Director of Advancement, Campus Initiatives

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Director of Advancement for Campus Initiatives for the fundraise and perform alumni engagement activities on behalf of the Office of Advancement and Division of Access and Engagement in Knoxville, TN. Under the direction of the Vice Chancellors from both divisions. 

The purpose of this position is to primarily serve in an external relations role, planning and executing events in coordination with both UT Foundation and division staff. Additionally, this position will partner with internal and external stakeholders (university administrators, donors, alumni, etc.) to create and implement fundraising strategies focused on assessment, culture, and education philanthropic initiatives. Strategies may include annual giving, major gifts fundraising, planned giving strategy, and sponsorships.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

Annual Giving: Assist in the creation and execution of the division’s annual giving strategy, providing oversight and leadership to the division's annual giving program. Collaborate with the campus-wide annual giving team to carry out and develop annual giving strategies for the division’s initiatives. Develop and submit grant and sponsorship proposals. Partner with Alumni Affairs to integrate the Division’s initiatives into existing annual giving programs such as Big Orange Give, Big Orange Family Campaign, Campus Chest, Volstarter, etc. 

Event Management: Plan and host stewardship & fundraising events, providing a donor-centered experience that also raises the profile of the division. Develop and implement marketing efforts and strategies that increase exposure to the division’s initiatives, goals, and successes. Partner with other units and colleges on new and existing events in support of the division’s strategic goals and objectives.  

Major Gift Fundraising: Identify, research, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects for 

major gifts of $50,000+ to support access and engagement efforts and initiatives. Pursue planned gifts from major donors.  

Required Education and Experience 

The candidate who fills the Director of Advancement for Campus Initiatives position is required to have: 

• Bachelor’s degree 

• 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  

• 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: 

• Master’s degree 

• 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 15, 2025, via our DASH application system. Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, resume, and 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.  

Questions about the search may be directed to hr@utfi.org.  

Target Start Date: August 2025 

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