Director of Development, Advancement

Lipscomb University•Nashville, TN

1d•Hybrid

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
Knowledge of the rhythm of moves management
Comfort managing a full pipeline
Ability to build trust quickly and maintain it
Ability to make anyone excited about what's happening at Lipscomb through genuine, compelling storytelling
Self-starter who can manage competing priorities, a full calendar, and travel
Active and growing Christian faith that shows in how you treat people
Support and affirm Lipscomb's Statement of Faith
Bachelor's degree

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
Visit donors in person and virtually regularly
Deliver a donor experience people remember — timely updates, personal notes, and thoughtful surprises
Ensure every gift, no matter the size, gets a timely and heartfelt thank-you
Help plan and host donor experiences and events
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
Keep learning about Lipscomb's programs, people, and mission
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
Keep your portfolio organized and up to date in Raiser's Edge NXT