Music Export Memphis (MEM) is seeking its first-ever Director of Development to help shape the next chapter of one of Memphis’s most innovative arts nonprofits.
Founded in 2016, Music Export Memphis exists to support and elevate Memphis musicians beyond city limits, creating opportunities for artists to tour, showcase, and grow sustainable careers while strengthening Memphis’s reputation as a contemporary music powerhouse. Over the past decade, MEM has put more than $1 million directly into the hands of Memphis musicians, including critical relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MEM is a first-of-its-kind organization in the United States—no other city operates a nonprofit export office dedicated solely to music. The team values creativity, entrepreneurial thinking, collaboration, and balance, offering a flexible, boundary-respecting work culture while acknowledging that work in music sometimes includes nights and weekends.
About the Role
The Director of Development is a full-time, salaried leadership role reporting directly to the Executive Director and working closely with the Board of Directors and Development Committee. This position is an 18-month contract role (March 2026–September 2027), created to support fundraising and infrastructure building ahead of a major new MEM program launching in 2027, with the intent to transition the role into a permanent position.
This role will formalize and grow MEM’s fundraising systems for the first time, transforming years of successful relationship-based fundraising into scalable, sustainable development operations.
Key Responsibilities
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Build and manage a corporate sponsorship and engagement strategy
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Formalize individual donor cultivation and stewardship, including giving tiers and supporter benefits
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Identify funding opportunities outside of Memphis, including corporate and philanthropic sources
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Develop and execute strategies to grow major gifts
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Lead planning and execution of MEM’s annual fundraiser, The Tambourine Bash, including sponsorships, in-kind donations, ticketing, volunteers, and VIP management
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Create sponsorship assets and target lists for MEM’s 2027 program launch in partnership with the Executive Director
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Work closely with the Board’s Development Committee, including preparing reports and presenting directly to the board
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Create fundraising materials such as sponsorship decks, proposals, grants, donor acknowledgements, and in-kind letters
What We’re Looking For
Required:
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At least 7 years of nonprofit fundraising experience
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Experience with major gifts strategies
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Experience working directly with an Executive Director/CEO and Board of Directors
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Strong written and verbal communication skills
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Familiarity with Network for Good / Bonterra or similar donor CRM tools
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A genuine love of music and passion for Memphis
Preferred (but not required):
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CFRE certification or deep knowledge of fundraising best practices
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Experience working in a music, arts, or cultural nonprofit
Salary & Benefits
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Salary range: $65,000–$80,000 annually
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Employer contribution to healthcare
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Extremely generous and flexible PTO, including a two-week office closure at year-end
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Remote-first role (90% remote), with required Memphis residency and availability for in-person meetings 1–2 times per week
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Some travel may be required
📩 How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to:
elizabeth@musicexportmemphis.org