Director of Advancement

Division: Development

Reports to:  COO, CEO

Location: 1705 S Holtzclaw Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404

Classification: Full-time, Hybrid, Exempt

Date Updated: November 2025

Purpose:

The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer is a nonprofit organization committed to erasing the effects of pediatric cancer and optimizing quality of life through comprehensive care and services. From diagnosis through survivorship, we empower children and families by providing access to life-changing therapies, education, and support—always at no cost to them.

Overview:

The Director of Advancement leads strategic growth of major gifts, planned giving, and philanthropic partnerships, ensuring AHF has the resources to expand programs, grow services, and deepen impact.

They are the organization’s chief relationship builder and storyteller — fostering meaningful engagement with donors, corporate partners, foundations, and community champions.

This position focuses on long-range advancement strategy, legacy giving, transformational philanthropy, and vision casting, and collaborates closely with the CEO, COO, and Board to secure mission-advancing investments.

This role is distinguished from the Director of Development, who oversees annual fundraising programs, campaigns, grants, and events execution.

Roles Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities:

·       Serve as a visible and enthusiastic ambassador for the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, actively promoting its mission, programs, and impact.

·       Advocate for families navigating the effects of pediatric cancer through compassionate community engagement.

·       Collaborate across departments to ensure all events and initiatives align with organizational values and strategic goals.

Job Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership Vision

·       Build and execute a multi-year advancement strategy aligned with AHF’s long-term vision

·       Set major giving and planned giving goals; monitor and report progress

·       Identify philanthropic trends, growth opportunities, and mission-aligned partners

Major Gift Transformational Philanthropy

·       Manage portfolio of major donors and prospects ($10,000 annually)

·       Lead solicitation strategy for gifts that accelerate mission growth and capital initiatives

·       Create donor investment opportunities tied to impact and programmatic priorities

Planned Giving & Legacy Programs

·       Establish and lead AHF’s planned giving program

·       Develop donor education and marketing to promote legacy and endowment gifts

·       Cultivate relationships with estate planners, fund advisors, legal partners

Board & Executive Collaboration

·       Partner with Board members to steward donor relationships and support peer cultivation

·       Guide Advancement Committee strategy and engagement

·       Serve as philanthropic advisor to the CEO and leadership team

Donor Stewardship & Impact Communication

·       Develop customized donor engagement plans and impact stewardship touchpoints

·       Partner with Development team to ensure accurate CRM data and donor reporting

·       Lead personalized donor recognition strategy for high-level supporters

Database & Systems Oversight

·       Ensure CRM accuracy, donor segmentation, and reporting

·       Maintain donor records, tracking, and acknowledgment processes

·       Monitor metrics to evaluate fundraising program performance

Partnership & Community Relations

·       Build corporate, community, and foundation philanthropic relationships

·       Represent AHF at mission-critical events, meetings, and speaking opportunities

Team Collaboration

·       Mentor development team members in principal & major-gift strategy

·       Collaborate on messaging, impact communications, and donor journeys

Supervision

·       Provide support and oversight for fundraising team

Qualifications:

·       Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.

·       7–10 years of progressive fundraising experience, with a proven record in major gifts and planned giving.

·       Proven track record of securing 5- and 6-figure gifts; capital and planned giving preferred

·       Strong executive presence and passion for mission-driven work

·       Skilled communicator, storyteller, and relationship builder

·       Familiarity with CRM platforms (Bloomerang, Raiser’s Edge, Neon, etc.)

·       Valid driver’s license; regional travel required

·       Passion for the mission of the Austin Hatcher Foundation and a deep commitment to improving the lives of children and families affected by pediatric cancer.

·       Must successfully complete a credit and criminal background check

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.