Job DescriptionThe University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of
Director of Advancement for the College of Communication and Information (CCI) on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus. Reporting to the Assistant Dean of External Relations and Senior Director for Advancement, the Director of Advancement is responsible for serving as the lead for annual giving within the unit, overseeing the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of prospects and donors for both annual and leadership annual giving for CCI.
This role will collaborate with the Assistant Dean/Sr. Director to support the mission of the unit by developing and implementing fundraising strategies to increase financial support-both
annual and major-from alumni, friends, corporate partners, and foundations for CCI Radio.
ResponsibilitiesJob responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Annual Gift and Major Gift Fundraising: Identify, cultivate, and solicit prospects for annual and major gifts to CCI Radio and the College. Work with School Directors, faculty, and staff within the unit to create meaningful engagement opportunities for current and prospective donors. Implement an annual giving plan to secure ongoing and future philanthropic support for CCI Radio and the College. Additionally, the Director will develop and execute a fundraising plan to secure current and future philanthropic to secure ongoing and future philanthropic support for CCI Radio and the College. This position requires travel within the region where there is a significant number of interested supporters.
Leadership and Board Management: Oversee and mentor assigned advancement professional(s) to ensure they meet or exceed their annual goals. This involves holding regular meetings to assess progress, provide timely coaching, and advocate for the team. collaborate with the CCI Radio Director, school directors, and the assistant dean/senior director to create, develop, and oversee boards that support the unit's mission.
Stewardship: Work with the Assistant Director of Stewardship and Events to manage relationships with current and future donors. Collaborate with the Communications and Donor Experience team in Central Advancement to identify stewardship activities for the College and CCI Radio. Partner with the CCI Assistant Director of Stewardship and Events to support current donors.
QualificationsRequired Education and Experience The candidate who fills the Director of Advancement position is required to have:
- 5+ years of experience in fundraising, sales, marketing, alumni engagement, or other non-profit experience
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively and build relationships
- Proven ability to prioritize and coordinate complex projects and to work as part of a fast-paced team
- Demonstrated commitment to access and engagement
- Ability and willingness to travel
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 3 years of experience.
Preferred Education and Experience In addition to meeting the required qualifications, the preferred candidate will have:
- Experience with donor databases and higher education fundraising is preferred.
- Strong presentation skills, self-confidence, and motivation
- Attention to detail, sensitive to the needs of diverse constituencies and strong goal-oriented work ethic
Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before May 13th 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: July 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 7720
- Job Category Exec & Managerial
- Posting Date 04/13/2026, 04:14 PM
- Job Schedule Full time
- Locations Knoxville, TN, United States
