Job DescriptionThe University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of
Associate Director of Development, College of Arts and Sciences for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Associate Director of Development is responsible for soliciting major gifts from alumni and friends of the College of Arts and Sciences, while establishing and maintaining effective relationships with major internal and external constituents.
The purpose of this position is to secure philanthropic gifts that impact the strategic direction set forth for the college by academic leadership in collaboration with the office of advancement.
ResponsibilitiesJob responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Fundraising: Manage a portfolio of 100-120 prospects through an active schedule of solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship calls to donors and new prospects. Fundraise, at a minimum, $750K in support of the College of Arts and Sciences. Builds relationships with prospective donors, alumni, and volunteers to support programs and priorities. Maintains information on donors and prospects including contact reports in CRM system. Availability to travel to meet donors.
Communication: Coordinate or write/produce appropriate fundraising materials including, but not limited to, case statements, priority menus, solicitation letter, gift proposals, appreciation letters, donor reports, and campaign status reports. Communicates in ways that are donor centric, while furthering the mission of the University of Tennessee.
QualificationsRequired Education and Experience The candidate who fills the Associate Director of Development position is required to have:
- 3+ years of experience in development, sales, or related experience.
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 2 years of experience.
Preferred Education and Experience In addition to meeting the required qualifications, the preferred candidate will have:
- Demonstrated ability in securing gifts from individuals, corporations, foundation, and other private funding sources
- Knowledge of fundraising approaches specific to academic institution
- Experience in pipeline development
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with academic leadership, faculty, colleagues, prospects, and donors in a wide range of roles
Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before March 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: May 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 7031
- Job Category Advancement
- Posting Date 02/16/2026, 02:15 PM
- Job Schedule Full time
- Locations 2200 Sutherland Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37919, US
