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Vp Training & Development Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Green Meadows Partners

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Vice President of Development

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

The Vice President of Development serves as Zoo Knoxville's head of philanthropy and is responsible for leading all philanthropic, advancement, and donor engagement strategies that support the zoo ...

TNBR Careers

Vice President

Oneida, TN · On-site

Vice President Employee Classification: Executive/Admin & Managerial Institution: TCAT-Oneida ... development - (Essential) * Provide leadership for training and motivation of assigned staff to ...

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Vp Training Development information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a VP of Training & Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a VP of Training & Development, you need extensive experience in organizational learning, instructional design, leadership development, and a relevant degree, often at the master's level. Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS), e-learning authoring tools, and certifications such as CPTD (Certified Professional in Talent Development) are highly valuable. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and change management skills help drive engagement and align training initiatives with business goals. These capabilities are vital for ensuring workforce readiness, promoting continuous improvement, and supporting organizational growth.

What is the difference between Vp Training & Development vs Training Manager?

AspectVp Training & DevelopmentTraining Manager
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, Master’s in HR or Education) and extensive experienceUsually requires a bachelor’s degree and relevant certifications (e.g., CPLP, ATD certifications)
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership role overseeing multiple departments or regionsOperational role focused on executing training programs within a team or department
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large corporations, multinational companies, and organizations with complex training needsFound across various industries, often in mid-sized companies and organizations with dedicated training teams

The main difference is that Vp Training & Development holds a strategic, leadership position responsible for overall training vision, while a Training Manager focuses on implementing and managing specific training programs. The VP typically has broader responsibilities and higher-level decision-making authority.

What are some common challenges faced by a VP of Training & Development when implementing organization-wide learning initiatives?

A VP of Training & Development often faces challenges such as securing executive buy-in, aligning training programs with business goals, and addressing diverse learning needs across departments. They must also manage change resistance and ensure engagement from employees at all levels. Additionally, measuring the effectiveness and ROI of training initiatives requires strategic planning and continuous communication with stakeholders.

What does a VP of Training & Development do?

A VP of Training & Development is a senior executive responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing training programs that enhance employee skills and organizational performance. They work closely with other leadership to align training strategies with business goals, manage budgets, and lead teams that deliver learning and development initiatives. Their role often includes evaluating current programs, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and adopting new technologies and methodologies to improve results.
What are popular job titles related to Vp Training & Development jobs in Tennessee? For Vp Training & Development jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Vp Training & Development jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Vp Training & Development jobs in Tennessee are:
Vp Training Development jobs near you
Vice President of Development

