Director of Development, Advancement

Lipscomb University•Nashville, TN

About The Position

At Lipscomb University, we believe generosity changes lives — and we're looking for a gifted relationship-builder to help make that generosity possible. As Director of Development, you'll spend your days doing what you do best: connecting with people, hearing their stories, and inviting them into a mission worth investing in. You'll build a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, walk alongside them as friends of the university, and help them discover the joy of giving generously toward something eternal. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Development, you'll partner closely with academic and university leaders to understand what Lipscomb needs most and turn that into a compelling invitation for donors. You'll work alongside a Development team that believes fundraising, done well, is really just an extension of ministry — building trust, telling the truth, and helping people live generously. If you're energized by people, driven by purpose, and ready to help write the next chapter of Lipscomb's story, we'd love to meet you.

Requirements

5-7 years of frontline major gift fundraising experience
Track record of closing gifts of $25,000 or more
Know the rhythm of moves management
Comfortable managing a full pipeline
People skills: People open up to you quickly — donors, faculty, university leaders, strangers at an event. You have the emotional intelligence and warmth to build trust fast and the follow-through to keep it.
Storytelling skills: Can make anyone excited about what's happening at Lipscomb — the students, the programs, the mission — through genuine, compelling storytelling rather than a rehearsed pitch.
Driven and organized: Self-starter who can manage competing priorities, a full calendar, and real travel without losing sight of the relationships at the center of it all.
Christian faith is active and growing, and it shows up in how you treat people — with integrity, humility, and genuine warmth.
Support and affirm Lipscomb's Statement of Faith and want to see that lived out in your work every day.

Nice To Haves

A master's degree
Experience with Raiser's Edge NXT or a similar CRM
Comfort working alongside deans, faculty, and academic leaders across a variety of disciplines

Responsibilities

Carry a portfolio of 100-120 major gift prospects and donors capable of giving $25K+, with a goal of raising $2M+ a year once you're fully up and running
Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward these relationships — not as transactions, but as genuine friendships built on trust
Get on the road and in the room regularly, visiting donors in person and virtually, because the best fundraising happens face to face
Deliver a donor experience people remember — timely updates, personal notes, and thoughtful surprises that show you were paying attention
Make sure every gift, no matter the size, gets a timely and heartfelt thank-you
Help plan and host donor experiences and events that let people see and feel the impact of their generosity firsthand
Partner with deans, faculty, and university leadership to understand what students and programs need most, and translate that into a story donors can rally behind
Be the trusted go-between when faculty and staff want to engage a donor — making sure it's done thoughtfully and well
Keep learning about Lipscomb's programs, people, and mission so you can speak about them with real credibility and heart
Work hand-in-hand with Prospect Research to find and qualify new major donor relationships
Show up for your Development teammates and the broader campaign strategy, not just your own goals
Keep your portfolio organized and up to date in Raiser's Edge NXT — good stewardship starts with good records