Director of Philanthropy

The Director of Philanthropy plays an integral role in creating and driving the strategy for the philanthropy team, ensuring that donors—in all parts of the donor pipeline—are properly cultivated, solicited, and stewarded through effective moves management and operational excellence.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Develop and implement fundraising campaigns to meet the organization’s current and future needs, promoting the organization’s shift to proactive growth of annual philanthropic supporters who want to invest in the Tennessee Aquarium.

2. Oversee the moves management processes and procedures in the CRM database and ticketing systems, ensuring all donors receive accurate and timely communication and engagement with Tennessee Aquarium. Collaborate with the Development Support Specialist to ensure these processes are executed efficiently, with a critical eye for detail. 

3. Inform data-driven campaign decisions by regularly analyzing reports and performance metrics, providing feedback to the philanthropy team, and adjusting fundraising goals as needed.

4. Work with the philanthropy team through group and one-on-one meetings, providing consistent communication that ensures that all fundraising strategies and targeted campaigns are executed effectively and timely to meet or exceed department goals. 

5. Identify and research current giving trends and best practices and work to incorporate them into department fundraising strategies. 

6. Ensure effective and efficient renewal and growth of the annual fund-giving circle supporters through management of the Development Manager.

7. Ensure effective and efficient growth of major gifts and the planned giving society through management of the Strategic Giving Officer.

8. Oversee donor stewardship through effective communication and event efforts through the management of the Fundraising Stewardship Specialist, hiring Summer 2026.

9. Work collaboratively with the VP, Chief Philanthropy Officer to establish overall department goals and priorities, provide strong leadership to the team, and create and oversee departmental budgets and other high-level projects as needed. 

10. Work with the VP, Chief Philanthropy Officer, to develop and maintain a personal portfolio of donors within the next 6-12 months.  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, listening).

• Exhibits strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and professional attitude in the workplace.

• Strong organizational and project management skills with a proven track record of managing competing priorities efficiently while ensuring accuracy and exceptional attention to detail.

• Ability to lead, inspire, and motivate a team.

• Excellent relationship management skills, including bringing stakeholders closer to the organization’s mission and vision.

• Strong computer proficiency and accuracy, with the ability to learn new systems quickly.  

• Must uphold strict confidentiality in all aspects of the role

Education & Experience Required

• College degree in a related field required (Non-Profit Management, Public Administration, Communications/Public Relations, Business Administration/Management, Fundraising, etc.)

• 7-10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience and a proven record of successful cultivation and solicitation of gifts.

• 3-5 years’ experience working with donor CRM systems required.

• Demonstrated working knowledge of all areas of fundraising, with a particular emphasis on managing donor pipeline and developing new prospects. 

• Proven record of setting and achieving both short- and long-term goals and implementing performance evaluation strategies.

Supervises

• Strategic Giving Officer 

• Development Manager 

• Development Support Specialist

• Fundraising Stewardship Specialist

Working Conditions

• Typical office environment

• Occasional work in event/public environments

• Occasional evening and weekend work

• Exposure to a variety of environments within the aquarium, including public exhibit spaces, behind-the-scenes areas, and outdoor settings

Physical Demands

The physical demands described below are representative of those that may be encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Extended periods of keyboarding and computer use

• Extended periods of remaining in a stationary position

• Occasional movement throughout the facility and event spaces, including navigating stairs or large venues

• Regular communication with internal and external personnel in person, by phone, and electronically

• Occasional movement or positioning of event-related items weighing up to 20 pounds

Full-time, salaried; Typical Monday - Friday office hours, will be required to work nights/weekends/events periodically as needed.

To apply, submit an online application, cover letter, resume, and references through the Aquarium’s career site at https://bit.ly/TNAQUA-careers

All submissions must be received by June 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM.