Safer TN Director of Advancement

Mission & Context

• Voices for a Safer Tennessee is a nonpartisan, nonprofit coalition with nearly 30,000 members in all 95 counties. We are committed to advancing firearm safety policies and programs that both protect our communities and respect the Second Amendment.
• The Director of Advancement is a senior leadership role that reports directly to the Executive Director. This role helps shape how Safer TN grows: in financial sustainability, as a staff-led organization, and in impact.
• By overseeing advancement and development, this director helps ensure long-term viability — building systems that let Safer TN continue operating effectively, stay financially healthy, and grow our statewide coalition.
• Safer TN’s annual fundraising will surpass $1,000,000 in 2025. This new role will build on our success.

Key Responsibilities

• Development and Fundraising
  • Design and execute a comprehensive development strategy that includes:
    1. Annual Fundraising: Develop a plan with clear goals, benchmarks, and reporting systems. This will include statewide fundraising events and campaigns around Giving Tuesday and legislative session.
    2. Prospect Research: Identify new potential funders (foundations, leadership donors, and corporate partners).
    3. Donor Stewardship:
       Maintain and deepen relationships with all levels of investment through a comprehensive stewardship program.
    4. Grants Management: Establish and refine processes for drafting grant applications,
       recordkeeping, and compliance.
    5. Communications: Work with the Director of Communications and Marketing to craft donor-facing materials: appeals, thank you letters, receipts, pledge reminders, event invitations, and the Annual Impact Report.
• Operations & Systems Management
  • Develop or revise internal processes, policies, and workflows that guide grants management, record keeping, and compliance.
  • Ensure Safer TN has strong systems and appropriate tools in place to support continued growth and organizational resilience.
  • Maintain meticulous records of solicitations, acknowledgments, stewardship touches, and other contact with donors.
• Performance Monitoring & Reporting
  • Establish metrics and KPIs to track development and advancement goals.
  • Prepare regular reports for the board and leadership team on development progress, strategy implementation, and operational performance.
• Financial & Budget Oversight
  • Manage the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors including scheduling committee meetings, developing agendas, and regular connection with Safer TN Treasurer/Finance Committee Chair.
  • Support budgeting related to development initiatives and strategic projects.
  • Monitor financial health tied to fundraising goals, cash flow, and long-term sustainability.
• People & Culture Advancement
  • Work with the Executive Director to oversee semiannual staff evaluations.
  • Plan and execute semiannual staff planning and professional development retreats to improve collaboration and performance.
  • Perform other duties in support of Safer TN’s mission as needed.

Qualifications & Required Skills

• Experience
  • Minimum ~5 years of progressive experience in operations, development, or nonprofit leadership; 7+ years preferred.
  • Demonstrated success in developing and executing fundraising plans.
  • Proven track record of cultivating and securing philanthropic support.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required.
• Skills:
  • Highly organized, with strong attention to detail, and balancing multiple priorities.
  • Comfortable working in a small, collaborative, fast-moving nonprofit.
  • People management for volunteers, consultants, and other leaders.
  • Ability to make a direct financial request of a potential donor.
  • Strategic planning skills and experience leading organizational strategy.
  • Communication skills: both written and verbal.
  • Relationship-building skills – for funders, board, community partners.
  • Experience in budget and financial planning.
  • High degree of professionalism, leadership capacity, and the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Personal Characteristics:
  • Passion for Safer TN’s mission and values. 
  • Flexible, solutions-oriented thinker who thrives in a changing advocacy environment.
  • Strong interpersonal skills; ability to build trust across diverse communities.
  • Familiarity with Tennessee’s political / policy environment is a plus.
  • Familiarity or background with firearms is a plus but not required.

Compensation & Logistics

• Salary: $80,000 – $100,000, depending on experience.
• Full-time position.
• Benefits:
  • Healthcare and technology stipend provided.
  • Generous PTO, including sick leave, vacation days, and holiday schedules.
  • Flexible, remote work environment (1-2 days in office per week).
  • Opportunities for growth and professional development.
  • Reimbursement for mileage and event-related expenses.
• Location: Based in Nashville, TN. Candidates should be willing to live in (or relocate to) Nashville.
• Travel: Occasional travel across Tennessee for meetings and events may be required.
• Application: Reviewed on a rolling basis until xx
• Diversity Statement: Voices for a Safer Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary Range  $80,000 – $100,000

Hours: Flexible, estimated 5–10 hours per week (project-based)
Location: Remote (Tennessee-based student or Tennessee resident attending college out of state)
Reports to: Director of Communications, Jessica Jaglois
Application deadline: December 10

Position Summary: We are seeking a communications intern to craft clear, engaging copy and assist with a broad range of communications tactics. This role will provide the intern with an immersive view of every aspect of communications in a small, dynamic nonprofit organization, from fundraising to events to member communications. The ideal candidate is a strong writer who can adapt to an established brand voice, meet deadlines with minimal oversight, learn new software programs, maintain confidentiality, and manage projects to completion. 

