Director of Advancement

Safer TN Director of Advancement

Mission & Context

• 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.

Key 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 & Required Skills

• 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.

Compensation & Logistics

• Salary: $80,000 – $100,000, depending on experience.

• Full-time position.

• 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.

• Location: Based in Nashville, TN. Candidates should be willing to live in (or relocate to) Nashville.

• Travel: Occasional travel across Tennessee for meetings and events may be required.

• Application: Reviewed on a rolling basis until xx

• Diversity Statement: Voices for a Safer Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer.