DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

Pay

Salary Range: $70,958‑$88,698

Position Status: Exempt / Full‑Time

Moving Allowance: N/A

Job Summary

The Director of Advancement provides leadership for the College’s fundraising and advancement efforts by developing and implementing strategies to secure philanthropic support. The Director builds and strengthens relationships with donors, alumni, community and business leaders, and other stakeholders to identify opportunities and advance the College’s priorities. The position leads 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 of the College.

Minimum Requirements / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of six (6) years of experience in any combination of:
  • Fundraising or advancement (securing gifts, developing fundraising strategies, managing campaigns, etc.).
  • Donor relations and community engagement (developing relationships with donors, alumni, business leaders, foundations, or community partners, etc.).
  • Development and special events (planning fundraising events, campaigns, donor activities, or community events, etc.).
  • Marketing or communications (promoting programs, developing outreach strategies, managing events, or engaging target audiences, etc.).
• Valid driver’s license.

Essential Job Functions

Fundraising and Development (40%)

• Lead fundraising efforts to support the College’s needs, including scholarships, programs, capital projects, and unbudgeted needs.
• Secure major gifts and other donations with current and prospective donors, and ensure proper stewardship of gifts and funded projects.
• Develop and implement fundraising programs, campaigns, and special events to expand philanthropic support and meet or exceed annual fundraising goals established by the College President.
• Work with donors and trustees to develop planned giving opportunities, including estate and retirement gifts, to provide long‑term financial support for the College.

Donor and Community Engagement (30%)

• Maintain a visible presence throughout the College’s service region by promoting the College, its programs and accomplishments, and its fundraising priorities, and by representing the College at community and fundraising events.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, alumni, business and community leaders, trustees, foundations, and other supporters to increase awareness of and support for the College.
• Work with the Cleveland State Foundation and its trustees to support fundraising efforts and coordinate Foundation activities in consultation with the College President.

Advancement Leadership and Strategic Planning (25%)

• Collaborate with the College President, Vice Presidents, and Deans to identify capital needs and establish advancement priorities aligned with the College’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Align advancement efforts with institutional priorities and maximize philanthropic opportunities through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Advancement Coordinator in support of fundraising, donor relations, special events, and other advancement activities.
• Monitor advancement activities and fundraising results and provide regular updates to the College President and appropriate stakeholders.

Non‑Essential Functions (5%)

• Meet standards required by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) and SACSCOC.
• May be required to achieve additional skills, knowledge, or credential levels.
• Attend all college functions as required and perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Responsibilities

• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, attentive to detail, and manage stressful situations.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and focus on job responsibilities.
• Ability to work with a broad group of individuals both on campus and in the community.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills and strong organizational abilities.
• 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: higher education fundraising, advancement, or development.

Work Activities & Equipment

Work activities routinely involve the use of standard office equipment, including computers, printers, copiers, scanners, telephones, and related devices. Employees are expected to perform tasks such as data entry, document preparation, email communication, and report generation using these tools.

Job Location

This on‑site position is based in the Advancement Office located in the D.F. Adkisson Administration Building on the main campus of Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee. The role may involve travel across the college’s five‑county service region, occasional travel to state meetings, conferences, and professional events, and additional travel for outreach and program‑related activities.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability (short‑ and long‑term) 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.

Applications will be considered in full if submitted by September 30 2026.