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:

1. 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.

2. Prospect Research: Identify new potential funders (foundations, leadership donors, and corporate partners).

3. Donor Stewardship:
   Maintain and deepen relationships with all levels of investment through a comprehensive stewardship program.

4. Grants Management: Establish and refine processes for drafting grant applications,
   recordkeeping, and compliance.

5. 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.