Job DescriptionThe University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of
Senior Director of Advancement Operations and Donor Experience, Tickle College of Engineering on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus. Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement for the Tickle College of Engineering (TCE), the Senior Director of Advancement for Operations & Donor Experience is responsible for providing strategic oversight of advancement operations for the TCE Office of Advancement.
This role will lead the stewardship and donor relations strategy for the college, develop and execute an annual giving program in collaboration with the campus-wide annual giving team, and enhance both college and campus-level relationships to support the overall advancement efforts for TCE and the University of Tennessee.
ResponsibilitiesJob responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Operations & Strategic Leadership: Oversee the operations of the TCE Office of Advancement, ensuring alignment with the college's fundraising goals and priorities. Partner with the Executive Director of Advancement to develop and implement strategic initiatives that support major gift fundraising and donor engagement. Serve as a key leader in planning and executing annual giving campaigns, fundraising events, and alumni engagement efforts. Manage and mentor stewardship staff to enhance team effectiveness and professional growth. Collaborate with the Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration and budget managers throughout the college and departments to ensure private funds are used efficiently and effectively in accordance with gift agreements and donor intent.
Stewardship & Donor Relations: Lead the stewardship team, developing meaningful recognition strategies that celebrate donor impact and encourage continued engagement. Oversee donor communications, impact reports, and specialized stewardship plans for key supporters. Ensure best practices in stewardship, including personalized donor engagement, recognition events, and endowment reporting. Manage the briefing process the Dean, Chancellor or Vice Chancellors, ensuring that top administrators are well-prepared for meetings with donors and prospects.
Annual Giving & Pipeline Development: Develop and implement a comprehensive annual giving strategy to increase donor participation and retention. Collaborate with central Annual Giving and Alumni Relations teams to coordinate appeals, digital campaigns, and targeted solicitations. Identify and implement innovative approaches to donor acquisition, retention, and re-engagement. Manage the annual alumni and donor award process on behalf of TCE, ensuring that nominations for both college-based and campus-based awards are completed strategically in alignment with a cultivation or stewardship strategy. Build a culture of philanthropy within the Tickle College of Engineering, inviting students, faculty and staff to participate in the philanthropic efforts of the college.
QualificationsRequired Education and Experience The candidate who fills the Senior Director of Advancement for Operations & Donor Experience position is required to have:
- 7+ years of progressive experience in fundraising, alumni relations, stewardship, marketing or related fields
- Demonstrated leadership and team management experience
- Proven success in donor stewardship, relationship management, and annual giving or marketing strategies
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire donors, faculty, and university partners
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:
- Master's degree in a relevant field
- Experience working in a higher education or nonprofit development setting
- 2 years of supervisory experience of a full-time staff member
- Knowledge of fundraising best practices, CRM systems, and donor analytics
Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before May 1, 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: July 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
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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.
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. Job Info - Job Identification 2371
- Job Category Advancement
- Posting Date 03/31/2025, 11:01 AM
- Job Schedule Full time
- Locations 1525 University Ave, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (On-site)
