Director of Development

Precept is a nonprofit Christian Bible Study ministry headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We are dedicated to helping people discover God's truth for themselves through in-depth, inductive Bible Study. Our mission is engaging people in relationship with God through knowing His Word. In nearly 190 countries and 90 languages, our leaders are using the Precept Bible Study Method and materials to effectively carry out our vision: Every believer in Christ living out God's Word every day.

Around the world thousands are being discipled through Precept. Their thirst for the Word is being quenched by being taught how to observe the Word through Inductive Bible Study, which is empowering people to discover truth for themselves, and the result is lives are being transformed.

The Director of Development at Precept manages a portfolio of Major Gift donors and is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individuals capable of making leadership gifts of five (5) – to six (6) figure gifts annually. This frontline fundraising position serves as a trusted ambassador for Precept, building authentic relationships with donors and inviting them to make transformational investments that advance the ministry's mission around the world. The successful candidate is a highly relational, results-oriented fundraiser with 7-10 years of experience. This position is responsible for growing philanthropic revenue by expanding the major donor pipeline, increasing giving among existing partners, and securing new leadership-level gifts.

This position is based remotely with up to 60% travel required. While there is occasional weekend travel, normal business hours are four 10-hour workdays (Monday-Thursday). This position is also eligible for 340 flexible PTO hours annually, 10 paid holidays, Paid Parental Leave, participation in a 403(b) plan with discretionary employer match, as well as medical, dental, vision, and other insurances.

REPORTS TO: Vice President (VP) of Development

Essential Job Functions

>Major Gift Fundraising

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 100–125 current and prospective major donors capable of giving $25,000 or more annually.
• Develop and implement individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for each assigned donor.
• Personally solicit major gifts and multi-year commitments that advance the ministry's strategic priorities.
• Build a robust pipeline of qualified prospects through referrals, wealth screening, research, networking, and strategic outreach.
• Conduct meaningful donor visits, both in-person and virtually, with a strong emphasis on face-to-face relationship building.
• Collaborate with the VP of Donor Development to develop gift strategies for major gift opportunities.

>Donor Cultivation

• Establish new relationships with prospective ministry partners who have the capacity and inclination to make significant philanthropic investments.
• Introduce new prospects to the ministry through meaningful conversations, ministry experiences, and strategic engagement opportunities.
• Partner with the Director of Donor Analytics and Mid-Level Officers to transition qualified Mid-Level donors into the major gift portfolio.
• Collaborate with ministry leaders and subject matter experts to create compelling donor experiences.

>Strategic Relationship Management

• Develop a comprehensive annual plan for each assigned donor, including engagement goals, solicitation strategy, and stewardship activities.
• Maintain accurate donor records, contact reports, and opportunity tracking within Salesforce.
• Participate in donor events, conferences, and regional gatherings to strengthen donor relationships.
• Identify planned giving opportunities and collaborate with the VP of Donor Development to coordinate planned giving results.

>Collaboration

• Work closely with the Director of Donor and Prospect Strategy to ensure accurate reporting, prospect management, and portfolio analytics.
• Collaborate with the Director of Donor Engagement & Stewardship on donor communications, stewardship strategies, and event invitations.
• Partner with the VP of Donor Development to develop fundraising strategies, establish goals, and evaluate performance.
• Functions and communicates productively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Represent Precept with professionalism, integrity, and excellence in all donor interactions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Passion for the mission of Precept and a desire to see lives transformed through God's Word.
• Familiarity with Precept Ministries and its Bible study methodology strongly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and donor relationship management abilities.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement when circumstances warrant such action.
• Experience using donor CRM systems and prospect management tools.
• Maintains confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information.
• Must demonstrate dependable, regular attendance.
• Must understand and follow ministry policies and procedures.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Core Competencies

• Major gift fundraising
• Prospect identification and qualification
• Strategic relationship building
• Gift solicitation and closing
• Kingdom-minded leadership
• Excellent communication and listening skills
• Initiative and perseverance
• Strategic planning
• Collaboration
• Integrity and professionalism

Training and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 7-10 years of successful frontline fundraising experience nonprofit organization, preferably faith-based.
• Demonstrated success securing five (5) - and six (6) -figure philanthropic gifts from individuals.
• Experience managing a major gift portfolio and consistently meeting or exceeding fundraising.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Achievement of annual major gift revenue goals.
• Growth in the number of donors giving $25,000 or more.
• Increased number of qualified major gift prospects added to the portfolio.
• Successful completion of donor visits and meaningful relationship-building activities.
• Number and value of new major gift commitments and multi-year pledges.
• Effective movement of donors through the major gift pipeline.
• Strong collaboration with Development team members to create a seamless donor experience.

Working Conditions

• Must be willing and able to travel extensively (up to 60%) to meet with donors and to represent the ministry.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Works remotely.
• Subject to frequent interruptions.
• Works beyond normal working hours, on weekends and holidays, and in other positions temporarily as necessary.

Physical Requirements

With or without a reasonable accommodation, the employee must be able to perform the following physical requirements.

Physical Dimensions: Light work