Jobloria
Director of Development
Center For Nonprofit Management
Location : Nashville, TN, 37201
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : $100,000
Date Posted : 1 December 2025
Paid time off (PTO)
Director of DevelopmentAscension Saint Thomas FoundationApply
Job SummaryThe Director of Development leads the major gifts program for Ascension Saint Thomas Foundations, managing Major Gift Officers and overseeing the donor pipeline. The Director engages key clinicians, develops fundraising strategies, and coordinates donor communications. The position requires proven success in major gifts fundraising, team leadership, and excellent communication skills.
Job Responsibilities- Lead the major gifts program and serve as a frontline fundraiser, driving all major gifts fundraising activity and taking accountability for major gifts fundraising goals.
- Hire, train, develop, manage, and evaluate major gift officer positions and take responsibility for their output and progress to goals.
- Manage an active portfolio of 50-75 top donor prospects with the capacity to give $100,000 or more and develop identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies in line with Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation priorities.
- Proactively engage the Vice President and Chief Development Officer to develop and implement major gifts fundraising plans and ensures annual fundraising goals are met for priority service lines and programs.
- Establish and execute strategies that result in continuously rising standards and expectations in fundraising goals, as well as individual and institutional levels of giving, to significantly improve the Foundation’s annual philanthropy baseline.
- Support grateful patient philanthropy efforts by engaging key clinicians as philanthropy champions.
- Coordinate with communications team leadership to develop and implement donor communications, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for personal portfolio as well as major gift prospects generally.
- Utilize time, knowledge, and expertise from all Foundation leadership and team members in an effective and efficient manner.
- Represent Ascension Saint Thomas at both internal and external functions and events and work effectively with a wide range of constituencies including staff, board members, and donors.
- Implement tracking systems to manage and refine donor pipeline and engagement throughout the fiscal year, adhering to all business practices for reporting information in Raiser’s Edge donor database.
- High school diploma equivalency with 4 years of experience OR associate degree/bachelor’s degree OR 6 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required.
- Understanding and appreciation of Ascension Saint Thomas’ mission.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and excellent attention to detail.
- Experience leading, implementing, and integrating a full range of development programs, including major gifts fundraising and project-based initiatives.
- Demonstrated success in managing and training individuals or teams.
- Demonstrated experience and progressive responsibility in fundraising, with a strong grasp of and commitment to best practices in all areas of development.
- Proven track record of closing five, six, and seven-figure gifts.
- Have the ability to think creatively to identify ways to implement development best practices within a unique organization and staffing structure.
- Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to work independently with little supervision.
- Ability to creatively conceptualize and implement new projects and high-level strategy.
- Proficiency with Google applications, especially Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets and Slides, and development databases and communications technologies. Experience with Raiser’s Edge, Constant Contact, Classy, and DonorSearch are preferred.
Paid time off (PTO)
Various health insurance options & wellness plans
Retirement benefits including employer match plans
Long-term & short-term disability
Employee assistance programs (EAP)
Parental leave & adoption assistance
Tuition reimbursement
Ways to give back to your community
Benefit options and eligibility vary by position. Compensation varies based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, performance, location and salary range at the time of the offer.
How to ApplyClick here to apply
Details- Date Posted: November 19, 2025
- Type: Full-Time
- Job Function: Fundraising / Revenue Development
- Service Area: Health (Physical, Mental)
- Start Date: 01/01/2025
- Working Hours: 40 hrs/wk; M-F, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Freqently Asked Questions
Nashville has seen growing demand for experienced fundraising leaders like Directors of Development, especially in health-focused nonprofits. Competition is moderate, with candidates possessing proven major gifts success and leadership skills standing out amid a tight talent pool driven by the city's expanding philanthropic ecosystem.
While no single certification is mandatory, credentials such as CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) and advanced training in nonprofit leadership are highly valued in Nashville's health nonprofit community. These credentials signal expertise in donor relations and strategy, aligning well with regional fundraising best practices.
Applicants often focus on strategic donor cultivation, leadership of fundraising teams, and mastery of donor database systems. Strong communication skills and a track record in securing six-figure gifts are also key proficiencies that hiring managers expect for Director of Development roles.
Beyond direct fundraising, this role typically includes mentoring major gift officers, collaborating with clinical champions to bolster philanthropic engagement, and integrating donor communication strategies with marketing efforts—ensuring a holistic approach to development within the organization.
Progression often leads towards senior leadership roles such as Vice President of Development or Chief Development Officer. Expanding skills in strategic planning, team management, and cross-department collaboration enhances upward mobility within nonprofit healthcare organizations.
This organization emphasizes a collaborative environment where the Director leads major gifts while partnering closely with clinical teams and foundation leadership. The role balances high-level strategy with hands-on donor engagement, reflecting the Center’s commitment to impactful, mission-driven fundraising.
The Center provides robust infrastructure, including advanced donor databases, marketing coordination, and leadership support. Directors benefit from a team-oriented culture that fosters shared accountability and continuous improvement toward ambitious major gift goals.
Salaries for Directors of Development in Nashville’s nonprofit health organizations typically range between $90,000 and $130,000 annually. Compensation varies based on experience, fundraising track record, and the specific demands of managing large donor portfolios.
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