ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research And Development Director Jobs in Tennessee

Girls Inc of Memphis

Development Director

Memphis, TN · On-site

$75K/yr

Position Summary The Development Director is an executive leadership position responsible for ... Lead foundation and government grant strategy with Grant Writer, including prospect research ...

Girls Inc.

Development Director

Memphis, TN

Position Summary The Development Director is an executive leadership position responsible for ... Lead foundation and government grant strategy with Grant Writer, including prospect research ...

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 ... Lead grant research, writing, submission, and reporting in alignment with organizational priorities

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 ... Lead grant research, writing, submission, and reporting in alignment with organizational priorities

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 ... Lead grant research, writing, submission, and reporting in alignment with organizational priorities

Vi-Jon

Specialist Research & Development

Smyrna, TN · On-site

Review & Approval of key developmental documents which have high impact within the organization and ... Logical approach to judgement and decision making based on original thinking, direct experience ...

W3Global Inc.

Business Development DIrector

Memphis, TN

$130K - $150K/yr

Must be self-motivated to research and find opportunities. * Provide ongoing progress updates on new business development activities and other key indicators to the management team. * Coordinate and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsResearch And Development JobsResearch And Development Director JobsResearch And Development Director Jobs in Tennessee

Research And Development Director information

See Tennessee salary details

$59.4K

$147.7K

$195.1K

How much do research and development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development director in Tennessee is $147,676.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,500.00 and $176,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Research and Development director do?

A Research and Development (R&D) Director leads innovation efforts within a company by overseeing the development of new products, technologies, or processes. They manage research teams, set strategic goals, and ensure projects align with business objectives. Additionally, they analyze market trends, collaborate with other departments, and allocate resources efficiently. Their role is crucial in maintaining a company’s competitive edge through innovation and continuous improvement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research and Development director?

To excel as a Research And Development Director, you typically need a solid background in science or engineering, advanced degrees (often a master's or Ph.D.), and substantial experience leading multidisciplinary teams in innovation-focused environments. Familiarity with research management tools, project management software, IP management systems, and relevant industry certifications is highly valued. Outstanding communication, strategic thinking, and leadership skills help drive cross-functional collaboration and long-term vision. These competencies are essential for steering projects from concept to commercialization, ensuring organizational growth and competitive advantage.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Research and Development director, and how can you address them?

Research and Development Directors often encounter challenges balancing innovative exploration with practical business objectives, managing resource constraints, and leading teams with diverse technical backgrounds. Successfully addressing these challenges involves setting clear priorities, encouraging open communication, and staying agile in response to shifting market or regulatory demands. Effective R&D Directors also foster a creative, solution-oriented environment and collaborate closely with other departments like marketing, production, and finance to align projects with company goals. By navigating these complexities, you can contribute significantly to driving product innovation and organizational success.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research And Development jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Research And Development jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Director jobs in Tennessee?

For Research And Development Director jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research And Development Director jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Research And Development Director jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Research And Development Director jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Research And Development Director job openings:

Research And Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Director job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,676 per year, or $71 per hour.

Development Director

Girls Inc of Memphis

Memphis, TN • On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 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.

Apply