Job Details

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

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• 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.
• Internal Collaboration: Develop collegial relationships with TCE administrators and staff to become knowledgeable about their fundraising priorities and to potentially identify prospective donors. Works with Advancement colleagues to ensure that existing and prospective donors are properly qualified, cultivated, solicited, and stewarded.
• Communication: Produce appropriate fundraising materials including, but not limited to, case statements, priority menus, solicitation letters, gift proposals, pledge forms and gift agreements, appreciation letters, donor reports, and campaign status reports.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree
• 4+ years of experience in higher education, advancement, non- profit fundraising, business development, marketing or sales are required

A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record is required due to travel responsibilities of the position.

Preferred Education And Experience

• Master's degree
• Higher Ed advancement, sales, or related experience developing relationships with external constituents, explaining “the why,” which resulted in 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/ stakeholders and pipeline development
• Exceptional writing, listening, and interpersonal skills with ability to interact effectively with academic leadership, faculty, colleagues, and prospective donors in a wide range of settings
• Robust customer service skills and organizational skills

Application Process

Priority will be given to applications received on or before October 27 2025, via our DASH application system. Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

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

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.