Job Details

Overview

Assistant/Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts at University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI). The role reports to the Assistant Athletics Director of Development and is responsible for building and developing credible, sustainable relationships to generate financial support for the Tennessee Fund and Tennessee Athletics through discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects and donors, including travel within Tennessee and other regions.

Responsibilities

• Front Line Fundraising: Identify and qualify new major gift Shareholders Society prospects through peer referencing and prospect research. Expect to maintain at least 200 meaningful visits in the first year and secure up to $1,000,000+ of new revenue for the University of Tennessee and the Athletics Department.
• Athletic Events: Attend and assist with athletic events, donor receptions and other department functions, including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree
• Minimum of 3 years in a development position or an external position related to development (e.g., sales, marketing or related field)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Willingness and ability to travel locally and across the state of Tennessee

A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record is required due to travel responsibilities. UTFI reserves the right to consider all appropriate circumstances. Any significant driving offense less than 12 months old will generally eliminate the application from consideration.

Note: Candidates holding a graduate degree must have at least 1 year of experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's Degree
• Intercollegiate athletics development experience
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies specific to academic institutions
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with colleagues, prospects, and donors at all levels

Application Process

Priority will be given to applications received on or before October 1, 2025, via the Taleo 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. 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 ...@utfi.org.

Target Start Date: November 1, 2025

Benefits: Recognized as a Top Employer by Knoxville Top Workplaces in 2022 and 2023. Benefits include:

• 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
• Education benefits for employees and their 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

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

Job Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Other

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