VP of Advancement and Marketing for Young-Williams Animal Center

 


The Vice President of Advancement and Marketing is a key executive leader responsible for growing and stewarding philanthropic support, building brand awareness, and deepening community engagement. This position will drive strategic fundraising, marketing, and communications efforts to elevate the mission and long-term sustainability of Young-Williams Animal Center. Leading a high-performing team, the VP will cultivate major gifts, oversee marketing strategy, and strengthen the organization’s public profile.

 

Key Success Factors:

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, results-driven fundraiser, and inspirational team leader. They will bring a proven track record of securing transformational gifts, building collaborative teams, and aligning marketing with mission impact. A passion for animal welfare and community-based advocacy is essential.

 

Essential Functions:
As the VP of Advancement and Marketing, you will:

Fundraising & Donor Development

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with YWAC’s mission.

  • Secure major gifts ($10K+) and multi-year pledges ($25K+), cultivating long-term donor relationships.

  • Lead and manage the Stewardship and Database Manager, ensuring cohesive and effective operations, including leveraging the CRM to identify strategic donor engagement as well as maximizing the donor experience.

  • Oversee donor engagement and stewardship processes using data-driven strategies.

  • Prepare and manage goals and timelines for annual campaigns and capital campaigns and looking for opportunities to expand fundraising capacity within the department.

  • Make direct, face-to-face solicitations and support the board and CEO in their respective donor outreach efforts.

  • Work with the CEO and the board to establish a strong development and campaign committee.

 

Marketing & Communications

  • Set the tone and direction for all marketing and public outreach initiatives.

  • Supervise the Marketing Director and Content Creator to develop integrated marketing campaigns.

  • Enhance YWAC’s visibility and brand through innovative, mission-aligned communication strategies to foster stronger connections with supporters.

  • Coordinate and collaborate with external retained PR firm

  • Occasional media appearances

 

Team Leadership & Organizational Strategy

  • Lead, develop, and inspire a cross-functional team.

  • Foster collaboration across departments to align advancement, communications and strategic priorities.

  • Report on key performance metrics to the CEO and Board, adjusting strategies as needed.

 

Partnerships & Community Engagement

  • Build partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and government entities to support fundraising and visibility goals.

  • Drive corporate sponsorship opportunities and CSR engagement.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree

  • Seven years of fundraising experience

  • Proven track record of working successfully with major donors

  • Three years of supervisory experience and/or team leadership

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Eight years of experience in development

  • Campaign experience

  • CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive)

 

Working Conditions:

  • While this role has flexibility with remote technology, it is an on-site leadership position requiring residence in the Knoxville area.

  • Equipment use includes desktop computer, printer, copy machine, telephone, and general office technology.

  • Occasional evening and weekend work required for special events and networking opportunities.

  • Regular exposure to and possible handling of a variety of species of animals.

  • A variety of movement required, including standing, walking, and sitting.

  • This role requires resilience and awareness of compassion fatigue common in animal welfare settings.

 

Competencies:

  • Adhere to our Core Values of Integrity, Compassion, Empathy, Innovation, Dedication and Collaboration

  • Flexibility

  • Organization and attention to detail

  • Ethical conduct

  • Team leadership and collaboration

 

Supervisory Responsibility:

  • This position supervises the Marketing Director, Content Creator, and Stewardship and Database Manager.

 

Salary and Benefits:

  • $90,000-$100,000 annual salary with growth potential

  • Benefits include PTO, health insurance, holiday pay and professional development.

AAP/EEO STATEMENT

Young-Williams Animal Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, or genetic information.

TO APPLY

Please send your resume and cover letter to elle@nonprofit-leadership.com. In the cover letter, please share your favorite fundraising or marketing success story. Applicants will be reviewed as they are received.