DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

About the Role

The Director of Advancement provides leadership for Cleveland State Community College’s fundraising and advancement efforts by developing and implementing strategies to secure philanthropic support. The role builds and strengthens relationships with donors, alumni, community and business leaders, and other stakeholders to identify opportunities and advance the College’s priorities, including major gifts, planned giving, and other fundraising initiatives that generate support for student scholarships, capital needs, academic and program support, and other emerging or unbudgeted needs.

Responsibilities

• Fundraising and Development (40%): Lead fundraising efforts to support scholarships, programs, capital projects, and unbudgeted needs; secure major gifts and other donations; develop and implement fundraising programs, campaigns, and special events; work with donors and trustees to develop planned giving opportunities.
• Donor and Community Engagement (30%): Maintain a visible presence throughout the service region by promoting the College and its fundraising priorities; represent the College at community and fundraising events; build and maintain relationships with donors, alumni, business and community leaders, trustees, foundations, and other supporters; coordinate with the Cleveland State Foundation and its trustees.
• Advancement Leadership and Strategic Planning (25%): Collaborate with the President, Vice Presidents, and Deans to identify capital needs and establish advancement priorities; align advancement efforts with institutional priorities; provide leadership and direction to the Advancement Coordinator; monitor advancement activities and fundraising results and report to the President and stakeholders.
• Non‑Essential Functions (5%): Meet standards required by the Tennessee Board of Regents and SACSCOC; attain additional skills, knowledge, or credential levels as required; attend all college functions as required; perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of six (6) years of experience in a combination of fundraising/advancement, donor relations and community engagement, development and special events, and marketing or communications.
• Valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, attentive to detail, and manage stressful situations.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to maintain focus on job responsibilities.
• Capability to work with a broad group of individuals both on campus and in the community.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills and strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of fundraising practices, including major gifts, planned giving, donor relations, and stewardship.
• Ability to develop and implement fundraising programs and meet established fundraising goals.
• Ability to build strong relationships with donors, alumni, community and business leaders, trustees, and other stakeholders.
• Preferred experience in higher education fundraising, advancement, or development.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Wellness Incentive Program (if enrolled in health).
• Educational assistance: fee waiver, spouse/dependent discounts, tuition reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Longevity pay.
• Retirement options: State of TN Pension (TCRS), 401(a), 401(k) with $50 match, 403(b), and 457.
• Fourteen (14) paid holidays per year.
• Sick and annual leave, including a sick‑leave bank.
• State employee discount program with over 900 merchants.

Compensation

Salary range: $70,958 – $88,698 per year.

Schedule

Full‑time, exempt position.

Location

On‑site in the Advancement Office, D.F. Adkisson Administration Building, main campus of Cleveland State Community College, Cleveland, Tennessee. Travel across the college’s five‑county service region and occasional travel to state meetings, conferences, and professional events may be required.