LaunchTN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization building an ecosystem of support for every startup and investor in Tennessee. As a public-private partnership, we are uniquely positioned to provide direct investment while also supporting collaboration among founders, investors, researchers, private sector institutions, and government. We foster entrepreneurship, technological advancement, and workforce development by providing access to capital, commercialization support, and connections.

About the Position

We are seeking a results-driven and relationship-oriented fundraising professional to join our development team. This individual will lead our individual giving and major gifts strategy and provide strategic and tactical support for all fundraising and donor engagement efforts. The right candidate will be excited to grow and steward a portfolio of donors while working collaboratively across departments to advance LaunchTN’s mission to empower a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem across Tennessee.

Responsibilities

Major Gifts + Individual Giving (Primary Focus)

Develop and execute strategy for individual giving with an emphasis on major gifts ($5K+), including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Manage a portfolio of current and prospective donors, setting and meeting goals for outreach, engagement, and revenue.
Collaborate with executive leadership, board members, and other key stakeholders to leverage relationships in support of fundraising goals.
Create compelling donor communications and proposals tailored to donor interests and organizational priorities.
Collaborate with marketing team to create exclusive benefits and/or tailored events for major donors.

Development Strategy + Cross-Team Support

Partner with the VP of Development to refine fundraising strategy and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
Support planning and execution of all development campaigns, including annual giving, corporate partnerships, and special initiatives/events.
Coordinate with the marketing team to integrate fundraising goals into campaigns, events, and outreach efforts.
Maintain accurate donor records and reporting in the CRM system (Bloomerang), ensuring data-driven decision-making.

Qualifications

5+ years of fundraising experience, with a strong track record in individual giving and major gifts.
Bachelor’s degree (4-year degree required); advanced degree or CFRE a plus.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; confident in making direct asks and building meaningful and lasting donor relationships.
Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Experience using donor databases (Bloomerang preferred) and fundraising tools.
A sharp editorial eye – skills to ensure that all major gifts are acknowledged with accuracy, clarity, care.
Knowledge of or interest in entrepreneurship, innovation, or economic development is a plus.

What Success Will Look Like

3 Months

You’ve built strong working relationships across the organization and with key donors.
You’re fully immersed in LaunchTN’s mission, programs, and development strategy.
You’ve taken ownership of the individual giving and major gifts pipeline and begun managing donor communications and stewardship.

6 Months

You’ve developed tailored cultivation plans for a portfolio of major gift prospects.
You’ve contributed to cross-functional planning for development campaigns and supported at least one major event or initiative.
You’ve helped refine reporting processes to ensure accurate and timely donor tracking in Bloomerang.

9 Months

You’ve closed your first major gifts and engaged potential donors through targeted outreach.
You’ve identified opportunities to improve fundraising strategy and presented recommendations to the VP of Development.
You’re contributing to a culture of philanthropy across departments and helping integrate fundraising with marketing and programs.

1 Year

You’ve met or exceeded revenue goals for your donor portfolio.
You’ve helped increase overall donor retention and major gift commitments.
You’re viewed as a trusted, strategic leader on the development team, advancing LaunchTN’s ability to grow and sustain its impact statewide.

Compensation & Perks

Salary Pay Range: $75,000–$90,000, based on experience and qualifications Healthcare: LaunchTN covers 80% of individual/partner/family health, dental, and vision insurance through the State of Tennessee 401(k) Retirement: Flat 8% employer contribution Disability Insurance: 100% employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage Paid Time Off: 4 weeks PTO + federal holidays + office closure from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day + day off for your birthday Other Perks: $90/month cell phone stipend, dog-friendly office

To Apply: Please submit a resume, brief statement of interest, and fundraising-focused writing sample to Emily Masters, Vice President of Development, emily@launchtn.org, by August 25, 2025.

Learn more about LaunchTN at launchtn.org.

Launch Tennessee is an equal opportunity employer.

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LaunchTN initiatives to promote entrepreneurship, technology advancement, capital formation and workforce development are funded through a grant contract with the State of Tennessee.

1321 6th Ave N., Nashville, TN 37208 615.991.2809 | info@launchtn.org