Job DescriptionThe University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of
Assistant Athletics Director of Stewardship, Signature Events and Donor Experience for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Executive Associate Athletic Director of Development, Major Gifts, the Assistant Athletics Director of Stewardship, Signature Events and Donor Experience is responsible for overseeing and managing our donor experience team, which includes full-time staff, one development assistant and student workers. This role will oversee the planning and execution of all Signature Events, as well as the creation and implementation of a comprehensive stewardship program for our annual giving and major giving programs
ResponsibilitiesJob responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Stewardship: Oversee a comprehensive stewardship program for the Tennessee Fund donor base to include annual fund stewardship (annual, gift-in-kind, sport specific), planned giving, and endowment stewardship. Collaborate with the Senior Associate Athletics Director on our leadership level philanthropic giving society stewardship.
Leadership & Event Management: Plan and produce a high-level donor events calendar, with a strong focus on quarterly engagement. Provide consistent and regular evaluation of events to ensure the event achieved goals; make necessary recommendations to support event goals in the future. Coordinate and liaise with the campus signature events leadership on any relevant event overlap. Lead and manage the Donor Experience team, including one full time staff member, one development assistant, and student workers.
Gift Acknowledgment & Stewardship/ Donor Impact Reports: Oversee production of high-level stewardship reports highlighting donor impact in major giving and planned giving. Working directly with our campus stewardship units as the principle contact to implement best practices throughout the country. Working directly with compliance, individual sports team, and campus partners to help facilitate the endowment and scholarship matching process. In coordination with the annual fund team, assist in implementing a high-level gift acknowledgment process, with a focus on donor retention and the recognition of donor longevity. This includes liaising with relevant campus donor experience departments.
QualificationsRequired Education and Experience The candidate who fills the Assistant Athletics Director of Stewardship, Signature Events and Donor Experience position is required to have:
- 7+ years of experience in fundraising or sales
- Must be able to work nights and weekends
- Ability to travel to events
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Excellent time management skills
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:
- NCAA Division I athletics development/fundraising experience
- Direct experience managing donor relations, events, and/or donor stewardship
Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before February 25, 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 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
- 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
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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.
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 1394
- Job Category Advancement
- Posting Date 02/07/2025, 08:55 AM
- Job Schedule Full time
- Locations 1551 Lake Loudoun Boulevard, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (On-site)
