Middle Tennessee Development Director

Breakthrough T1D (formerly known as JDRF)

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Job Summary

The Development Director (DD) at Breakthrough T1D integral in the day-to-day execution of integrated fundraising efforts to support our organizational strategy and mission. Their relationships with constituents and donors on behalf of Breakthrough T1D will ensure the expansion of our reach to support maximum chapter and event growth to further our mission.

The Development Director role focuses on relationship building with key donors and fundraising volunteers within their assigned event portfolio, driving impact and strengthening both donor and volunteer pipeline resulting in increased revenue and results.

This individual is a high-impact, high-energy team player who can effectively bring the mission to life within the community through collaboration, cultivation, inspiration, and engagement. They will implement activities to support organizational strategies in their assigned chapter to drive optimal results and actively demonstrate and promote enterprise-wide mindsets.

As one of the top performing territories in the country, the Southern States Territory plays a vital role in the organization’s success.  The Southern States Territory has 5 Chapters, 19 staff, 7 Chapter Boards and drives over $7 million in total net revenue. The Development Director will be leading fundraising efforts in Middle Tennessee raising $1.9 million.

We offer a hybrid work schedule with both remote and in-office time with the physical office located in Brentwood, TN.

Job Responsibilities

Fundraising & Engagement – 60%

• Implement revenue and engagement plans that drive new levels of performance and year-over-year growth across an assigned portfolio of peer-to-peer events (Walk, Run, Ride, DIY) and signature events (Gala, Golf, and other signature events).

• Responsible for achieving both personal and event-level revenue goals while supporting the achievement of overall chapter revenue and engagement goals.

• In collaboration with national and chapter partners, create and implement annual strategies that drive growth through individual and corporate donor engagement, stewardship, and audience development at the chapter level. Identify and develop new business with existing supporters and prospective donors.

• Secure and retain event sponsors, corporate teams, table hosts, guests, and other key supporters to drive awareness, participation, and revenue.

• Identify, acquire, cultivate, and solicit individual, mid-level, and major donors, including Fund A Cure donors.

• Develop and implement stewardship strategies for all event supporters in alignment with program standards, ensuring timely and consistent engagement throughout the year.

• Provide 1:1 coaching and fundraising best-practice support to event participants to elevate fundraising activation and maximize individual and team performance.

• Design, plan, and implement recruitment, cultivation, and engagement events that inspire participation, strengthen donor relationships, and increase fundraising outcomes.

• Develop and execute meaningful audience development and night-of-event strategies that inspire giving, maximize table and participant activation, and drive immediate and long-term revenue growth.

• Deploy tactics and strategies within the assigned event portfolio that support pipeline development, foundation building, and long-term organizational sustainability.

• Implement strategies to retain, acquire, and activate supporters to ensure fundraising and participation goals are met for current and future activities.

Volunteer Management – 20%

• Recruit, cultivate, and manage volunteer leaders that drive revenue as key partners; includes event leadership and committees

• Ensure meaningful engagement of volunteers at all levels and engage in good working relationships with key volunteer partners.

• Partner with volunteer leadership to solicit funding and other support from individuals, corporations, foundations and other sources of funding and/or influence.

Awareness – 10%

• Support and maintain the vision, mission, and priorities of Breakthrough T1D. Understand and be able to articulate the strategic direction and purpose of the organization.

• Demonstrate an educated and enthusiastic understanding of Breakthrough T1D’s mission and research therapeutics. Promote mission engagement opportunities throughout the community in the areas of research, advocacy, community engagement and clinical trials.

• Represent the interests, professionalism, and integrity of Breakthrough T1D in all activities and relationships through a commitment to organizational standards and leadership by personal example.

 

Administration and Management – 10%

• Provide leadership, performance management and professional staff development to direct reports, if applicable.

• Maintain departmental and organization-wide policies and procedures.

• Develops expertise in fundraising management platforms, as appropriate.

• Participate in monthly strategy meetings with fundraising events program partners to monitor KPI progress, identify risks and opportunities, and take actions as appropriate to ensure success of event(s).

• Partner annually with national program partner(s) to establish budget and pipeline strategies specific to event portfolio and role.

Qualifications

• 4-6 years of fundraising experience, with a clear record of achievement in a complex, mission-driven organization with revenue responsibilities more than $750k; experience working directly or leading staff teams particularly in large scale events (walk, gala, etc.). Strong skills in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and on-going stewardship of donors and supporters.

• Experience partnering with strong and active volunteer leaders, including working successfully with a large network of passionate volunteers.

• Demonstrate a high degree of energy, integrity, courage, empathy, and creativity. High emotional IQ. Superior active listening, analytical, and critical thinking skills. A team player who can achieve individual objectives and support those of the entire chapter team.

• Proven ability to develop and successfully maintain an extensive network of strategic relationships (donors, volunteers, community partners, etc.) in the local area. Existing knowledge and network of relationships in the territory preferred. 

• Ability to be an enthusiastic spokesperson/representative of Breakthrough T1D’s mission.  Clear communicator with ability to inspire others to engage and support an organization’s mission.

• Highly efficient in time management and able to meet deadlines under pressure.

• College degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Ability to travel locally required. Evening and weekend work as needed.

 

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

Breakthrough T1D Careers

Details

• Date Posted: January 23, 2026
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Fundraising / Revenue Development
• Service Area: Philanthropy / CSR
• Salary Range: 85-90K
• Working Hours: 40 hrs/wk