Job DescriptionThe University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of
Senior Advancement Assistant for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement Operations & Strategy, the Senior Advancement Assistant is responsible for supporting 10 (+/-) advancement directors including an Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement who oversees 7 college advancement teams.
This role will serve as a liaison to assigned Advancement directors and staff, campus and system partners, and external constituencies, while supporting travel planning, projects, events, and coordinating on- and off-campus logistics. Manages administrative operations including phone and mail monitoring, travel coordination for leadership, budget and report maintenance, reservation scheduling, gift processing, and preparation of donor and alumni communications.
ResponsibilitiesJob responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Administrative and Executive Support: Provides high-level administrative support to the Associate Vice Chancellor and Advancement Directors, including managing confidential and time-sensitive information, preparing reports, maintaining office resources, and developing procedures. Creates draft communications and supports paper and digital publications while collecting, verifying, and organizing data. Assists with onboarding and offboarding processes and serves as a gatekeeper for leadership schedules and priorities.
Financial, Travel and Operational Coordination: Supports advanced financial and budget functions by monitoring accounts, maintaining records, and processing data and reports. Coordinates complex travel, meeting arrangements, and scheduling for leadership, guests, and friends of the university. Manages documentation, contracts, and operational logistics to ensure smooth day-to-day and long-term planning.
Communications & Events: Manages and contributes content for email, website, and social media channels, ensuring alignment with Advancement messaging. Serves as a liaison to vendors, event venues, and contract providers, conducting research as needed to support unit operations. Helps plan and execute event logistics, including occasional evening or weekend support, to ensure successful engagement with alumni, donors, and campus partners.
QualificationsRequired Education and Experience The candidate who fills the Senior Advancement Assistant position is required to have:
- High school diploma with 5+ years of experience or business/technical school graduate with 3+ years of office and professional experience
- Experience using Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and Zoom
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.
Preferred Education and Experience In addition to meeting the required qualifications, the preferred candidate will have:
- Excellent oral and written communications,
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize, exceptional organizational and time management skills,
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, demonstrate analytical and critical-thinking skills
- The ability to meet strict deadlines is required.
- Proficiency in ANDI/Salesforce database management and DASH system preferred.
Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before February 2nd 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: March/April 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 12 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 6681
- Job Category Advancement
- Posting Date 01/21/2026, 12:31 PM
- Job Schedule Full time
- Locations 1331 Circle Park, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US
