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The Director of Development leads fundraising strategy and donor engagement for Akiva School (K–6) and Kehilla Upper School (7–12). This role is responsible for increasing philanthropic support, expanding the major donor base, cultivating and retaining donors through stewardship, and preparing the schools for endowment campaigns.
This role serves as part of the leadership team and is measured by fundraising growth, major gift development, and long-term philanthropic capacity.
About the Schools
Akiva School is a Kindergarten through 6th-grade Jewish day school committed to excellence in both General and Judaic Studies. The school provides students with rich opportunities to learn, explore, and shape their identities as Jews and Americans. Within a nurturing yet rigorous environment, Akiva fosters intellectual curiosity, deep Jewish commitment, and strong moral character.
Kehilla Upper School of Nashville is an inclusive and growing institution grounded in Jewish values. Its mission is to cultivate engaged learners and passionate leaders who strive to contribute to something greater than themselves. Embracing a pluralistic ethos, Kehilla is building an innovative model of Jewish secondary education in Nashville.
Together, these schools are central pillars of Jewish life and education in the Nashville community. The Director of Development will play a key leadership role in advancing these schools, including preparing for, and potentially leading, a major capital campaign to support facilities, endowment, and programmatic initiatives.
The Three Core Objectives
1. Grow Annual Philanthropy
Own and drive the annual fundraising program across both schools. Bring a data-driven insight-led approach.
Build positive relationships throughout Jewish greater Nashville and Middle, TN
2. Build and Close a Major Gift Pipeline
Develop relationships that lead to transformational gifts.
Success Metrics:
Build a portfolio of 75–125 qualified donor prospects
Secure 10–15 new major gifts annually ($10K+)
Cultivate lead donors capable of $50K–$250K+ gifts
The Director personally manages high-capacity donors and partners with the Head of School and Board members on major solicitations.
3. Cultivate / Lead the growth of the Endowment
Strengthen infrastructure and relationships to support long-term growth.
Success Metrics:
Identify lead prospects
Develop a compelling case for support
Build an endowment leadership committee
What the Role Does Not Primarily Do
The Director should not spend the majority of time on:
Running small events
Managing marketing
Processing gifts
Updating databases
These functions should be supported administratively.
Ideal Time Allocation:
50% — Donor meetings
25% — Donor cultivation & strategy
15% — Board & leadership engagement
10% — Campaign strategy
Reporting Structure
This position reports to the Head of School for Akiva and works closely with the Board Chair and board members leading development for the respective schools.
Compensation:
Base Salary
$125,000-$135,000, commensurate with experience. Competitive benefit package offered.
Candidate Profile
A natural relationship builder
Comfortable and confident in asking for major gifts
AI demonstrated fluency
Deep CRM experience
Strategic in managing and growing donor relationships
Connected (or able to quickly connect) within Nashville’s philanthropic community
Experienced in working with board-level and high-capacity donors
Experience in Jewish nonprofit organizations is helpful but not required; what matters most is a strong understanding of mission-driven fundraising and the ability to translate vision into philanthropic support.
Candidate Profile
A natural relationship builder
Comfortable and confident in asking for major gifts
AI demonstrated fluency
Deep CRM experience
Strategic in managing and growing donor relationships
Connected (or able to quickly connect) within Nashville’s philanthropic community
Experienced in working with board-level and high-capacity donors
Experience in Jewish nonprofit organizations is helpful but not required; what matters most is a strong understanding of mission-driven fundraising and the ability to translate vision into philanthropic support.
Akiva Community Day School is a Kindergarten through 6th grade school that is dedicated to providing its students with the opportunity to learn about, analyze, and develop their identity as Jews and Americans in the world. Located in Nashville, TN, the school is dedicated to academic excellence in both General and Judaic Studies.