Operations & Development Manager
Job Type: Full-time, hybrid
Classification: Exempt
Work Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. including some evenings, weekends and overnight travel.
Salary: $40,000-45,000 annually, paid monthly
Reports to: Executive Director
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
For more than six decades, Tennessee Craft has encouraged, developed and promoted the crafts and craftspeople of Tennessee. Through two iconic annual craft fairs, exciting, juried exhibitions, mentorship opportunities, and valuable professional development programs, we connect craft artists to one another and connect the public to Tennessee’s rich tradition of fine craft driving cultural tourism and strengthening the state’s creative economy.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Operations & Development Manager plays a vital dual role in driving the mission of Tennessee Craft. This position manages key operational logistics, internal systems, and database administration while supporting revenue development through grant writing, individual donor stewardship, and sponsor cultivation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Development & Fundraising (approx. 50%)
- Grant Writing & Management: Identify, write, and submit grant proposals to public agencies, corporate foundations, and private foundations. Track grant cycles, compliance, and reporting deliverables.
- Donor & Membership Stewardship: Oversee individual giving campaigns, annual appeals, and membership renewal pipelines. Work closely with the Executive Director to identify and cultivate major donors.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Support the outreach, pitch creation, and fulfillment process for corporate sponsors supporting Tennessee Craft Fairs and statewide educational programming.
- Database Administration: Maintain the donor/CRM database with accuracy; track gifts, send timely acknowledgments, and generate financial reports for board meetings and audit preparation.
Operations & Chapter/Member Support (approx. 50%)
- Office & Systems Management: Oversee daily administrative workflows, office supplies, mailings, vendor relationships, and IT infrastructure.
- Craft Fairs & Event Logistics: Serve as a key operational team member for the Spring and Fall Tennessee Craft Fairs. Coordinate vendor contracts, artist registration, site logistics, permits, and on-site event operations.
- Statewide Chapter & Member Liaison: Provide administrative support to regional chapter leaders and process new/renewing TN Craft memberships.
- Financial Operations Support: Assist with accounts payable/receivable, invoice tracking, deposit preparation, and budget reconciliation in coordination with the bookkeeper/accountant.
REQURIED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience: 3+ years of professional experience in non-profit operations, fundraising/development, or arts administration.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency with CRM/donor databases (e.g., Salesforce), financial software (e.g., QuickBooks), and office software (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365).
- Communication: Exceptional written communication skills with the ability to tailor narratives for artistic, corporate, and philanthropic audiences.
- Detail Orientation: High degree of accuracy in data entry, record-keeping, and logistics tracking.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in a craft or craft-related field, including arts administration
- Deep passion for traditional/contemporary fine craft, Tennessee’s cultural traditions, and the state’s creative economy.
- Demonstrated success writing grant proposals or supporting successful fundraising campaigns.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS and PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Normal office work environment in Nashville, TN, with options for remote flexibility.
- Must be able to work extended hours, evenings, and weekends during peak event periods (especially during the biannual Spring and Fall Craft Fairs).
- Ability to move, set up, and transport event equipment (up to 50 lbs) during events.
Additional Benefits
- Generous vacation, sick time, paid holidays, and compensatory time
- Flexible, hybrid work environment.
- Professional development opportunities
- Eligibility for annual merit bonus
How to Apply
To apply, please submit a resume and a cover letter as a single, multi-page PDF detailing how this position aligns with your unique experience and career goals to info[AT]tennesseecraft[DOT]org with the subject line “Operations & Development Manager – [Your Last Name]”.
Tennessee Craft is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, artists, and community members.
Craft is a Community
Thanks for all of our sponsors and partners that have helped keep Tennessee Craft operating since 1965!
