Development Director

Description

OVERVIEW

Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) is more than a housing agency — we are a mission-driven organization working to create vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods and expand opportunity for all Knoxvillians. With a legacy of service dating back to 1936, KCDC develops and manages affordable housing, leads major redevelopment initiatives, and partners with community leaders to improve quality of life across the city.

We are seeking a passionate, experienced fundraising leader to join our team as Development Director. This is an extraordinary opportunity to help shape a once-in-a-generation community transformation through our Transforming Western initiative and to build a lasting culture of philanthropy that supports families, neighborhoods, and opportunity.

In partnership with the Chief Strategy Officer, the Development Director will lead the resource generation for towards the execution of a $350 million neighborhood revitalization campaign and develop a robust, sustainable fundraising program to fuel long-term impact. The person in this role will have the rare opportunity to see their work take root — in new parks, youth centers, and community spaces — and know their efforts will ripple through the Knoxville community for generations to come.

If you’re looking for a role where your work directly contributes to equity, community investment, and systemic change — we invite you to join us.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Campaign Leadership

• Complete the Transforming Western capital campaign, securing philanthropic support for critical community investments.
• Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan with a philanthropic revenue goal of $1 million.
• Submit a minimum of 15 grant proposals annually to foundations, corporations, and government funders.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Identify and cultivate new donor relationships across individual, foundation, and corporate sectors.
• Develop and implement major gift strategies, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Design and manage donor recognition strategies, naming opportunities, and campaign-related events.

Communications & Public Relations

• Oversee campaign messaging, donor collateral, and public communications in partnership with KCDC’s PR firm.
• Ensure all fundraising materials and messaging align with KCDC’s mission and campaign goals.

Foundation Oversight

• Manage the Family Investment Foundation, a 501(c)(3) component unit of KCDC, focused on increasing services and supports for very low-income residents.

Analysis & Strategy

• Track and evaluate campaign performance using data and reporting tools.
• Provide strategic recommendations to improve KCDC’s overall fundraising efforts, incorporating industry best practices.

ABOUT TRANSFORMING WESTERN

Transforming Western is a bold, comprehensive initiative to revitalize the Western Heights housing site and surrounding neighborhood. Backed by a $40 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant and more than $350 million in public and private investment, the plan focuses on developing high-quality affordable housing, economic mobility, and community-centered spaces. Philanthropic funding will support new parks, youth facilities, food entrepreneurship hubs, and creative and workforce development spaces.

Requirements

TO BE EFFECTIVE IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL NEED

• A deep commitment to KCDC’s mission and service to the Knoxville community.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit development, with demonstrated success in major gifts and institutional fundraising.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling donor messages and marketing materials.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Expertise in donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising strategy.
• CFRE certification or similar credential is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders is a plus.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and references. Two of your references must specifically relate to your development experience and can attest to your ability to cultivate donors and raise funds. 

Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Authority’s automobile insurance plan at the standard rate. 

BENEFITS

Ensuring you rest from work with generous paid time off benefits 

• Paid vacation with a 240-hour annual roll-over 
• Paid holidays and sick days 

Saving you money and preparing you for retirement 

• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care expenses 
• Pre-tax insurance premiums 
• 8.8% company contribution to Defined Contribution Retirement Plan 
• Roth Account, a post-tax retirement savings plan 
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457b account), a pre-tax retirement savings plan 

Taking care of you and your loved ones 

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options 
• Long-term and short-term disability insurance 
• Free Employee Assistance Program 

Helping you achieve a healthy lifestyle and work/life balance 

• The Healthy Track, a comprehensive wellness program 
• Remote workplace options 
• Flexible work hours 

Supporting your growth and advancement 

• Funds available for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) 
• Tuition assistance for college coursework 

Compensation: Minimum starting pay is commiserate with experience