Key Responsibilities

• Write and edit event emails, including invitations, reminders, and follow-ups.
• Draft thank-you emails for donors, volunteers, and event attendees.
• Create merchandise emails highlighting new products, promotions, and calls to action.
• Collaborate with the Director of Communications to ensure consistency with Safer TN’s brand and messaging.
• Incorporate feedback quickly and accurately; deliver final drafts ready for upload to email platforms.
• Upload and send mass emails using the CRM platform, EveryAction.
• Help staff events, as time and location permits.
• Work with consultants to assist with social media captions and content.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Excellent grammar, editing, and attention to detail.
• Self-starter with strong time-management skills and reliability.
• Ability to write in a warm, nonpartisan, people-centered voice.
• Facility with technology and willingness to learn new platforms.
• Major or minor in communications or a related field strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with email marketing best practices (subject lines, calls to action, segmentation) a plus.

Terms

• Flexible schedule; work is project-based and may fluctuate around key events and campaigns.
• College credit as per your institution’s policies.
• Confidentiality agreement required.
• Stipend provided at the end of the semester.

How to Apply

Send a brief cover email, résumé, references, your social media handles, and 2–3 relevant writing samples to jessica@safertn.org with the subject line “Communications Internship – Your Name.”

Overview: Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN) is seeking interns across the state to aid with remote and in person activities. Safer TN interns will have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with our staff and board of directors as they impact firearm safety education and legislation across the state.

We are seeking interns to assist with on campus involvement, assist with research projects, staff local events, and help to create social media content. Applicants should be organized and have excellent written and oral communications skills. Applicants should also have interest and experience in one or more of the following areas: event planning and execution, public health and/or policy research, community organizing, creating content for and managing social media accounts. Candidates should also have a demonstrated interest in public policy, public safety education, and/or communications. The intern may be asked to work on a variety of other tasks as needed.

Position is currently open to: Undergraduate students over the age of 18 residing in Tennessee.

Length and location: Interns should be able to commit 10-20 hours per week over the course of 12-16 weeks and have access to a personal computer with video functionality. Interns should be able to to travel to Nashville twice during their internship. Start and end dates of the internship are flexible.

Application Deadline: Rolling. If your school requires you to submit your internship information by a certain date for funding or to receive credit, please specify this in your application.

To Apply: Please email your cover letter and resume to info@safertn.org with subject line “Safer TN Internship Application“

Location: Memphis or Jackson, TN (remote with travel across the region)
Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Part-time or Full-time (depending on candidate availability and organizational need)

About Voices for a Safer Tennessee
Voices for a Safer Tennessee is a nonpartisan, nonprofit coalition dedicated to promoting pragmatic firearm safety policies and fostering a culture of responsible gun ownership to save lives in Tennessee. We bring together diverse communities to advocate for evidence-based, data-driven solutions and to build a safer future for all Tennesseans.

Safer TN’s organizational values are being collaborative, purpose-driven, and respectful. We are an outcome-driven organization that values joy in our workplace and also a flexible work environment to support working families.

Position Summary
The West Tennessee Coalition Coordinator will play a key role in expanding the reach and impact of Voices for a Safer Tennessee across the region (primary focus on Gibson, Dyer, Madison, Shelby, and Weakley). This position is responsible for building relationships with community leaders and local partners, coordinating the organization’s presence at community events, and managing interns and volunteers in the region.

Key Responsibilities
Coalition Building & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with Safer TN coalition, local partner organizations, businesses, and community leaders in West Tennessee who support firearm safety efforts.
• Coordinate and attend coalition meetings, listening sessions, and educational events to raise awareness and expand grassroots support. This effort will include public speaking/presentations on firearm safety.

Community Event Coordination

• Research, manage, and staff event tables at festivals, civic organization meetings, and educational forums; distribute materials and represent the organization to the public.
• Ensure event logistics, pre- and post-event communications, and other staffing duties are handled efficiently.

Volunteer & Intern Management

• Recruit, train, and manage local volunteers and interns to support outreach and event activities.
• Coordinate schedules and tasks to ensure effective and meaningful engagement for all volunteers and interns.

Administrative & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of events, outreach, and volunteer engagement.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the Executive Director and other team members.
• Assist with other administrative tasks as needed.

Qualifications/Skills

• Passion for the mission of Voices for a Safer Tennessee and belief in bipartisan, community-centered advocacy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to engage with diverse audiences.
• Experience in event planning, grassroots organizing, or volunteer coordination is preferred.
• Self-starter who is highly organized and able to work independently with remote support.
• Willingness to travel throughout West Tennessee and work some evenings or weekends. Travel could occupy 40% of work hours, mostly day trips.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple short- and long-term projects effectively.
• Proficient with technology including (but not limited to) Google Suite and database tools. Familiarity with email marketing a plus.

Experience

• At least 2 years of professional work experience.
• A plus, but not required, is experience in a relevant field, e.g., public policy, campaigns, advocacy, public health, or government, with demonstrated increasing responsibility.
• A plus, but not required, is familiarity or background with firearms.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range is $48,000-$52,000 annually
• Healthcare and technology stipend provided
• Generous PTO, including sick leave, vacation days, and holiday schedules
• Flexible, remote work environment
• Opportunities for growth and professional development
• Reimbursement for mileage and event-related expenses

To Apply: Please email your cover letter and resume to info@safertn.org with subject line “West Tennessee Coalition Coordinator“

There, you’ll find ways to host an informational gatherings, volunteer as a County Champion, join us at community presence events, and much more!