Job DescriptionThe University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of
Executive Director of Gift Planning for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Regional, Planned and Corporate Philanthropy, the Executive Director of Gift Planning is responsible for leading the gift planning team, providing strategic direction for planned giving including prospect development, communication, stewardship, and coaching/mentoring of team members.
The purpose of this position is to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward planned gifts while holding his/her own portfolio of prospects and donors. This role will also support all colleges and units across the University of Tennessee campus.
ResponsibilitiesJob responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Planned Giving: Manage the full lifecycle of planned gifts, from initial donor consultation and proposal development (including providing legal language) to facilitating estate distributions and coordinating stewardship. Cultivate relationships with professional advisors (attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors, etc.). Prepare planned giving proposals that ensure a potential donor's best interests are considered and similarly match the funding goals and needs of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Collaborate with UTFI Office of Planned Giving and appropriate senior leadership, along with the treasurer and members of their staff in the establishment. Lastly this position might be involved in the coordination of Charitable Trusts where the University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. serves as trustee.
Leadership: Provide leadership and direction to the gift planning team, including setting goals, supervising staff, and fostering professional development. Contribute to UTK Advancement strategy and implement innovative best practices to enhance team effectiveness.
Administrative: Support development operations through collaboration with key stakeholders (Development Directors, campus leadership, AVC). Manage complex assignments, resolve routine issues, and consult with leadership on strategic matters. Oversee stewardship and partner with advancement communications to execute the Gift Planning marketing plan.
QualificationsRequired Education and Experience The candidate who fills the Executive Director of Gift Planning position is required to have:
- 8+ years of direct fundraising and/or financial planning, estate planning, or sales with a working knowledge of planned giving.
- 2+ years of direct supervision experience
- Knowledge of planned giving strategies and techniques (Charitable Remainder Trusts, Charitable Lead Trusts, Gift Annuities, Remainder Interests in Residences and Farms, Pooled Income Fund, Life Insurance, Retirement Plan Beneficiary Designations, TOD/POD Designations, Bequest Expectancies, Marketable Securities, Real Estate, Closely Held Securities, Tangible Personal Property), probate processes and administration of planned giving assets
- Excellent telephone manner
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Willing to build strong relationships with donors and prospects
- Ability and willingness to engage in extensive travel, sometimes overnight and on weekends
- Strong analytical ability, attention to detail, organizational skills and facility for mathematical and financial concepts
- Possess excellent time management skills
- Flexibility in daily responsibilities
- Ability to manage multiple and complex projects simultaneously
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 5 years of experience.
Preferred Education and Experience In addition to meeting the required qualifications, the preferred candidate will have:
- Experience using planned giving software such as Crescendo or PG Calc
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before February 17, 2025 via our 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.
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: June 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:
- 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 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.
Knoxville - 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.
Job Info - Job Identification 1245
- Job Category Advancement
- Posting Date 01/29/2025, 08:15 AM
- Job Schedule Full time
- Locations 1525 University Ave, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (On-site)
