Director of Development (2025-2026 SY) at Valor Collegiate Academies

DescriptionLocation: Nashville TNEmployment Type: Full-time in-person 12-month positionSalary: Range is between $81840-$94160 and placement is based on years of comparable professional experienceWhy Valor Valor Collegiate Academies based in Nashville Tennessee stands out for its unique blend of academic excellence and holistic student development. Our network comprises three high performing schools a trailblazing Innovation team and a nationwide Impact team.Valor is consistently ranked among the top 5% of schools in Tennessee for both achievement and growth. Our students outperform statewide averages with ACT scores in the 99th percentile for open-enrollment schools. Our three schools have received A ratings from the Tennessee Department of Education excelling in academics growth and college readiness.Our Compass model is central to our mission emphasizing comprehensive human development alongside rigorous academics. This approach nurtures relationships and identity-building preparing students for both academic success and personal growth. Valor fosters a community intentionally diverse by income and race and this inclusive environment enriches student learning and ensures opportunities across demographics.About the Role:As one of the premiere education organizations in the country Valor is seeking a dynamic Director of Fundraising & Development to lead our fundraising and revenue strategy as we work to transform what it means to educate children in America. The ideal candidate will bring proven experience in raising funds coupled with a strategic partnership-oriented approach working side-by-side with Senior Management to craft a compelling narrative for our work that inspires donors and attracts supporters to our organization.Core Responsibilities:Funder RelationshipsMeeting Prep:Support Valors CEO Managing Directors or Board members to be successful champions of Valors work through strategic and intentional meeting prep crafting meeting agendas details and pointed talking points and suggesting targeted follow ups and next stepsMaintain detailed record of funding meetings to ensure overall engagement strategy is efficient aligned to funder interests and moves the relationship forwardDonor Cultivation and Stewardship:Develop and cultivate relationships with both individual and institutional donorsSupport Valors CEO and Managing Directors to develop cultivate and steward relationships with high leverage donorsProactively engage current and potential donors in Valors work through regular check-ins site visits events etc.Manage and support the CEO and Managing Directors funder relationships draft notes send reminders and keep track of follow ups and tasks related to funding opportunitiesFunder Communications:Develop a communications strategy that engages funders on a regular cadence sharing updates from the work stories from students learnings and insights and moreBoard Engagement:Proactively and regularly engage Valors Board of Directors in fundraising efforts by helping them mine their network identify potential connections and cultivate and steward donorsProspect Research:Conduct targeted research to identify new potential funders that align to Valors overall mission (organization wide and impact team missions)Find network connections to prospective funders leveraging Valors staff and board relationships to ensure warm outreach as much as possibleDraft outreach for Valors CEO and Managing Directors to share with prospectsCreate a simple contact relationship manager (CRM) systemMaintain accurate and up-to-date CRM that the broader team can access and interact withGrant Writing & Report Management:Research potential grant opportunities such as RFPs and open applicationsDevelop and submit proposals for funding aligned with Valors strategic prioritiesKeep accurate and up-to-date records of all grant proposals submitted and receivedProject manage all reporting requirements to ensure accurately and timely submission of reportsRevenue Strategy Integration:Coordinate and collaborate with Valor staff as part of annual strategic planning process to ensure and align philanthropic goals with overall organizational revenue strategyTeam Leadership & Development:Lead manage and support the core members of the team that support development (CEO Managing Directors members of the Board)Foster a collaborative and goal-oriented team environmentCritical Experiences and Qualifications:Experiences:Must have Bachelors degreeProven Fundraising Strategy & Execution: Demonstrated success in developing and implementing effective strategies that consistently meet or exceed fundraising goals of $1M annually.Donor Cultivation & Stewardship: Skilled in building and sustaining long-term relationships with foundations and individual donors including major gift solicitation and multi-year engagement.Grant Writing & Management: Extensive experience in writing securing and managing grants aligned with organizational goals.CRM & Data-Driven Development: Proficient in using CRM systems to track donor engagement manage deadlines and drive strategy through data insights.Strategic Project & Financial Management: Expertise in planning and executing fundraising initiatives with strong budgeting and financial oversight.Inspiring Team & Board Leadership: Builds high-performing teams and collaborates effectively with board members to expand networks and resources.Public Speaking & Storytelling: Confident communicator who inspires audiences and donors through persuasive mission-driven messaging.Innovative Fundraising Leadership: A creative visionary leader with a proven track record of growing revenue and championing organizational impact.Knowledge:Understanding of Philanthropy: In-depth knowledge of the local philanthropic landscape including key donors at the local regional and statewide levels.Fundraising Opportunities: Skilled in identifying and leveraging fundraising opportunities to align with organizational goals.Crafting Compelling Narratives: Proficient in understanding donor interests and creating impactful tailored stories to inspire support.Trend Awareness: Keen awareness of evolving philanthropic trends emerging funders and changes shaping the field of giving.CRM Management: Ability to effectively use or develop a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to organize donor and funder relationships.Key Mindsets:You find excitement and joy in cultivating funder relationships and identifying funding to support Valors missionYou know development inside and out and are deeply excited about the role philanthropy plays in transforming communitiesYou are autonomous and a self-starterYou are a visionary and results-driven professional who combines strategic insight with operational excellenceInterview Process: Resume ReviewPhone InterviewPerformance TaskLeadership InterviewReference ChecksOffer ExtensionCommitment to Diversity Equity and Inclusion: Valor believes in the importance of being a diverse equitable and inclusive organization that enables students and staff to thrive. As an equal opportunity employer we do not discriminate on the basis of race religion color national origin gender sexual orientation age marital status veteran status or disability status. We actively seek applications from people of all backgrounds to strengthen our community and the perspectives needed to thrive in a diverse world.Required Experience:Director Key Skills Crisis Management,Marketing,Public Relations,Fundraising,Media Relations,Constant Contact,Strategic Planning,Social Media Management,Team Management,Public Speaking,Wordpress,Writing Skills Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Monthly Salary Salary: 81840 - 94160