities.
  • Collaborate with program staff to identify stories, outcomes, and opportunities to highlight the impact of YWCA programs.

Special Events

  • Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of YWCA fundraising and community engagement events, including the Keys of Hope Luncheon and other special events.
  • Establish event goals, budgets, timelines, sponsorship strategies, and engagement plans.
  • Cultivate event sponsors and community partners in collaboration with the CEO and Board.
  • Manage vendors, venues, volunteers, communications, registration, and event logistics.
  • Create a strong donor and guest experience before, during, and following events.
  • Evaluate event performance, including revenue, expenses, attendance, sponsorships, and opportunities for future engagement.

Development Strategy & Operations

  • Work with the CEO to develop annual fundraising and community engagement priorities.
  • Maintain a development calendar incorporating campaigns, events, donor communications, stewardship, and community engagement.
  • Track key fundraising, communications, event, and engagement metrics and use results to inform future strategies.
  • Collaborate with Grants & Impact and program leadership to ensure donor communications accurately reflect organizational priorities, outcomes, and funding needs.
  • Support Board members in donor cultivation, community engagement, and fundraising efforts.
  • Help strengthen systems and processes that support sustainable philanthropic growth.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Nonprofit Management, Development, or a related field preferred.
  • 4–6 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit development, donor engagement, communications, community relations, fundraising, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with donors, community partners, businesses, or other stakeholders.
  • Experience planning fundraising events, campaigns, sponsorships, or donor engagement activities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate organizational impact into compelling stories and messages.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Comfortable representing the organization in community and donor settings.
  • Experience with donor databases or CRM systems preferred.
  • Proficiency with social media, email marketing platforms, and basic design tools such as Canva.
  • Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take ownership of projects from strategy through execution.
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events and community activities.
  • Commitment to respectful, inclusive, and relationship-centered engagement with donors, volunteers, partners, staff, and the community.

Compensation and Benefits


Salary Range: $60,000-65,000, with the potential for a performance-based bonus for exceptional achievement of fundraising and engagement goals.


Schedule: Monday–Friday, with flexibility for events and community engagement activities


Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; short-term and long-term disability coverage; life insurance; Employee Assistance Program; retirement plan with employer contribution; and generous paid time off and holidays.


YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage women and individuals from historically underrepresented communities to apply.




Compensation details: 60000-65000 Yearly Salary


PIec4180475c16-31181-41341636