Director of Development

Job Description for Director of Development

Join the Next Chapter of Nashville Ballet : Be the Game-Changer We Need!

Reports To : Artistic Director / CEO and COO

Area of Responsibility : Development

Wage Classification : Full-Time Exempt

Are you ready to reshape the future of arts in Nashville? Join Nashville Ballet as our next Director of Development , where your strategic leadership will help define the next generation of ballet for our community and beyond. With a visionary Artistic Director at the helm and an ambitious new chapter unfolding, this is your opportunity to lead a dynamic team and drive transformative growth.

What We’re Looking For :

We’re seeking an ambitious, relationship-driven fundraiser who thrives at the intersection of creativity and strategy. You’re a natural networker and negotiator, equally comfortable engaging with individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and government entities. You have a knack for event planning, advocacy, and community building, and you’re eager to champion ballet as an inspiring force in Nashville.

If you’re passionate about making a difference through the arts and skilled at leading fundraising campaigns that break the mold, we want to hear from you.

Your Mission :

As the Director of Development, you’ll lead the charge to grow Nashville Ballet’s revenue, ensuring we continue to innovate, inspire, and connect with our community. This is more than a fundraising role—it’s a chance to advocate for the arts, forge strategic partnerships, and play a pivotal role in shaping Nashville Ballet’s legacy.

Key Responsibilities :

• Strategic Leadership : Craft and execute bold fundraising strategies to achieve double-digit growth, aligning with our mission and new strategic vision.
• Grant Management : Identify new grant opportunities, conduct in-depth research and analysis to optimize ask amounts, and ensure our requests are competitive yet realistic. Oversee the entire grant lifecycle, from application to stewardship.
• Build and Empower Teams : Lead and mentor a dedicated Development team while collaborating with the Board of Directors, Artistic Director / CEO, and COO.
• Donor Relationships : Cultivate and steward a diverse portfolio of major donors, corporations, and foundations, leveraging your networking skills to deepen connections and increase giving.
• Advocacy and Partnerships : Act as a community advocate, lobbying government agencies, liaising with board members, and collaborating with financial institutions to secure critical support.
• Event Mastermind : Oversee signature events like our Ballet Ball and design innovative fundraising experiences that inspire and engage donors.
• Innovation in Giving : Implement cutting-edge fundraising methodologies, champion planned giving programs and explore creative opportunities to expand our donor base.

What You Bring to the Table :

Why Nashville Ballet?

At Nashville Ballet, we don’t just create dance; we create community. Join an organization that values innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration. This is your chance to advocate for the transformative power of art while working in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Apply Today!

Send your resume and cover letter to careers@nashvilleballet.com with “Director of Development” in the subject line. Let’s shape the future of ballet together.

Disclaimer Statement :

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate description of the current job, or to require that other, or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g., emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).

No phone calls, please. Nashville Ballet is an equal opportunity employer.