Humanities Tennessee
Humanities Tennessee is a nonprofit organization that has fostered community and civility across the state through engaging public humanities programs and grants for more than fifty years. We are seeking a Director of Development to lead the planning and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising program and help create a strategic new revenue model for the organization over the next several months, in coordination with the ED and statewide Board of Directors.
Reporting to the ED, this individual will have overall responsibility for designing and executing the organization’s fundraising efforts and in helping design a new strategic direction for organizational support and partnerships. This position serves as the organization’s strategic head of development , ensuring that ambassadors like the board and ED have the systems, research, and support needed to be successful in their efforts to increase financial resources. With a focus on relationship-building, collaboration, and case-making, this position is crucial for cultivating constituents, developing resources, and making the case for the impact of Humanities Tennessee’s work.
The ideal candidate will be adept at building and maintaining strong relationships with donors to enhance their engagement and giving
Job Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities Strategic Planning: Refine and implement annual and long-range strategic plans for fund development, targeting individual, major donor, corporate, foundation, and government sources. Fundraising Execution: Plan, design, and execute all donor solicitations, including letters, brochures, special campaigns, and face-to-face meetings. Manage key components of the annual fund campaign, such as direct mail and email appeals for our program initiatives and operations, and year-end appeals. Donor Management: Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward new and existing donors to secure unrestricted gifts and meet annual goals. Develop and maintain strong, donor-centric relationships that enhance engagement and experience. Organize donor appreciation and stewardship events to increase retention. Prospect Management: Research prospects and develop systems to ‘set the table’ for the ED to cultivate prospects, steward donors, and secure pledges and gifts. Set up meetings with donors. Board & Volunteer Engagement: Engage the board and regional committee members as fundraising partners and donors. Serve as the staff liaison with the Board Development committee to ensure members have the tools and training to be fully engaged. Grants Management: Maintain a calendar for grant submission and reporting deadlines. Work with the ED and program staff to write and submit quality grant proposals and project budgets. Research new potential corporate and foundation funders. Administration: Develop policies and procedures for the development program that reflect ethical fundraising practices. Monitor, evaluate, and report on all fundraising activities to ensure goals are being met. Create and manage the development budget. Qualifications
Qualifications & Core Competencies Experience: 5+ years of fundraising experience is encouraged. A proven track record of successful fundraising in a non-profit, philanthropic, or educational environment is required. Significant experience with major gift solicitation and stewardship is also needed. Experience with CRM systems, especially Salesforce, is a plus. Education: A degree in a related field (e.g., Non-Profit Management, Business Development, humanities disciplines) is especially meaningful. Attributes & Skills:
In love with the organization’s mission and ready to be a key ambassador. Strategic thinking and planning in fundraising. Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and effective communication skills. Donor-centric mindset with a focus on engagement and experience. Ridiculously detail-oriented with a great memory for detail. Assertive (not aggressive) and goal-oriented . Excellent organizational, planning, and event management abilities. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple priorities.
Additional Information
Benefits package includes medical, vision, and dental insurance, and company contributions to a retirement plan. Generous paid leave policy, plus at least twelve paid holidays per year. How to Apply
To apply, please combine a compelling cover letter and your resume into a single PDF file and email to personnel@humtn.org by October 20, 2025 . No phone calls, please. Details
Date Posted: September 18, 2025 Type: Full-Time
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Key Responsibilities Strategic Planning: Refine and implement annual and long-range strategic plans for fund development, targeting individual, major donor, corporate, foundation, and government sources. Fundraising Execution: Plan, design, and execute all donor solicitations, including letters, brochures, special campaigns, and face-to-face meetings. Manage key components of the annual fund campaign, such as direct mail and email appeals for our program initiatives and operations, and year-end appeals. Donor Management: Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward new and existing donors to secure unrestricted gifts and meet annual goals. Develop and maintain strong, donor-centric relationships that enhance engagement and experience. Organize donor appreciation and stewardship events to increase retention. Prospect Management: Research prospects and develop systems to ‘set the table’ for the ED to cultivate prospects, steward donors, and secure pledges and gifts. Set up meetings with donors. Board & Volunteer Engagement: Engage the board and regional committee members as fundraising partners and donors. Serve as the staff liaison with the Board Development committee to ensure members have the tools and training to be fully engaged. Grants Management: Maintain a calendar for grant submission and reporting deadlines. Work with the ED and program staff to write and submit quality grant proposals and project budgets. Research new potential corporate and foundation funders. Administration: Develop policies and procedures for the development program that reflect ethical fundraising practices. Monitor, evaluate, and report on all fundraising activities to ensure goals are being met. Create and manage the development budget. Qualifications
Qualifications & Core Competencies Experience: 5+ years of fundraising experience is encouraged. A proven track record of successful fundraising in a non-profit, philanthropic, or educational environment is required. Significant experience with major gift solicitation and stewardship is also needed. Experience with CRM systems, especially Salesforce, is a plus. Education: A degree in a related field (e.g., Non-Profit Management, Business Development, humanities disciplines) is especially meaningful. Attributes & Skills:
In love with the organization’s mission and ready to be a key ambassador. Strategic thinking and planning in fundraising. Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and effective communication skills. Donor-centric mindset with a focus on engagement and experience. Ridiculously detail-oriented with a great memory for detail. Assertive (not aggressive) and goal-oriented . Excellent organizational, planning, and event management abilities. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple priorities.
Additional Information
Benefits package includes medical, vision, and dental insurance, and company contributions to a retirement plan. Generous paid leave policy, plus at least twelve paid holidays per year. How to Apply
To apply, please combine a compelling cover letter and your resume into a single PDF file and email to personnel@humtn.org by October 20, 2025 . No phone calls, please. Details
Date Posted: September 18, 2025 Type: Full-Time
#J-18808-Ljbffr