Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Development

at Tennessee Resettlement Aid

🏢 About Tennessee Resettlement Aid

Tennessee Resettlement Aid (TRA) is a Nashville-based nonprofit that directly supports refugee and immigrant families through culturally appropriate food assistance, home furnishings, and school support. Working here means making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable populations while being part of a small, mission-driven team where your efforts have immediate impact.

About This Role

As Director of Development, you'll lead a focused 90-day individual giving campaign to re-engage lapsed donors and cultivate new supporters. This contract role is critical for building sustainable funding streams, and you'll work closely with the Executive Director to strengthen donor relationships and stewardship practices.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with reviewing a list of lapsed donors and making personal calls to reconnect. You could then meet a donor for coffee to discuss their past support and current interests, followed by preparing impact updates and thank-you notes. Afternoons might involve strategizing with the Executive Director on upcoming solicitations and updating your donor database.

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🎯 Who Tennessee Resettlement Aid Is Looking For

  • Proven track record in nonprofit fundraising, especially individual giving and donor relations.
  • Comfortable making cold calls, scheduling in-person meetings, and directly asking for donations.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with a warm, professional demeanor that builds trust with donors.
  • Highly organized, self-motivated, and local to Nashville/Middle Tennessee for in-person donor meetings.

📝 Tips for Applying to Tennessee Resettlement Aid

1

Highlight any experience with re-engaging lapsed donors or running time-bound campaigns (e.g., 90-day sprints).

2

Emphasize your comfort with direct asks—share a specific example of a successful solicitation.

3

Mention your familiarity with Nashville's philanthropic landscape or local refugee/immigrant communities.

4

Tailor your resume to show results (e.g., dollars raised, donor retention rates) rather than just responsibilities.

5

Include a brief note in your cover letter about why TRA's mission resonates with you personally.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with individual giving and donor stewardship, especially in a nonprofit setting.', 'Your ability to work independently and drive results within a 90-day timeline.', 'Your comfort with in-person donor meetings and making direct asks.', "Your alignment with TRA's mission and understanding of refugee/immigrant resettlement challenges."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review TRA's website and recent social media to understand their current programs and impact stories.
  • → Look up the refugee and immigrant population statistics in Middle Tennessee to grasp the community's needs.
  • → Check if TRA has any recent news coverage or annual reports to see their funding sources and donor base.
  • → Familiarize yourself with Nashville's philanthropic networks (e.g., The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee).
Visit Tennessee Resettlement Aid's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach re-engaging lapsed donors? Walk us through your 90-day plan.
2 Describe a time you made a successful direct ask. What was your approach?
3 How do you prioritize donor outreach when you have limited time and resources?
4 What strategies do you use for donor stewardship beyond thank-you notes?
5 How would you partner with the Executive Director to prepare for donor meetings?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention TRA's specific mission or programs.
  • Focusing only on grant writing or major gifts if you lack individual giving experience—this role is about personal outreach.
  • Failing to demonstrate local ties—since in-person meetings are required, not being based in Nashville is a dealbreaker.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Tennessee Resettlement Aid!

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