Job DescriptionThe University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of
Assistant Director of Gift Planning Operations for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Executive Director of Gift Planning, the Assistant Director of Gift Planning is responsible for serving as a collaborative liaison to both the Annual Giving (AG) and Communications and Donor Experience (CDE) teams pertaining to projects associated with marketing, stewardship, and reporting. Furthermore, the Assistant Director of Gift Planning Operations shall serve as the "front desk" for the Office of Gift Planning by receiving incoming phone calls, emails, and mail intended for the office at-large.
This role will provide mission-critical operations support to the Office of Gift Planning for the purposes of enhancing efficiency, customer service, messaging and branding, data-informed decision-making, and reporting to support the work of securing outright and deferred philanthropic commitments.
ResponsibilitiesJob responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Internal Operations: Operational hub for the Office of Gift Planning, acting as the virtual front desk, managing records, reports, documentation, and ensuring data integrity. Coordinating acknowledgements for planned gifts, maintaining SharePoint and collateral materials, monitoring compliance-related documents, and supporting leadership with reporting, prospect identification, and meeting preparation. Process improvement to enhance efficiency and accuracy across Gift Planning operations.
Project Management: Manages and tracks Gift Planning marketing and stewardship projects, coordinating with Annual Giving (AG), Constituent Data & Engagement (CDE), and leadership to ensure timely execution. Produce monthly acknowledgements, develop and monitor annual project schedules, assess the effectiveness of marketing efforts, and recommend data-informed adjustments. Stewardship initiatives may include major deliverables such as annual impact reports and donor communications.
Event Coordination: Lead planning, staffing, and execution of special Gift Planning events on or off campus. Assist in hosting alumni and friends on campus, including providing tours. Infrequent evening and weekend work may be necessary.
QualificationsRequired Education and Experience The candidate who fills the Assistant Director of Gift Planning Operations position is required to have:
- 3+ years of professional work experience
- Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams).
- Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
- Must be able to work independently, yet collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
- Must have the ability to comprehend and distill complex processes, data, data coding, and reporting
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 years of experience.
Preferred Education and Experience In addition to meeting the required qualifications, the preferred candidate will have:
- 3+ years of experience in a higher education environment, especially in Advancement, or in an environment handling wills, trust, and estate administration.
- Demonstrated project management skills are preferred along with relevant professional certifications such as CAP, PMP, CFRE, Data Analytics
- Proficiency in database management and customer relationship management systems, especially Salesforce
Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before January 26th via our DASH application system. Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, and resume. Candidates selected to move forward in the evaluation process will be asked to provide 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.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.
Questions about the search may be directed to
hr@utfi.org.
Target Start Date: April 1, 2026
Benefits: 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 6495
- Job Category Advancement
- Posting Date 01/08/2026, 09:52 AM
- Job Schedule Full time
- Locations 1331 Circle Park, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US
