Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship, UT Libraries (289)

University of Tennessee, Knoxville • Full-time • Knoxville, TN, US • 2w ago

Job Description

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship for the University of Tennessee Libraries on UT Knoxville's campus. Reporting to the Director of Advancement, the Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship is an entry-level professional position with opportunities for growth. This role is responsible for leading existing annual giving and stewardship initiatives for the UT Libraries and Press, as well as implementing new strategies to grow and retain the current donor base.

This role will be responsible for in-person and virtual visits with annual giving prospects. It will also work collaboratively with the UT Libraries' Special Events Coordinator and other UTFI and UT Libraries' faculty and staff to retain and reactivate annual giving donors, increase the number of Dean's Circle members ($1,000), initiate new sponsorship opportunities, implement stewardship activities and events, and cultivate an atmosphere of philanthropy.

Responsibilities

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Annual Giving: Manage a portfolio of annual giving prospects and complete donor visits and contacts (phone calls, Zoom, email and mail) to help UT Libraries meet their annual unit goals. Identify key opportunities for volunteer cultivation and engagement, and work with key staff to implement new programs to retain and attract annual giving and leadership annual giving level donors. Review and refer major gifts to Director of Advancement and Dean for further cultivation and strategy. Oversee John C. Hodges Society Board of Advocates and act as primary point of contact for questions and onboarding. Maintain and update board records online and in the technology information system powered by salesforce. Update Hodges Society brochure annually or as needed.

Stewardship: Oversee donor recognition and stewardship initiatives acting as primary point of contact for all stewardship activities, evaluating and implementing new initiatives when appropriate. Manage annual endowment impact reporting process for major gift donors in collaboration with Director of Advancement. Draft, revise, and send digital and physical donor acknowledgments on behalf of UT Libraries on a bi- monthly basis.

Event Coordination: Manage and plan Hodges Society board meetings - set agenda, location and oversee day of flow. Work with Coordinator of Special Events and Director of Advancement to plan donor events including annual Dean's Circle reception. Provide briefing documents to Dean and/or Director of Advancement for special events & meetings.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

The candidate who fills the Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship position is required to have:

Bachelor's degree

3+ years of experience in client/ customer relations, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

High level understanding of the most recent technology to effectively utilize university systems and software

Relevant experience in multiple specialty areas, including extensive experience working collaboratively with other office professionals and external partners

Exceptionally strong oral and written communications skills, including editing and writing experience across long and short form pieces

Exception project management and organizational skills

Experience handling confidential information with discretion

Ability to be flexible in working independently as well as collaboratively with University Advancement staff, as well as faculty and staff in college to achieve defined goals

Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize

Proficient with standard office management tools including Microsoft Office Suite

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 1 year of experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

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

Master's degree

Experience in an alumni affairs, donor relations, fundraising, or event and/or project coordination at an institute of higher education, non-profit, o similar community organization

Knowledge and/or interest in libraries, museums, archives and/or collections

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before February 1, 2025 via our 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 hr@utfi.org.

Target Start Date: April 1, 2025

Benefits: Recognized as a Top Employer by Knoxville Top Workplaces in 2022 and 2023, the Foundation's greatest asset is our team. Foundation employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of benefits that includes: