Chief Development Officer

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER OPPORTUNITY

APPLICATIONS DUE: SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 (via email only, not LinkedIn)

Build the relationships and resources that make affordable homeownership possible

BUILDING MORE THAN HOMES

For more than four decades, Knoxville Habitat for Humanity has brought people together to build homes, communities and hope.

Our work begins with a simple conviction: everyone deserves a decent place to live. We put that conviction into action by partnering with families—not as recipients, but as active participants in building greater strength, stability and independence.

Habitat homeowners work alongside volunteers to build or improve a place they can call home and assume an affordable mortgage. Donors, faith communities, businesses, volunteers and neighborhood partners make that work possible.

Together, they help create lasting change for families and communities throughout Knox County.

Knoxville Habitat is an independent, nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry and has been an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International since 1985.

OUR MISSION

Seeking to put God's love into action, Knoxville Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

OUR VISION

A world where everyone has a decent place to live.

OPPORTUNITY AHEAD

Knoxville Habitat is seeking a Chief Development Officer who can turn belief in the mission into deeper relationships, stronger philanthropic investment and sustainable organizational growth.

This leader will inherit a broad platform for impact: individual and major giving, corporate and faith partnerships, grants, sponsorships, events, planned giving, donor stewardship and a growing network of community partners.

The opportunity is not simply to maintain these efforts. It is to bring them together into a disciplined, ambitious and relationship-centered development strategy capable of supporting Knoxville Habitat's next chapter.

The right leader will combine ambition with humility, strategy with follow-through and confidence with a deeply collaborative spirit.

• A relationship builder with demonstrated success securing significant philanthropic support.
• A strategist who can translate priorities into a focused and measurable development plan.
• A team leader who creates clarity, develops people and builds accountability.
• A compelling communicator who can articulate the urgency and promise of affordable housing.
• An operator who values accurate data, strong systems and ethical fundraising practices.
• A trusted partner to the CEO, Board, staff and community.
• A thoughtful problem-solver who can lead complex initiatives across departments.
• A leader who embodies the dignity, hope and partnership at the heart of the Habitat mission.

The Chief Development Officer will lead all fundraising, business development and stakeholder-related revenue generation for Knoxville Habitat for Humanity. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CDO will shape and execute a comprehensive development strategy, strengthen the organization's philanthropic partnerships and build the people, systems and accountability needed for sustainable growth.

It is also an organizational leadership role. The CDO will coach the development team, partner with the Board and Development Committee, strengthen the use of DonorPerfect and translate fundraising activity into measurable progress.

OUR CULTURE

Join an energetic and committed team that values collaboration, innovation, and the shared goal of improving lives through affordable housing. Our workplace is supportive, engaging, and deeply rewarding.

SALARY & BENEFITS

• Salary is $100,000 - $110,000
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Simple IRA with a 3% Company Match
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off

DIVERSITY

Knoxville Habitat for Humanity is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to reflect the diverse community we serve and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our shared success. Additionally, we are a drug free workplace.

HOW TO APPLY

Knoxville Habitat for Humanity has engaged Nonprofit Leadership LLC to lead this search. Nonprofit Leadership LLC will serve as the primary point of contact for candidates throughout the recruitment process.

Interested candidates should submit:

• A current resume and a personalized cover letter describing a favorite moment in their work as a fundraiser and what made that experience meaningful.
• Application materials should be emailed to elle@nonprofit-leadership.com.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and must be received by September 17, 2026.

All final hiring decisions remain with Knoxville Habitat for Humanity.