Director of Development, Haslam College of Business

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Director of Development, Haslam College of Business on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, campus. Reporting to the Senior Executive Director of Development, the Director of Development is responsible for implementing the strategic direction to fundraise for both private and corporate gifts, grants, and pledges. 

This role will engage Haslam College of Business alumni and corporate partners to meet metrics set forth both for the individual and the team related to major gift fundraising, annual giving, and alumni/donor engagement. 

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Fundraising: Securing commitments for endowments, un-endowed gifts, and annual gift commitments. Manage a portfolio of prospects through an ongoing cycle of identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship both locally and within an assigned territory. Works with both individuals and corporations/foundations.

Stewardship: Actively participate in functions of Haslam College of Business Office of Advancement to engage Haslam College of Business alumni/donors, cultivate those relationships, and steward donors to the college appropriately through special projects/programs, events and hospitality.

Administrative: Serve as a liaison between the Haslam College of Business Office of Advancement and the college’s academic units as assigned, acting as a primary point of contact for departmental advisory boards. Collaborate with college/foundation teams, working toward mutually agreed upon goals and metrics.

Required Education and Experience

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

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of experience in development/fundraising, sales, or directly 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:

• Demonstrated ability and/or experience in securing major gifts from individuals and/or corporations/foundations
• Demonstrated familiarity with higher education/non-profit fundraising
• Experience in pipeline development and prospect identification
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within the college, university, and foundation

 

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before August 15th, 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: Fall 2025

 

Benefits: Recognized as a Top Employer by Knoxville Top Workplaces in 2022 and 2023, 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
• Education benefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campuses
• Retirement and deferred compensation plans, including 401(k), 403(b), etc. 
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Employee discounts to attractions, services, and goods<