July 21st, 2025
Tennessee Charter School Center
About the Organization
The Tennessee Charter School Center is a membership organization that supports high-performing public charter schools, raising the bar of excellence and ensuring all children in Tennessee have access to a great public education. We exist as Tennessee’s primary charter support organization (CSO), driven by our mission to support and cultivate high-performing public charter schools and to drive change by advocating for autonomy, accountability, and choice in public education. We are a diverse team, united by a commitment to ensure that public charter schools have the resources and conditions they need to thrive in Tennessee.
Job Description
Position salary range: $64,629.67 – $95,000.00 per year
Position reports to: Vice President of External Affairs
What You’ll Do:
As the Development Director, you will lead TCSC’s development strategy, which will articulate the goals and objectives of sustaining, deepening, and scaling our work as we enter the next phase of growth. You will work closely with the CEO and VP of External Affairs to expand our network of supporters, foster relationships with high-net-worth individuals and foundations, and secure the essential resources to move the organization forward. Specific responsibilities include:
● Collaborate closely with the CEO and VP of External Affairs to devise and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports TCSC’s mission and objectives.
● Innovate and implement compelling fundraising campaigns, events (including donor gatherings, convenings, and other engagement activities), and initiatives that resonate with potential donors to drive increased contributions.
● Serve as the Development lead for TCSC’s Board of Directors to drive board involvement in annual fundraising and comprehensive fundraising efforts.
● Craft persuasive and compelling fundraising materials, proposals, and presentations that resonate with donors and eloquently convey the impact of their contributions.
● Develop a robust pipeline of prospects (individuals, corporations, and foundations), employing data-driven approaches to prioritize and engage potential donors.
● Foster and cultivate meaningful connections with high-net-worth individuals, forging strong partnerships and deepening alignment with TCSC’s vision.
● Provide regular updates to donors, ensuring they are well-informed about TCSC’s progress, initiatives, and outcomes.
● Work with/Support VP of External Affairs to successfully ensure all grant reporting requirements are complete.
What You Bring:
We are looking for dedicated, innovative individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences, who are inspired by our mission and are highly motivated to provide choices that will create change in the lives of Tennessee’s students. We believe in a strong team and collegial environment, where we work closely with our teammates across working groups, have fun, and celebrate our achievements. We have a strong support and feedback culture, push ourselves to hustle and promote stronger impact, and we believe in the urgency of our work. We encourage creativity, boldness, and impact-driven solutions. and work hard to develop both ourselves and our organization in order to serve Tennessee’s students at our greatest capacity.
Qualifications, Education, and Experience Requirements:
● Excellent communication, writing, and storytelling skills
● Experience interfacing with board members, senior leadership, and external partners
● Track record of success securing six and seven-figure contributions from foundations and high-net-worth individual donors
● Experience designing and executing on tailored fundraising campaigns to ensure that prospects have customized cultivation and engagement strategies
● Exceptional relationship and trust-building skills across a wide array of stakeholders.
● Experience with donor management software and fundraising tools.
● A belief in educational equity and innovative school models with substantial professional experience in the K-12 education nonprofit space
● Strong project management, planning, and organizational skills.
● Exceptional attention to detail.
● Strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data interpretation skills
● The ability to work collaboratively in a multi-city, team-centered environment.
● The ability to critically assess challenges and identify effective solutions.
● Ability and willingness to travel as needed for donor engagement and events
Additional information
To Apply:
Please submit your cover letter and resume to emily@tnchartercenter.org
TCSC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status or disability.
What To Know Before Applying:
This is a full-time position that reports to the VP of External Affairs. Candidates must be based in Tennessee, but the city location is flexible. Salary is commensurate with experience, plus benefits and bonus opportunities.
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
403(b) matching
Dental insurance
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance
Contact email for applicants emily@tnchartercenter.org