Director of Development

Job Description

The Director of Development is a senior leadership position responsible for designing, leading, and executing a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising and development strategy to advance the mission and long-term sustainability of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee (CCETN). Reporting to the Executive Director, this role serves as the organization's chief strategist for philanthropy and revenue growth, with primary accountability for achieving annual fundraising goals, diversifying funding sources, and strengthening relationships with donors, institutions, and community partners.

The Director of Development advises the Executive Director and Board of Trustees on funding opportunities, risks, trends, and strategic investments, and serves as a principal external ambassador for CCETN's philanthropic efforts. This position provides strategic direction to development staff, who are responsible for operational execution of campaigns, events, communications, and outreach initiatives. The Director of Development ensures that all development activities align with ethical standards, donor intent, and the agency's mission.

Job Responsibilities:

• Establish and execute a comprehensive multi-year development strategy aligned with organizational priorities and growth objectives
• Own and achieve annual fundraising revenue goals across all funding streams
• Diversify and expand funding sources, including individual giving, major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, parish partnerships, planned giving, and capital initiatives
• Advise executive leadership on financial sustainability, funding risks, and emerging philanthropic trends
• Direct allocation of development resources to maximize return on investment
• Lead major gift strategy and personally cultivate, solicit, and steward high-capacity donors
• Identify, engage, and maintain relationships with individuals capable of transformational gifts
• Oversee planned giving initiatives and legacy programs
• Establish policies and best practices for donor stewardship, recognition, and gift acceptance
• Strengthen long-term donor retention and lifetime value
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees to advance fundraising priorities
• Engage and support board members in their roles as ambassadors and fundraisers
• Provide regular strategic updates on fundraising performance, pipeline development, and key initiatives
• Partner with leadership to position CCETN for major funding opportunities and strategic initiatives
• Serve as chief representative of CCETN to donors, foundations, corporate partners, parishes, and community leaders
• Build high-level partnerships that enhance visibility, credibility, and philanthropic support
• Position the organization competitively for major grants, collaborative funding, and capital projects
• Provide strategic direction for all development functions, including fundraising campaigns, donor communications, events, and outreach
• Ensure alignment of marketing and communications efforts with fundraising objectives and organizational messaging
• Oversee the integrity and strategic use of the donor database for decision-making and performance tracking
• Guide creation of compelling fundraising appeals and case statements that communicate mission impact
• Recruit, develop, and supervise development personnel to achieve performance targets
• Provide strategic direction to marketing initiatives
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven team culture
• Build internal capacity for sustainable fundraising growth
• Develop and manage the development budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources
• Monitor fundraising performance through key metrics, including revenue, donor acquisition and retention, campaign results, and return on investment
• Analyze data to inform strategic decisions and continuous improvement
• Provide regular reports to executive leadership and the Board

Job Requirements:

• Must possess interpersonal influence and charisma to help build important donor and volunteer relationships
• Must be comfortable meeting with and gaining the financial support of wealthy individuals
• Must enjoy being the visible face of an organization driven to be the hands, the feet, and the heart of Jesus to the poor and vulnerable of East Tennessee
• Must be able to move objects weighing up to 25 lbs
• Must successfully pass all required screening procedures
• Must possess a valid driver's license
• Must be willing to travel if required
• Must maintain any training and certification requirements
• Must support the teachings of the Catholic Church and embody our organization's mission and culture through behavior and daily interactions
• Regular and predictable on-site attendance is required

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit management, Business or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a track record of successful donor cultivation, major gift solicitation, and grant writing
• Knowledge of PowerPoint, Mail chimp, Raiser's Edge, and media analysis tools
• Highly organized
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling fundraising appeals and presentations
• Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively internally and externally
• Work well under pressure with deadlines and be skilled in prioritizing responsibilities
• Commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, board members, volunteers, donors, and other supporters

About the Employer

WHO WE ARE: A coalition of service driven community centered programs empowered by the grace of Jesus Christ. We help foster human dignity of the vulnerable in our region through shelter, counseling, education, advocacy, and reverence for life.

WHAT WE DO: CCETN provides services to anyone with demonstrated need, regardless of race, income or religion; we estimate that fewer than 5% of all clients served are Catholic. We welcome opportunities to work collaboratively with other community resources to serve those in need.

WHAT WE BELIEVE: Following the example of service Christ lived on Earth, we promise to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us. We are guided by the principles of Catholic Teaching including reverence for all life, compassion, and integrity for all people.