Overview
Director of Development Jobs in Nashville Metropolitan Area at Saddle Up!
Title: Director of Development
Company: Saddle Up!
Location: Nashville Metropolitan Area
Job Summary: The Director of Development is a senior leader responsible for the leadership, planning, implementation, and management of Saddle Up!’s comprehensive fundraising program. This role drives strategic donor engagement, including the identification, cultivation, and stewardship of individuals, corporations, and partners who are inspired to make long-term investments in the mission. The Director leads the development and execution of innovative fundraising strategies, leveraging data, database management, and emerging technology to strengthen performance and expand revenue streams. With a focus on transformational giving, this position provides creative campaign leadership across individual, major, and corporate philanthropy, while also guiding efforts related to grant writing, major fundraising events, and stewardship initiatives. In partnership with the CEO and Board, the Director of Development plays a critical role in advancing capital and endowment campaigns and ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of Saddle Up!.
About Saddle Up: Saddle Up! is a PATH International Premier Accredited Center dedicated to helping children and young adults with disabilities grow, develop, and thrive through therapeutic, educational, and recreational activities with horses. For more than 35 years, Saddle Up! has served Middle Tennessee by providing adaptive riding, therapy services, and equine-assisted learning programs that build confidence, improve physical and emotional well-being, and create meaningful connections. With a strong commitment to accessibility, safety, and individualized care, Saddle Up! offers life-changing experiences where every rider is supported, celebrated, and truly “Equal in the Saddle.”
Status: Full Time/Exempt
Reports to: CEO
Supervises: Community Engagement Manager, Development Coordinator and assigned volunteers (individuals and groups).
Hours: 40 hours a week with a 5-day work week as standard and schedule may vary based on Saddle Up!’s needs including, but not limited to, activities such as special events, speaking engagements, etc. This is a full-time, exempt position as a member of the SU! Senior Management team.
Skills & Qualifications
- Deep commitment to the mission of Saddle Up! and a demonstrated passion for serving riders, families, donors, and the broader community
- Minimum of 5+ years of progressive nonprofit development leadership experience, with a track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals across multiple revenue streams
- Proven success in major gifts, donor pipeline development, and securing corporate and foundation partnerships
- Experience developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies and managing associated budgets
- Strong knowledge of the Middle Tennessee philanthropic landscape and experience working within the Nashville market preferred
- Demonstrated leadership of fundraising events, including sponsorship development, donor engagement, and revenue optimization
- Proficiency in CRM systems and fundraising platforms (e.g., Salesforce, GiveSmart, Click & Pledge) with the ability to leverage data to inform strategy and decision-making
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to confidently engage, influence, and inspire donors, Board members, and community stakeholders
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment
- Strategic thinker with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and the ability to adapt to evolving opportunities and challenges
- Experience managing and mentoring staff, volunteers, and committees to achieve shared goals
- High level of professionalism, attention to detail, and accountability
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred; ongoing professional development encouraged
Responsibilities and Duties
Fundraising Leadership & Revenue Accountability
- Develop, execute, and continuously refine a comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organizational goals and expansion priorities
- Own and achieve annual revenue targets across all giving streams, with clear performance metrics and regular reporting to the CEO and Board
- Build, manage, and actively steward a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, including direct solicitation and closing of high-level gifts
- Lead donor pipeline development from identification through cultivation, solicitation, and long-term stewardship
- Expand and diversify revenue streams, including individual, corporate, foundation, and planned giving
Major Gifts & Relationship Management
- Serve as a primary relationship manager for top-tier donors, sponsors, and community partners
- Design and implement individualized engagement strategies to deepen donor investment and retention
- Partner with the CEO and Board to strategically engage in donor cultivation and solicitation efforts
- Establish a culture of high-touch, timely, and meaningful stewardship
Campaign Strategy & Execution
- Lead the planning and execution of capital, endowment, and special campaigns, ensuring clear timelines, benchmarks, and accountability
- Develop campaign case statements, prospect strategies, and volunteer leadership structures
- Track campaign performance and adjust strategies to ensure successful outcomes
Special Events & Sponsorships
- Provide strategic oversight of all fundraising events to ensure strong net revenue and alignment with brand and mission
- Drive corporate sponsorship strategy, including identification, solicitation, fulfillment, and long-term partnership growth
- Evaluate event ROI and implement improvements to increase revenue and engagement year over year
Grants & Institutional Giving
- Oversee a comprehensive grants strategy, including prospect research, proposal development, submission, and reporting
- Ensure a well-managed grants calendar with clear deadlines, accountability, and outcomes tracking
- Strengthen relationships with foundation and institutional partners
Operations, Systems & Data Management
- Ensure effective use of CRM systems to manage donor data, track engagement, and inform strategy
- Establish data-driven decision-making practices, including dashboard reporting and performance analytics
- Maintain compliance with all gift processing, acknowledgment, and reporting requirements
Marketing & Communications Alignment
- Collaborate with internal teams to align fundraising messaging across newsletters, campaigns, social media, and annual reports
- Oversee donor communications strategy to ensure consistency, clarity, and impact
Team Leadership & Culture
- Lead, mentor, and manage development staff, setting clear goals, expectations, and accountability measures
- Build a high-performing, collaborative team culture grounded in service, professionalism, and results
- Engage and support volunteers and committees in meaningful and productive ways
Board & Community Engagement
- Partner with the CEO and Board to strengthen board engagement in fundraising, including giving, getting, and relationship development
- Represent Saddle Up! at community events, speaking engagements, and networking opportunities to elevate visibility and support
Benefits
- Generous PTO package
- Benefits Package with investment by SU! for full time employees
- Fantastic Work Environment
To apply for this role: please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]
