Job Details

Associate Director of Development

Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Description

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Associate Director of Development for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, the Associate Director of Development is responsible for soliciting major gifts from alumni and friends of the Tickle College of Engineering while establishing and maintaining effective relationships with major internal and external constituents. The purpose of this position is to secure philanthropic gifts that impact the strategic direction set forth for the college by academic leadership in collaboration with the office of advancement.

Responsibilities

• Fundraising: Manage a portfolio of 100-120 prospective donors through an active schedule of assessment, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Build relationships with prospective donors, alumni, and volunteers that result in major gift commitments to funding priorities of the Tickle College of Engineering and the Office of Advancement. Maintain up-to-date information on donors and prospects, including submitting timely contact reports, within UTFI's CRM system. Foster advocacy in support of unit goals and initiatives and be an active participant on the TCE Advancement team. Travel for donor meetings. Responsible for closing major gifts ($50K and above) as well as significant work on annual gifts and planned gifts for the benefit of the University and the College.
• Internal Collaboration: Develop collegial relationships with TCE administrators and staff to understand fundraising priorities and identify prospective donors. Work with Advancement colleagues to ensure donors are properly qualified, cultivated, solicited, and stewarded.
• Communication: Produce fundraising materials such as case statements, priority menus, solicitation letters, gift proposals, pledge forms and gift agreements, appreciation letters, donor reports, and campaign status reports. Communicate in a donor-centric manner while furthering the mission of the University of Tennessee.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree
• 4+ years of experience in higher education, advancement, nonprofit fundraising, business development, marketing or sales
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record due to travel; significant driving offenses within 12 months may affect consideration
• Note: Candidates holding a graduate degree must have at least 2 years of experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's degree
• Higher Ed advancement, sales, or related experience developing relationships with external constituents leading to increased engagement and investment
• Demonstrated ability to secure gifts or grants from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other private funding sources
• Certified Fundraising Executive Certification
• Experience in managing volunteers and pipeline development
• Exceptional writing, listening, and interpersonal skills; ability to interact effectively with academic leadership, faculty, colleagues, and prospective donors
• Strong customer service and organizational skills

Application Process Priority will be given to applications received on or before October 27, 2025 via the DASH application system. 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. Ensure the candidate profile is complete as it relates to qualifying education/work experience. Questions about the search may be directed to ...@utfi.org.

Target Start Date: December 2025

Benefits

The Foundation's benefits include:

• Generous paid leave (vacation and sick days), holidays, and administrative closing days
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements
• Education benefits for employees and dependents at UT System campuses
• Retirement and deferred compensation plans (401(k), 403(b), etc.)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee discounts to attractions, services, and goods

The Foundation: The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization supporting UT students and faculty. UT Knoxville is a public research university with a diverse community and a long-standing tradition of service. The UT System comprises multiple campuses and affiliated institutes. 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 without regard to protected characteristics.