Director of Development and Events

YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley

Job Title: Director of Development and Events
Reports To: CEO
Job Type: Full-Time (37.5 hours/week), Exempt, Salary
Location: Knoxville, TN
Pay Range: $55,000-65,000, Commensurate with experience

About Us

YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women across East Tennessee. Every day, we put this mission into action through life-saving and life-changing programs that support women, children, and families in six counties.

Rooted in the values of peace, justice, freedom, and dignity, we work to create inclusive systems that strengthen and transform communities. We are a dynamic, mission-driven organization that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth.

Join a passionate team that’s making a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve!

Position Overview

The Director of Development and Events is a key leadership role responsible for driving all fundraising and special event initiatives that support the mission of YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley. This position oversees donor engagement, fundraising strategy, and event execution—leading signature events such as Diversity Day, the Keys of Hope Luncheon, and Tribute to Women.

The Director works in close collaboration with the CEO, Board of Directors, and program staff to diversify revenue streams, build long-term financial sustainability, and deepen community partnerships. This is a strategic, relationship-centered role critical to the organization’s growth and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Fund Development Strategy

· Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan aligned with annual and long-term strategic goals

· Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and community partners

· Diversify funding sources through individual giving, corporate sponsorships, planned giving, and foundation support

· Partner with the CEO and Board on donor strategy and major gift solicitations

Special Event Planning & Sponsorship

· Lead the planning and execution of all major fundraising events, including logistics, marketing, and program elements

· Manage volunteer committees and internal teams to ensure events are impactful and mission-aligned

· Secure and steward event sponsors and in-kind donors

· Oversee event budgets and post-event donor engagement and stewardship

Donor Stewardship & Communications

· Maintain accurate donor records and reporting through CRM (e.g., Bloomerang, Kindful)

· Lead donor retention strategies and recognition programs

· Collaborate with the Communications team to create compelling fundraising appeals, updates, and donor materials

· Coordinate tours, thank-you touchpoints, and personalized donor engagement experiences

Collaboration & Leadership

· Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and leadership team in organizational planning

· Support grant writing and reporting in collaboration with program and finance staff

· Work with the Board Development Committee to increase board giving and engagement

· Supervise and support communications staff and interns, as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

· Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or a related field

· At least 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and event planning

· Proven success in donor cultivation, major gift solicitation, and sponsorship development

· Strong project management skills with keen attention to detail and organization

· Self-motivated and able to manage multiple priorities independently

· Goal-oriented with proven ability to follow through, meet deadlines, and deliver results 

· Commitment to the mission and values of the YWCA

Preferred:

· Experience with CRM donor platforms (e.g., Bloomerang, Kindful, Salesforce)

· Familiarity with the Knoxville philanthropic and corporate community

· Supervisory or leadership experience

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $55,000-65,000, Commensurate with experience

Schedule:

· 37.5 hours per week

· Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (30-minute unpaid lunch break)

· Occasional evening and weekend hours required for events and donor engagement

Location:
Primary office at 420 W Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, TN
Includes periodic work at sites in East Knoxville and Oak Ridge

Benefits Include:

· Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

· Short-term disability, long-term disability, plus life insurance

· Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

· Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program

· Competitive retirement plan with employer contribution

· Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, mental health days, 10 holidays, and office closure between Christmas and New Year’s

YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley is an equal opportunity employer and a proud United Way community partner. We are committed to building a diverse team and fostering an inclusive environment for all employees. We strongly encourage women, individuals from historically excluded communities, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.