Vice President of Development

Knoxville Zoo

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Development
Date Posted:
6/24/2026
Location:
Zoo Knoxville
Job Title: Vice President of Development
We are partnering with Green Meadows to fill this role. Send your resume to careers@greenmeadowspartners.com
Department: Development Date Updated: 6/24/2026
Reports To: CEO and President Status: Full Time, Exempt
Supervises: Assistant Director of Individual Giving, Assistant Director of Membership, Donor Events Manager, Development Operations and Grants Administrator
SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Vice President of Development serves as Zoo Knoxville's head of philanthropy and is responsible for leading all philanthropic, advancement, and donor engagement strategies that support the zoo's mission, vision, and long-term sustainability. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, this individual partners closely with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, volunteer leadership, and senior staff to secure the financial resources necessary to advance Zoo Knoxville's conservation, education, animal welfare, and community impact initiatives.
The Vice President of Development provides strategic leadership for all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate philanthropy, foundation relations, planned giving, donor stewardship, and campaign management. This role is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies that grow philanthropic support, deepen donor relationships, and strengthen a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.
A primary focus of this position will be the leadership and execution of Zoo Knoxville's transformational capital campaign and other major fundraising initiatives. The Vice President will work closely with campaign volunteers, board members, community leaders, and key stakeholders to cultivate, solicit, and steward significant philanthropic investments that support the zoo's ambitious growth plans.
The successful candidate will be a dynamic relationship builder with a demonstrated track record of securing major gifts and leading high-performing advancement programs. They will serve as a visible ambassador for Zoo Knoxville within the community, fostering meaningful connections with donors, foundations, corporations, and conservation partners while helping position the zoo as one of the region's most impactful nonprofit organizations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • As a member of the Zoo Knoxville team, exemplify the organization's Core Values through interactions with guests, donors, volunteers, board members, and fellow team members.
  • Provide strategic leadership for all philanthropic initiatives, including annual giving, major gifts, principal gifts, planned giving, foundation relations, corporate philanthropy, donor stewardship, and capital campaigns.
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that advances Zoo Knoxville's mission, strategic plan, conservation priorities, educational programs, and capital initiatives.
  • Serve as the organization's chief fundraising officer and partner closely with the President & CEO to establish annual and long-term philanthropic goals.
  • Lead the planning and execution of major fundraising campaigns, including campaign feasibility, campaign strategy, donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and volunteer leadership engagement.
  • Build, manage, and maintain a robust major gifts portfolio, personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-capacity donors and prospects.
  • Develop strategies to identify, qualify, and engage new philanthropic supporters while deepening relationships with existing donors.
  • Oversee all donor stewardship and recognition programs to ensure meaningful engagement, exceptional donor experiences, and long-term philanthropic investment.
  • Partner with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, and volunteer leaders to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward transformational donors and institutional funders.
  • Provide leadership and support to the Board of Directors and development-related committees, including campaign committees, fundraising task forces, and donor engagement initiatives.
  • Direct foundation and grant fundraising efforts, including prospect research, proposal development, reporting, and stewardship.
  • Assist with corporate philanthropy efforts, including sponsorships, strategic partnerships, employee engagement opportunities, and cause-related initiatives that align with Zoo Knoxville's mission.
  • Oversee prospect research, donor analytics, moves management, gift processing, and advancement operations to ensure a data-informed fundraising program.
  • Establish measurable fundraising goals, key performance indicators, and reporting systems to evaluate performance and inform strategic decision-making.
  • Develop annual fundraising budgets, revenue projections, and expense management plans for all development activities.
  • Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing advancement team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and donor-centered philanthropy.
  • Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organizational strategy, long-range planning, and institutional growth.
  • Represent Zoo Knoxville throughout the community, strengthening relationships with philanthropic leaders, foundations, corporations, civic organizations, and conservation partners.
  • Stay informed of emerging trends, best practices, and innovations in fundraising, philanthropy, donor engagement, and nonprofit leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, public administration, philanthropy, or a related field. Advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible fundraising and advancement experience, including leadership of major gifts, annual giving, capital campaigns, foundation relations, and donor stewardship programs.
  • Demonstrated success securing and stewarding six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.
  • Proven experience leading significant fundraising initiatives, including comprehensive campaigns, capital campaigns, endowment campaigns, or other transformational fundraising efforts.
  • Strong understanding of donor pipeline development, moves management, prospect research, planned giving, and relationship-based fundraising strategies.
  • Experience partnering with executive leadership, governing boards, campaign cabinets, and volunteer leaders to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.
  • Exceptional relationship-building, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with donors, board members, community leaders, and staff.
  • Proven ability to develop and lead high-performing teams while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Strong strategic planning and analytical skills, including experience utilizing fundraising metrics, CRM systems, and data analytics to guide decision-making.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, complex projects, and confidential donor information with professionalism and discretion.
  • Knowledge of fundraising ethics, donor stewardship best practices, and nonprofit governance.
  • Familiarity with donor database and fundraising platforms such as Tessitura, Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or comparable systems.
  • Experience within a zoological institution, museum, aquarium, conservation organization, university, healthcare organization, or other major nonprofit preferred.
  • Knowledge of the East Tennessee philanthropic community and experience building relationships with regional donors, foundations, and corporate leaders preferred.
  • Passion for wildlife conservation, education, community engagement, and the mission of Zoo Knoxville.

Don't meet every requirement? At Zoo Knoxville we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
As an employee of Zoo Knoxville, you must possess English communication skills as well as the ability to communicate using a 2-way radio, email, and telephone. The position hours vary depending on business needs and will require weekend and some holiday shifts. Depending on the specific tasks, this position will be required to work within close proximity of exotic and domestic animals and must be aware that there are dangers inherent in working under those conditions. Zoo Knoxville is committed to maintaining a drug free workplace and as such, each employee must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

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