Development Director
The Big We
Memphis, TN
7+ years in nonprofit development, philanthropy, or fundraising.
Demonstrated success securing major gifts, grants, and corporate partnerships.
Experience managing or supporting a capital campaign or large-scale fundraising effort.
Strong track record cultivating donor relationships and closing significant gifts.
Excellent communication and storytelling skills (written, verbal, and visual).
Experience with CRM systems, donor pipelines, and fundraising analytics.
Strong project management skills, ability to handle complex timelines and multiple priorities.
Preferred
Experience with cultural institutions, historic preservation, or community-based development.
Knowledge of national philanthropy relevant to culture, community, and social impact.
Familiarity with Memphis philanthropy and local civic landscape.
Understanding of narrative strategy, storytelling, and brand-aligned fundraising.
Experience in capital campaigns, endowment building, or large-scale fundraising efforts.
Knowledge of Memphis’ philanthropic landscape and local funding opportunities.
Experience working in mission-driven organizations, social impact, or cultural programming.
Familiarity with merchandising, lifestyle branding, and alternative revenue streams.
Capital Campaign Leadership (Clayborn Temple Rebuild)
Lead the multi-phase capital campaign to rebuild and restore Clayborn Temple.
Develop the capital campaign structure, timeline, fundraising targets, case for support, and donor pipeline.
Work with the CEO, board, and campaign committee to secure lead gifts, multi-year commitments, and major philanthropic partnerships.
Develop donor engagement strategies aligned with the urgency and national relevance of the Clayborn rebuild.
Manage reporting, campaign metrics, pledge tracking, funder stewardship, and campaign communications.
Support national-level outreach to funders, cultural heritage funders, impact investors, and mission-related investment partners.
Fundraising & Revenue Strategy
Design and execute a comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising plan.
Establish clear revenue goals across grants, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and community giving.
Build and manage a pipeline of high-value prospects and new funding sources.
Lead annual giving, mid-level donor programs, and donor stewardship strategies.
Develop alternative revenue streams aligned with The Big We’s business model.
Grants & Institutional Funding
Oversee grants strategy, writing, submissions, reporting, and compliance.
Cultivate strong relationships with national, regional, and local foundations.
Work with program leads to articulate funding needs, define outcomes, and report on impact.
Ensure all grant requirements, timelines, and deliverables are met.
Major Gifts & Corporate Partnerships
Build and manage a robust major donor program with personalized cultivation plans.
Develop thoughtful stewardship pathways for individual donors, family foundations, and giving circles.
Identify and engage corporate partners aligned with The Big We’s cultural and community mission.
Coordinate CEO and Board involvement in high-level donor development.
Collaboration with Creative, Marketing & Storytelling Teams
Partner closely with the Creative Director and marketing team to produce strong narrative and visual materials for fundraising.
Ensure all donor-facing communications—including capital campaign materials—reflect the voice, values, and identity of The Big We and Clayborn Temple.
Support creation of impact reports, case statements, social content, and special campaign assets.
Donor Communications & Stewardship
Oversee donor relations, including appreciation plans, updates, tailored communications, and special experiences.
Develop donor newsletters, briefings, and impact storytelling aligned with campaign phases.
Manage the CRM system to track donor activity, relationships, and revenue progress.
Organize donor site visits, salons, roundtables, and gatherings at Clayborn Temple and other Big We sites.
Budgeting & Revenue Forecasting
Develop and manage the fundraising budget.
Work with the COO and Finance Team to forecast revenue, track progress, and ensure sustainability.
Analyze fundraising performance metrics to refine strategies and strengthen return on investment.
Special Projects & Events
Lead major fundraising events, including campaign-related gatherings, cultural activations, and community-based fundraising opportunities.
Work with programming teams to integrate fundraising strategy into public events where appropriate.
Develop innovative donor experiences rooted in culture, storytelling, and community connection.
The Development Director leads all fundraising, revenue development, and capital campaign strategy for The Big We. This role is responsible for securing the philanthropic, institutional, and investment resources needed to rebuild Clayborn Temple, strengthen the organization’s long-term financial health, and fuel programs across land development, cultural storytelling, community organizing, and entrepreneurial support.
This person will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and COO, guiding a comprehensive funding strategy that integrates major gifts, philanthropic partnerships, grants, corporate alliances, community giving, and mission-aligned capital. They will steward donor relationships, expand The Big We’s regional and national funding networks, and build a system that supports multi-year revenue growth.
The ideal candidate is a senior development leader with capital campaign experience, strong political and philanthropic instincts, exceptional relationship-building skills, and the ability to translate
and develop innovative fundraising strategies that align with The Big We’s vision and long-term goals.
About the Company
The Big We
The Big We is a mission-driven social enterprise rooted in Memphis culture, community, and capital. We leverage a community’s inherent cultural assets to restore their economic, civic, and narrative power. Through programs in neighborhood revitalization, entrepreneurship, storytelling, and cultural organizing, we build beloved community where people experience safety, joy, love, and abundance.
As the steward of Historic Clayborn Temple—an iconic site of local and national significance—The Big We is currently leading a major capital campaign and multi-year effort to rebuild and restore Clayborn following the 2025 arson fire. This role is central to that effort.