CHIEF DEVELOPMENT AND
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER
OPERATION STAND DOWN TENNESSEE
Engage. Equip. Empower. Veterans.
A senior fundraising leader designing the revenue strategy that will power Operation Stand Down Tennessee's statewide growth and ensure every Veteran in Tennessee has the resources, services, and community they have earned.
Operation Stand Down Tennessee (OSDTN) is the only comprehensive Veteran-serving agency in Middle Tennessee engaging, equipping, and empowering Veterans and their families at every stage of life after service. From three Veteran Service Centers in Clarksville, Nashville, and Columbia, OSDTN delivers a continuum of crisis, career, and connection services that no other Tennessee organization brings together under one roof.
Our Mission. Operation Stand Down Tennessee engages, equips, and empowers military Veterans and their families through crisis, career, connection, and community services.
How We Serve Veterans
Engage. Through transitional housing, suicide prevention, financial assistance, legal aid, food and housing support, and peer-driven outreach, OSDTN meets Veterans where they are during moments of crisis.
Equip. Through career programs, employer partnerships, transition coaching, networking events, military spouse support, and job equipment assistance, OSDTN equips Veterans for sustainable employment and economic mobility.
Empower. Through Operation Commissary, community meetups, volunteer opportunities, military record recovery, and statewide partnerships, OSDTN empowers Veterans to lead full, connected lives long after service.
The Moment
OSDTN is at a defining moment of growth; by expanding statewide reach, deepening community partnerships, and executing an ambitious multi-year strategic plan. The next Chief Development and External Affairs Officer will build the revenue strategy, the development team, and the external positioning required to match the urgency of Veteran need with the scale of philanthropic opportunity.
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
This role is ideal for a fundraising leader who sees the full revenue ecosystem and who is energized by the chance to architect the philanthropic strategy behind a growing, statewide Veteran-serving organization. The CDO will lead OSDTN's development engine while serving as a public ambassador for Tennessee Veterans.
Key Areas of Leadership
Revenue Strategy and Growth Leadership
Design and execute a comprehensive, multi-year revenue strategy that diversifies funding streams and powers OSDTN's continued statewide growth. Build metrics and dashboards to measure ROI across major gifts, annual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, planned giving, events, and social enterprise.
Philanthropic Relationship Development
Personally cultivate and steward a portfolio of high-capacity donors, family foundations, and corporate partners. Expand regional and national philanthropic relationships and serve as a lead ambassador for OSDTN at community, corporate, and statewide forums.
Team Leadership and Infrastructure
Build, mentor, and lead a four-person development and engagement team with clear accountability, measurable goals, and professional development pathways. Strengthen the data, CRM, and gift-processing systems that sustain growth.
Board and Executive Partnership
Partner with the CEO to strengthen Board engagement in fundraising through training, prospect alignment, and performance accountability. Serve as a strategic advisor on revenue modeling, campaign feasibility, growth capital, and external positioning.
Brand and External Affairs Leadership
Ensure strategic alignment between development, marketing, communications, and community engagement to strengthen brand visibility and drive revenue growth. Champion a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
Passion for OSDTN's mission and a commitment to those who have served
Bachelor's degree or higher in business, marketing, communications, or a related field
Minimum 5 years of direct fundraising experience and 5 years of management experience (3+ years in senior management desired)
Demonstrated success building and leading high-performing development teams
Demonstrated experience cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and institutional gifts
Experience working with and alongside a Board of Directors
Strong financial acumen, budget management, and compliance experience
Valid, current Tennessee driver's license
Preferred
Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential
Veteran or military-connected experience
Comprehensive knowledge of the Middle Tennessee region's Veteran, community, employment services, and resources
Experience leading capital, comprehensive, or transformational campaigns
Experience in corporate partnerships, planned giving, or social enterprise
Compensation and Benefits
Operation Stand Down Tennessee offers a competitive compensation package that includes:
Salary $120,000-$130,000
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
Retirement plan with employer contribution
Paid time off and holidays
Short-term and long-term disability and life insurance
HOW TO APPLY
Operation Stand Down Tennessee has engaged Nonprofit Leadership LLC to lead this executive search.
Interested candidates should submit a current résumé and a personalized cover letter describing their fundraising leadership experience and their connection to the Veteran community.
Send complete and updated applications to:
The deadline to apply is June 22, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with an appreciation for early applications.