The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Director of Advancement for Campus Initiatives for the fundraise and perform alumni engagement activities on behalf of the Office of Advancement and Division of Access and Engagement in Knoxville, TN. Under the direction of the Vice Chancellors from both divisions.

The purpose of this position is to primarily serve in an external relations role, planning and executing events in coordination with both UT Foundation and division staff. Additionally, this position will partner with internal and external stakeholders (university administrators, donors, alumni, etc.) to create and implement fundraising strategies focused on assessment, culture, and education philanthropic initiatives. Strategies may include annual giving, major gifts fundraising, planned giving strategy, and sponsorships. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Annual Giving: Assist in the creation and execution of the division’s annual giving strategy, providing oversight and leadership to the division's annual giving program. Collaborate with the campus-wide annual giving team to carry out and develop annual giving strategies for the division’s initiatives. Develop and submit grant and sponsorship proposals. Partner with Alumni Affairs to integrate the Division’s initiatives into existing annual giving programs such as Big Orange Give, Big Orange Family Campaign, Campus Chest, Volstarter, etc.

Event Management: Plan and host stewardship & fundraising events, providing a donor-centered experience that also raises the profile of the division. Develop and implement marketing efforts and strategies that increase exposure to the division’s initiatives, goals, and successes. Partner with other units and colleges on new and existing events in support of the division’s strategic goals and objectives.

Major Gift Fundraising: Identify, research, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects for

major gifts of $50,000+ to support access and engagement efforts and initiatives. Pursue planned gifts from major donors.

Required Education and Experience

The candidate who fills the Director of Advancement for Campus Initiatives position is required to have:

Bachelor’s degree
5+ years of experience in fundraising, sales, marketing, alumni engagement, or other non-profit experience
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively and build relationships
Proven ability to prioritize and coordinate complex projects and to work as part of a fast-paced team
Ability and willingness to travel

A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required due to travel responsibilities of the position. UTFI reserves the right to consider all appropriate circumstances. In general, any significant driving offense less than 12 months old will eliminate the application from consideration for the position.

Note - Candidates holding a graduate degree must have at least 3 years of experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

In addition to meeting the required qualifications, the preferred candidate will have:

Master’s degree
Strong presentation skills, self-confidence, and motivation
Attention to detail, sensitive to the needs of diverse constituencies and strong goal-oriented work ethic

Application Process: Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.  References will not be contacted without explicit permission of the candidate.

When determining minimum qualifications, only information entered into the candidate profile can be considered. Please ensure your candidate profile is completed in its entirety as it relates to qualifying education/work experience.

Questions about the search may be directed to hr@utfi.org.

Benefits: The Foundation’s greatest asset is our team. Foundation employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of benefits that includes:

Generous paid leave, accruing up to 24 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually, plus 14 paid holidays and administrative closing days
Flexible work arrangements, offering a hybrid schedule to most team members
Education benefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campuses
Retirement and deferred compensation plans, including 401(k), 403(b), etc.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
Employee discounts to attractions, services, and goods

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The Foundation: The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that serves as the preferred channel for private contributions benefiting students and faculty within the UT System. With a vision of being one of the top-performing advancement organizations in higher education, UTFI is committed to enhancing the educational landscape across the University of Tennessee campuses.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been advancing knowledge and enriching lives since its founding in 1794. Tennessee’s flagship public research university, UT Knoxville is a diverse community whose shared commitment to discovery, creativity, and education combines with a tradition of service and engagement to carry the Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. UT’s campus—home to more than 36,000 students and 9,000 faculty and staff members—is part of the vibrant city of Knoxville, located on the Tennessee River with the Great Smoky Mountains nearby.

The UT System: The University of Tennessee System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, Martin and the Health Science Center at Memphis; the Institute of Agriculture; and the Institute for Public Service.

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.

University of Tennessee Foundation jobs

Director of Advancement, Campus Initiatives