Executive Director of Advancement, Baker School

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Executive Director of Advancement for the Baker School for Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement and working closely with the Dean of the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker), the Executive Director leads the School’s advancement efforts and serves as a senior advisor to the Dean. 

The Executive Director will be among the most experienced and productive fundraisers on campus, specializing in cultivating and soliciting major and principal gifts from current and prospective donors. This role will provide leadership in developing and executing initiatives that inspire current and prospective donors to invest philanthropically in the School's mission. 

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Major Gift and Annual Giving: Motivated to meet and exceed annual fundraising goals by fostering a culture of philanthropy within the Baker School and among its donor base. Secure substantial philanthropic resources that will profoundly benefit Baker students and faculty, enabling the unit to reach its full potential. These efforts include identifying, cultivating, soliciting (both major and annual gifts), and stewarding alumni and friends, regardless of gift size.

Administrative and Management: Serve as a senior advisor to the Dean on fundraising, alumni, and external relations issues, managing the Dean’s travel for fundraising and alumni engagement, interacting with Baker School leadership (such as the dean, budget director, faculty, etc.), campus leadership, and representing the UT Foundation within the Baker School and to alumni and friends.

Board Management, Events, and Stewardship Responsibilities: Collaborate with the Dean of the Baker School to create, develop, and oversee boards that support the unit’s mission. Work closely with the School’s staff to develop strategies for fundraising events and participate in staffing those events. Manage relationships with current and prospective donors. This includes sending acknowledgment letters, endowment reports, impact reports, and any other stewardship activities the School requires. Finally, the Executive Director will work with the Communications and Donor Experience team to coordinate stewardship efforts for the School.

Required Education and Experience

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

• Bachelor’s degree

• 8+ years in a position related to development, fundraising, sales, marketing, or other realted non-profit experience

• 2+ years of supervision experience

• Ability to lead in a metric-driven environment

• Experience providing strategic leadership to secure philanthropic revenue 

• Experience in developing and implementing a donor-centric funding culture  

• Strong oral and writing communication skills

• Overnight travel will be required

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 4 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 and principal gifts from individuals and/or corporations/foundations

• Experience in pipeline development and prospect identification

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as situations require

• Experience working in political or government organizations

• Experience managing a board, coordinating events and/or donor stewardship

Application Process: Priority will be given to applicati