Development Officer

Maryville College • Maryville, TN

35d

About The Position

The Clayton Center for the Arts, located in the heart of Maryville, is a destination for arts and culture in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Our mission is not just a statement; it's a call to action. We're here to enhance the quality of life for our citizens, bolster culture and economic vitality, strengthen tourism, and expand opportunities for artists of all ages. Effective fundraising is not just a key element; it's an opportunity for you to make a real difference. We're seeking an innovative, savvy, community-focused fundraiser who understands the importance of arts philanthropy and is ready to join us on this exciting journey.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a business related field, such as finance, business administration, marketing, data analytics, or communications, required
• Experience in personally soliciting gifts from individual donors and corporate sponsors
• Experience in fundraising databases, event management software, and ticketing
• Experience in donor prospecting and analysis
• Experience in arts philanthropy and volunteer management
• Superior organizational and communication skills.
• Professional integrity, including a thorough understanding of confidentiality.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
• Valid driver's license, required.
• Ability to navigate campus/public buildings and grounds.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.
• May be required to sit or stand for long periods.
• Occasional travel required.

Nice To Haves

• Awareness and understanding of theatre or arts center spaces and programs, a plus
• Ability to effectively work and building relationships with a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a representative and advocate of the Clayton Center for the Arts, aligning fundraising and outreach activities with institutional mission and community goals.
• Cultivate and maintain effective working relationships with staff, board members, volunteers, community partners, and donors.
• Participate actively in planning and strategy meetings to align development initiatives with the overall vision and growth of the Clayton Center.
• Maintain accurate and confidential donor and prospect records in the fundraising database.
• Ensure compliance with institutional, federal, and state fundraising regulations and reporting requirements.
• Track and report donor engagement metrics and fundraising outcomes to leadership.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to promote donor recognition and philanthropic storytelling across platforms.
• Represent the Clayton Center in community events and donor-facing activities to build institutional reputation and trust.
• Support the Executive Director in implementing community engagement and outreach strategies that strengthen partnerships and visibility.
• Coordinate logistics for fundraising events, receptions, and performances involving donor participation.
• Manage scheduling, invitations, and follow-up activities related to donor cultivation and stewardship events.
• Oversee acknowledgment processes to ensure timely and personalized recognition of all gifts.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies that support the financial sustainability of the Clayton Center for the Arts.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Support annual fund campaigns, sponsorship programs, and capital fundraising initiatives.
• Collaborate with Finance to reconcile donation records and maintain accurate fiscal tracking of contributions and pledges.
• Contribute to long-term planning by identifying new opportunities for growth in donor engagement and philanthropic partnerships.
• Evaluate program effectiveness, donor retention, and community impact to inform strategy.
• Participate in professional development and industry networking to remain current on fundraising best practices.

Benefits

• Our employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, a generous paid time off program, a retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%, and the opportunity to grow in a collaborative community that values both professional excellence and personal well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees