Director of Development and Marketing

Director of Development & Marketing

Location: Knoxville, TN

Reports to: Executive Director

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary Range: $65,000 - $85,000 (based on experience)

Position Overview

The Director of Marketing & Fundraising is responsible for overseeing all aspects of fundraising, donor engagement, and marketing strategies to advance the mission of VMC. This role focuses on general fundraising, donor cultivation, donor stewardship, database management, and fundraising operations, as well as the execution of annual campaigns, major gifts, and donor appreciation efforts. The director will also lead three major fundraising events per year and actively engage stakeholders, including board members, corporate partners, and community supporters.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Implementation

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan to meet revenue goals.
• Currently responsible for 13% of the $3M budget with expectation for growth.
• Oversee annual giving campaigns, major gift solicitations, and corporate sponsorship initiatives.
• Manage donor acquisition and retention strategies to increase long-term giving.
• Research and identify prospective individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Create compelling fundraising appeals, and sponsorship proposals.
• Collaborate with leadership and board members to develop fundraising priorities and strategies.

Donor Cultivation, Stewardship & Appreciation

• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners.
• Develop and implement donor stewardship programs to recognize and retain supporters.
• Oversee thank-you processes, personalized outreach, donor recognition programs, and impact reporting.
• Plan and execute donor appreciation events to strengthen engagement and commitment.

Database Management & Fundraising Operations

• Manage the donor database, DonorPerfect, to ensure accuracy and data integrity.
• Track donor interactions, contributions, and engagement for reporting and forecasting.
• Develop and implement data-driven fundraising strategies to increase donor retention.
• Generate reports to evaluate fundraising performance and make data-informed decisions.

Event Planning & Execution

• Plan and execute three major fundraising events per year, including a wine & whiskey tasting dinner and auction, a golf tournament and a signature speaking event.
• Coordinate logistics, sponsorships, marketing materials, and event promotion.
• Work with vendors, staff, and volunteers to ensure seamless event execution.
• Develop post-event reports and follow-up strategies to maintain donor engagement.

Marketing & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and execute marketing and communication strategies to promote fundraising initiatives.
• Oversee the creation of campaign materials, newsletters, press releases, and social media content.
• Strengthen brand awareness and community engagement through storytelling and impact messaging.
• Serve as the organization’s public relations representative for fundraising-related activities.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Non-Profit Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, or donor relations in a non-profit setting.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising campaigns, donor cultivation, and major gift solicitation.
• Experience managing a fundraising database/CRM like DonorPerfect.
• Strong event planning skills, with experience executing large-scale fundraising events.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to craft compelling donor messaging.
• Ability to build relationships with donors, sponsors, board members, and community partners.
• Highly organized with strong project management skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with digital marketing, social media, and content creation is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary ($65,000 - $85,000, depending on experience)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance options
• Retirement plan with employer contributions
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Professional development opportunities

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Have you ever worked for a non profit?
• How many years of fundraising experience do you have?

Work Location: In person