Overview

Job Description Job Description Position Title: Director of Development & Community EngagementSupervisor: Chief Executive OfficerJob Type: Full-Time, ExemptLocation: 420 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, TNOverviewYWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women across East Tennessee. We live this mission every day through programs and services that help women, children, and families move toward safety, stability, and opportunity.The Director of Development & Community Engagement leads efforts to strengthen the YWCA's relationships with donors, partners, volunteers, and the broader community. This position is responsible for donor and community communications, fundraising campaigns, special events, sponsorships, stewardship, and organizational storytelling that increase awareness, engagement, and philanthropic support.Working closely with the CEO and program leadership, the Director translates the YWCA's mission and impact into meaningful opportunities for people and organizations to engage with and invest in our work.Duties and ResponsibilitiesDevelopment & Donor EngagementDevelop and implement annual strategies for donor cultivation, stewardship, retention, and engagement.Manage donor communications and regular stewardship touchpoints throughout the year.Support the CEO in cultivating and stewarding individual, corporate, foundation, and community relationships.Identify opportunities to deepen relationships with current supporters and engage prospective donors.Lead annual giving campaigns and other fundraising initiatives in coordination with the CEO.Develop sponsorship opportunities and cultivate corporate and community partners.Maintain accurate donor, sponsorship, and engagement information within the organization's CRM.Track development activity and provide regular reporting on fundraising and engagement efforts.Community Engagement & PartnershipsServe as a visible ambassador for the YWCA and build relationships with businesses, civic organizations, community partners, and other stakeholders.Identify opportunities for partnerships that increase awareness, engagement, and support for YWCA programs.Coordinate organizational participation in community events and engagement opportunities.Develop meaningful opportunities for donors, volunteers, businesses, and community groups to connect with the YWCA's mission.Oversee the organization's approach to volunteer engagement and recognition.Communications & StorytellingLead donor and community-facing communications, including newsletters, email campaigns, social media, fundraising appeals, and impact communications.Develop compelling stories that demonstrate program impact and connect supporters to the YWCA's mission.Create communications strategies that support fundraising campaigns, events, donor stewardship, and community engagement.Maintain consistent organizational messaging and brand standards across external communications.Oversee website and social media content to ensure information is current, engaging, and aligned with organizational priorities.Collaborate with program staff to identify stories, outcomes, and opportunities to highlight the impact of YWCA programs.Special EventsLead the strategy, planning, and execution of YWCA fundraising and community engagement events, including the Keys of Hope Luncheon and other special events.Establish event goals, budgets, timelines, sponsorship strategies, and engagement plans.Cultivate event sponsors and community partners in collaboration with the CEO and Board.Manage vendors, venues, volunteers, communications, registration, and event logistics.Create a strong donor and guest experience before, during, and following events.Evaluate event performance, including revenue, expenses, attendance, sponsorships, and opportunities for future engagement.Development Strategy & OperationsWork with the CEO to develop annual fundraising and community engagement priorities.Maintain a development calendar