Director of Development, College of Arts and Sciences

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Director of Development for College of Arts and Sciences for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Director of Development is responsible for implementing the strategic direction for identifying, cultivating, and successfully soliciting individuals to support priorities for the college. The ideal candidate will solicit major gifts from alumni and friends of the College of Arts and Sciences, focusing on the Division of Arts & Humanities, while establishing and maintaining effective relationships with major internal and external constituents.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Major Gifts: Manage and strategically grow a portfolio of donors and prospective donors through active cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and relationship management. Secure philanthropic gifts that advance the college’s strategic priorities and initiatives established by academic leadership. Build and strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, volunteers, and key stakeholders to increase philanthropic engagement and long-term support.

Strategic Partnership: Partner with faculty, academic leadership, and central advancement teams to align donor interests with institutional priorities and funding opportunities. Coordinate donor communications, proposals, stewardship materials, and fundraising collateral to support engagement and solicitation efforts. Maintain accurate donor and prospect records within the CRM system while ensuring donor-centric communication and effective travel-based relationship management.

Administrative Operations and Leadership: Manage administrative and operational responsibilities related to fundraising activities, reporting, and internal coordination. Collaborate with administrative staff, development officers, and university leadership to support advancement initiatives and organizational effectiveness. Provide leadership, accountability, and coordination for development processes, communications, and departmental support functions. 

Required Education and Experience

The candidate who fills the Director of Development position is required to have:

• Bachelor’s degree

• 5+ years of 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 3 years of experience.

Preferred Education and Experience 

In addition to meeting the required qualifications, the preferred candidate will have:

• Master’s degree

• Demonstrated ability in securing major gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other private funding sources