Senior Director of Alumni and Annual Giving, UTIA (7756)

University of Tennessee, Knoxville • Full-time • Knoxville, TN, US • 1d ago

Job Description

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Senior Director of Alumni and Annual Giving for the University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement, the Senior Director of Alumni and Annual Giving is responsible for creating a long- term vision and strategy in building a sustainable and robust alumni and annual giving office.

This role will lead the creation and implementation of programs, projects, projects and events that strategically engage alumni and future alumni of the Herbert College of Agriculture and the College of Veterinary Medicine, as well as friends and donors of all units within the UT Institute of Agriculture and direct all annual giving activities for the institute.

Responsibilities

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Alumni Programs: Collaborate with the UT Alumni Association and UT Knoxville Office of Alumni Affairs to strengthen the graduate experience. Support the College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Council in fostering engagement among alumni, faculty, staff, and students. Explore ways to organize Herbert College of Agriculture alumni and deepen alumni-student connections. Develop strategies that help UTIA academic departments manage their own alumni and friends activities. Lead alumni communications, including social media, e-newsletters, and website content in partnership with Advancement and Marketing. Serve as liaison to the UTIA Retirees Association and identify the most effective avenues for engagement. Create programming that connects students with alumni and industry partners for networking, internships, and career opportunities.

Annual Giving: Develop, implement, and lead a comprehensive annual giving program with tailored strategies for each of UTIA's four primary units. Execute a multi-channel solicitation plan using phone, email, mail, online outreach, and event-based engagement. Partner with the UT Knoxville Office of Annual Giving on Big Orange Giving Day, the Family Campaign, and unit-specific fundraising initiatives. Build relationships with alumni and friends, document meaningful interactions, and connect promising prospects with major gift officers to strengthen the donor pipeline.

Leadership: Serve on the UTIA Office of Advancement Executive Leadership Team, contributing to the strategic direction of alumni and annual giving programs. Collaborate with advancement colleagues and institute-wide partners to develop and sustain a cohesive engagement strategy. Work with advancement and college staff to ensure all alumni programs are delivered with high quality and a personalized approach. Position requires evening and weekend work, as well as overnight and independent off-site travel as needed.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

The candidate who fills the Senior Director of Alumni and Annual Giving position is required to have:

Bachelor's degree

7+ years of experience in alumni and annual giving in a higher education or non- profit setting

2+ years of supervisory experience to include volunteers, interns and/or students

Alumni and/or volunteer management or related experience

Able to simultaneously juggle multiple high- profile tasks

Self- started with attention to detail who will thrive in a fast- paced work environment

High level organizational skills

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:

Volunteer management experience in a university advancement office

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before April 29th 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

_________

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 Institute of Agriculture is dedicated to providing "Real. Life. Solutions." to society's most pressing issues. Through its extensive presence across the state and global outreach efforts, UTIA's work has a profound impact on agriculture, research, veterinary medicine, Extension, and more, ultimately contributing to economic growth, biodiversity and human and animal health.

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