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Job SummaryDirector of Development
Reports To:Executive DirectorLocation:Tennessee Soccer Club Headquarters (Franklin, TN)Position Type:Full-Time, Exempt
Overview
The Director of Development is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to advance the mission of Tennessee Soccer Club (TSC). This individual will oversee all aspects of annual giving, corporate giving, and major gift initiatives, including the club’s capital campaign to build its new multi-sport complex in College Grove, TN.
The ideal candidate is a strategic, relationship-driven professional who thrives in a collaborative, mission-focused environment and can effectively engage donors, corporate partners, alumni, and community stakeholders to support the continued growth of TSC.
Job ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities
Fundraising & Philanthropy
- Develop and execute an integrated annual giving plan that cultivates broad-based support from families, alumni, and community members.
- Manage and grow a major gifts portfolio, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors capable of significant contributions.
- Partner with the Executive Director and relevant committees to implement strategies for capital campaign fundraising, including naming rights, lead gifts, and community engagement.
- Create compelling donor communications, case statements, and campaign materials aligned with TSC’s mission and values.
- Work alongside relevant TSC staff to enhance and execute TSC Cares outreach initiatives each year.
- Identify opportunities for TSC fundraising events and collaborate with appropriate staff to plan and implement them effectively.
Corporate Giving
- Lead all efforts to expand corporate giving revenue, identifying and soliciting businesses across Middle Tennessee on behalf of TSC.
- Collaborate with the Director of Marketing & Sponsorship and the Director of Strategic Initiatives to align corporate relationships with club partnerships, events, and community programs.
- Cultivate and steward ongoing relationships with business and civic leaders to strengthen TSC’s visibility and community impact.
Campaign Leadership
- Serve as the day-to-day project lead for TSC’s Capital Campaign, coordinating with internal and external partners.
- Support prospect research, campaign materials, donor tracking, and meeting coordination.
- Assist with campaign events, donor recognition programs, and reporting to the Executive Director.
Stewardship & Reporting
- Ensure timely donor acknowledgments, recognition, and impact reporting.
- Track and report fundraising performance metrics, campaign progress, and sponsorship outcomes.
- Maintain accurate records in TSC’s donor management system and ensure compliance with ethical fundraising standards and best practices.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- 5+ years of development, fundraising, or sponsorship experience—ideally within nonprofit, education, or sports organizations.
- Proven success in securing major gifts and managing fundraising campaigns.
- Strong understanding of corporate sponsorship strategy and fulfillment.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Passion for youth sports, community impact, and the mission of TSC.
Benefits
We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to team members is enhanced by a competitive compensation, benefits, and incentive package, and a supportive environment that promotes professional growth and community engagement.
How to ApplyPosition Details
- Date Posted:October 21, 2025
- Type:Full-Time
- Job Function:Revenue Development / Fundraising
- Service Area:Sports / Recreation and Events
- Start Date:December 1, 2025
- Salary Range:$60,000+ based on experience
- Working Hours:40 hrs/week; Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Submit Resume:HR@tennesseesoccerclub.org
- Date Posted: October 31, 2025
- Type: Full-Time
- Job Function: Fundraising / Revenue Development
- Service Area: Children / Youth
- Start Date: 12/01/2025
- Salary Range: 60,000+ based on experience
- Working Hours: 40 hrs/week; Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Freqently Asked Questions
A Director of Development in nonprofit sports typically combines fundraising expertise with relationship management, strategic planning, and community engagement skills. Mastery in cultivating major gifts, orchestrating capital campaigns, and collaborating with corporate partners is essential to drive sustained revenue growth and support mission-focused initiatives effectively.
Advancement often involves stepping into executive leadership, such as Chief Development Officer or VP of Philanthropy positions. Growth hinges on proven success in donor engagement, team leadership, and innovative fundraising strategies, especially within mission-driven organizations emphasizing youth sports or community programs.
Daily tasks usually revolve around managing donor portfolios, coordinating fundraising events, liaising with community stakeholders, and overseeing campaign progress. Given Franklin's vibrant nonprofit ecosystem, balancing outreach with strategic planning and team collaboration is critical to achieving fundraising targets.
Certifications like Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) are highly regarded in Tennessee's nonprofit sector. Additionally, credentials focusing on grant writing, nonprofit management, or community engagement can bolster credibility, especially when leading complex fundraising efforts in sports organizations like Tennessee Soccer Club.
The Center emphasizes mission-driven collaboration and community impact, meaning their Director of Development must foster meaningful donor relationships while aligning fundraising tactics with organizational values. This culture demands adaptability, transparent communication, and innovative engagement to support TSC's growth and capital projects.
Given the focus on youth sports and a significant capital campaign, the role requires balancing long-term infrastructure fundraising with immediate donor engagement. Navigating partnerships with local businesses and maintaining visibility in a competitive Tennessee fundraising landscape adds layers of complexity compared to more traditional nonprofits.
The salary typically starts around $60,000 and can rise based on experience and fundraising success. Franklin's cost of living and nonprofit demand influence compensation, with sports-focused nonprofits often offering performance incentives alongside base pay to attract skilled development professionals.
Franklin's growing nonprofit sector and emphasis on youth sports create steady demand for experienced development leaders. Proximity to Nashville's corporate sponsors and community engagement opportunities also heightens competition, making networking and local reputation valuable assets for candidates.
The role uniquely integrates sports-centric donor engagement, leveraging community passion for youth athletics. Strategies include tailored corporate sponsorships, capital campaign leadership for sports facilities, and creative outreach that aligns with Tennessee Soccer Club’s mission, differing from general nonprofit fundraising approaches.
This position blends sports enthusiasm with fundraising acumen, requiring deep community ties and understanding of youth development through athletics. Unlike healthcare or education, it demands aligning donor interests with recreational infrastructure projects and fostering corporate partnerships linked to sports sponsorships.
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