Development Manager

Development Manager – Nashville, TN

About Rally Foundation

Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to funding the most promising childhood cancer research with the goal of finding better treatments and cures. Rally empowers communities nationwide to raise awareness and critical funds to advance research and support families.

We are mission-driven, community-focused, innovative, and committed to excellence in everything we do.

Position Overview

The Development Manager (Nashville) is a frontline fundraising leader responsible for driving revenue growth across Nashville and the state of Tennessee. This role is accountable for building high-value relationships and securing significant philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, and community partners. Working with the Rally team, leadership and board will be a key element in this positions success. 

Success in this role requires a proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and close gifts, develop strategic partnerships, and execute fundraising initiatives that generate measurable revenue.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Revenue Generation (Primary Focus)

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to grow revenue across Tennessee, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation support, and individual giving
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors through meetings, calls, events, and personalized engagement strategies
• Identify, build, and close high-level donor and sponsor relationships
• Expand and manage corporate partnerships with a results-driven sponsorship approach
• Actively manage a pipeline of prospects and donors, with clear revenue goals and accountability
• Identify and pursue new revenue opportunities to drive sustainable growth

Events & Campaigns

• Lead fundraising efforts for Rally’s signature fundraising events and campaigns, including (but not limited to) Rally On the Runway, Rally In the Round and peer-to-peer initiatives
• Partner with events and other internal teams and volunteers to ensure events meet or exceed revenue targets
• Leverage events and campaigns as key tools for donor acquisition, engagement, and revenue growth

Leadership & Community Engagement

• Work in partnership with the Rally Tennessee Leadership Board, providing direction, accountability, and execution support
• Collaborate with the Rally Young Professionals and other volunteer groups to expand community engagement and fundraising reach
• Represent Rally in Tennessee, building visibility and strategic relationships

Collaboration

• Partner with Rally’s national development team to align strategy, share best practices, and maximize fundraising outcomes
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, family programs, and operations to support overall mission delivery

Key Attributes

• Relationship-Driven Fundraiser: Proven ability to build trust and convert relationships into revenue
• Results-Oriented: Motivated by goals, metrics, and achieving fundraising targets
• Strategic & Proactive: Takes initiative and identifies opportunities for growth
• Strong Communicator: Confident in donor-facing settings, including meetings and presentations
• Highly Organized: Manages multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative Leader: Works effectively with staff, boards, and volunteers

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field
• 3 years of experience in fundraising, sales, or revenue-generating roles
• Demonstrated success in securing gifts or revenue from individuals, corporations, and/or foundations
• Experience in donor cultivation, sponsorship sales, and event-based fundraising preferred
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; Salesforce or CRM experience preferred
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed

Reports To

Senior Development Manager

Work Environment

Full-time position based in Nashville, TN, with occasional travel and event support outside standard business hours.

Requirements and Essential Functions

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation 

• Available 40 hours per week. Additional hours may be required. Attendance at events is mandatory.
• Standard schedule is Monday and Friday remote; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in-office. Flexibility required for occasional in-office Mondays or Fridays. 
• Ability to work some nights and weekends
• Must be able to stand for extended periods during events and volunteer coordination. 
• Must be able to work at a computer for extended periods and manage multiple communication platforms. 
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs. 


To Apply

Please apply through this online portal or send a cover letter and resume to jobs@rallyfoundation.org. No phone calls, please.