Senior Director of Development, Regional Giving (Georgia/Florida)

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Senior Director of Development, Regional Giving for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Senior Director of Development is responsible for visiting prospects and donors within a defined territory comprising Georgia and Florida, delivering written gift proposals, and meeting annual goals for dollars raised. This role will work directly with development officers in of UT Knoxville’s colleges and units, partnering with them to engage donors in Georgia and Florida.  

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

 

Front-Line Fundraising & Engagement: Secure significant funding that can impact the students, faculty, college and campus to achieve its fullest potential. Lead major gift strategy for high-potential regions (Georgia/Florida), managing a portfolio of top-tier prospects with annual fundraising goals starting at $3M- $4M. Independently identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gift prospects through in-person visits, customized proposals, and strategic follow up. Engage and activate alumni and volunteer leaders, strengthening the UT presence and philanthropic relationships throughout the region.  

 

Collaboration & Leadership: Serve as the central point of contact and primary advancement officer representing UT Knoxville in the Georgia/Florida region. Support campus development activity in the assigned geographic territory, interacting with all development officers, campus leadership and being an overall leader. Model a high standard of professionalism and performance, acting as a thought partner to the Assistance Vice Chancellor and contributing to overall campaign readiness and execution. Connect with the prospect development team to utilize data and prospect analytics to uncover untapped donor potential and prioritize engagement of new major gift prospects. Coordinate regional travel and strategy across UT advancement units to ensure donor engagement is maximized, and efforts are not duplicated. 

Required Education and Experience 

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

• Bachelor’s degree 

• 7+ years of experience in marketing, communications, volunteer management, fundraising, budget preparation and analysis, or program advancement and implementation or related field 

• Strong customer service orientation; strong oral and written communications skills; donor-centered thinking 

• Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout the Georgia/Florida region, with occasional travel to Knoxville; including travel on nights and weekends 

• 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: 

• Master’s degree with 5+ years of experience 

• Experience in higher education advancement and leadership roles 

 

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before August 19, 2025 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 directe