Senior Director of Strategic IT Projects

 The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Senior Director of Strategic IT Projects. Reporting to the Vice President for Technology and Innovation and Chief Technology Officer, the Senior Director of Strategic IT Projects is responsible for leading high- impact technology projects that advance the University of Tennessee Foundation's mission.  

 

This role will focus on aligning technology initiatives with strategic goals, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and with measurable value to the Foundation and its stakeholders. 

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

 

Strategic Project Leadership: Lead planning, execution, and delivery of technology projects that support UTFI’s strategic roadmap, including CRM enhancements, data governance, document management, and digital communications initiatives. Partner with the CTO, Advancement Technology leadership, and campus stakeholders to ensure technology projects align with business objectives and compliance requirements. Translate organizational strategy into actionable project plans with clear milestones, deliverables, and success metrics. 

 

Project Execution and Governance: Manage full project lifecycle from initiation to closure, ensuring adherence to UTFI’s project governance framework, developed by this role. Monitor project progress, budgets, and timelines; proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies. Facilitate cross-functional collaboration among IT, Advancement, Communications, and campus-based teams.  

 

Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a primary point of contact for project stakeholders, ensuring transparent communication and expectation management.  

 

Process Improvement and Innovation: Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. Champion best practices in project management, change management, and user adoption. Stay current on higher education and nonprofit technology trends to inform UTFI’s technology strategy. 

Required Education and Experience 

The candidate who fills the Senior Director of Strategic IT Projects position is required to have: 

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, business administration, project management or a related field 

• 7+ years of project management experience, preferably in IT or technology- related initiatives 

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneous with competing deadlines 

• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholder groups 

• Proficiency with project management tools (Monday.com, Asana, Jira, Microsoft Project) 

 

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 

• PMP, CAPM, or equivalent project management certification 

• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or fundraising environments 

• Familiarity with CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred), data governance, and document management systems 

• Knowledge of change management methodologies 

 

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before October 16, 2025, via our DASH application system. Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, and resume. Candidates selected to move forward in the e