Job Description
Job Summary
- Voices for a Safer Tennessee is a nonpartisan, nonprofit coalition with nearly 30,000 members in all 95 counties. We are committed to advancing firearm safety policies and programs that both protect our communities and respect the Second Amendment.
- The Director of Advancement is a senior leadership role that reports directly to the Executive Director. This role helps shape how Safer TN grows: in financial sustainability, as a staff-led organization, and in impact.
- By overseeing advancement and development, this director helps ensure long-term viability — building systems that let Safer TN continue operating effectively, stay financially healthy, and grow our statewide coalition.
- Safer TN’s annual fundraising will surpass $1,000,000 in 2025. This new role will build on our success.
Job Responsibilities
- Development & Fundraising
- Design and execute a comprehensive development strategy that includes:
- Annual Fundraising: Develop a plan with clear goals, benchmarks, and reporting systems. This will include statewide fundraising events and campaigns around Giving Tuesday and legislative session.
- Prospect Research: Identify new potential funders (foundations, leadership donors, and corporate partners).
- Donor Stewardship:
Maintain and deepen relationships with all levels of investment through a comprehensive stewardship program. - Grants Management: Establish and refine processes for drafting grant applications,
recordkeeping, and compliance. - Communications: Work with the Director of Communications and Marketing to craft donor-facing materials: appeals, thank you letters, receipts, pledge reminders, event invitations, and the Annual Impact Report.
- Operations & Systems Management
- Develop or revise internal processes, policies, and workflows that guide grants management, record keeping, and compliance.
- Ensure Safer TN has strong systems and appropriate tools in place to support continued growth and organizational resilience.
- Maintain meticulous records of solicitations, acknowledgments, stewardship touches, and other contact with donors.
- Performance Monitoring & Reporting
- Establish metrics and KPIs to track development and advancement goals.
- Prepare regular reports for the board and leadership team on development progress, strategy implementation, and operational performance.
- Financial & Budget Oversight
- Manage the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors including scheduling committee meetings, developing agendas, and regular connection with Safer TN Treasurer/Finance Committee Chair.
- Support budgeting related to development initiatives and strategic projects.
- Monitor financial health tied to fundraising goals, cash flow, and long-term sustainability.
- People & Culture Advancement
- Work with the Executive Director to oversee semiannual staff evaluations.
- Plan and execute semiannual staff planning and professional development retreats to improve collaboration and performance.
- Perform other duties in support of Safer TN’s mission as needed.
Qualifications
- Experience:
- Minimum ~5 years of progressive experience in operations, development, or nonprofit leadership; 7+ years preferred.
- Demonstrated success in developing and executing fundraising plans.
- Proven track record of cultivating and securing philanthropic support.
- Education:Bachelor’s degree required.
- Skills:
- Highly organized, with strong attention to detail, and balancing multiple priorities.
- Comfortable working in a small, collaborative, fast-moving nonprofit.
- People management for volunteers, consultants, and other leaders.
- Ability to make a direct financial request of a potential donor.
- Strategic planning skills and experience leading organizational strategy.
- Communication skills: both written and verbal.
- Relationship-building skills – for funders, board, community partners.
- Experience in budget and financial planning.
- High degree of professionalism, leadership capacity, and the ability to work cross-functionally.
- Personal Characteristics:
- Passion for Safer TN’s mission and values.
- Flexible, solutions-oriented thinker who thrives in a changing advocacy environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills; ability to build trust across diverse communities.
- Familiarity with Tennessee’s political / policy environment is a plus.
- Familiarity or background with firearms is a plus but not required.
Additional Information
Benefits
- Healthcare and technology stipend provided.
- Generous PTO, including sick leave, vacation days, and holiday schedules.
- Flexible, remote work environment (1-2 days in office per week).
- Opportunities for growth and professional development.
- Reimbursement for mileage and event-related expenses.
How to Apply
Details
- Date Posted: November 20, 2025
- Type: Full-Time
- Job Function: Executive Leadership
- Service Area: Community Development
- Start Date: 01/05/2026
- Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000
- Working Hours: 40 hrs/wk; M-F, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Job Tags
Full time, Work at office, Flexible hours, 2 days per week, 1 day per week,