Executive Director of Portfolio Strategy & Solutions
Executive Director of Portfolio Strategy & Solutions
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Job Description
The University of Tennessee Foundation Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Executive Director of Portfolio Strategy & Solutions. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Prospect Development the Executive Director of Portfolio Strategy & Solutions (EDPSS) is responsible for leading a team that catalyzes the production of the prospect development team via solution-focused advisory approach that is collaborative professionalized and strategic. As a key senior leader in UTFIs Prospect Development vertical the EDPSS oversees and manages all aspects of the Portfolio Strategy & Solutions unit. Core focus areas include oversight of (1) prospect management (2) portfolio maintenance including prospect assignments and (3) strategic refinement of development metrics and dashboardsto allow for streamlined interpretation of development performance at the enterprise institution unit and individual level.
This position works closely with principal advancement leaders and campus leadership to ensure coordination collaboration and proactive management of the broader UT System philanthropic portfolio while simultaneously defining the philanthropic portfolios for each institution and institute into actionable pipelines. The EDPSS holds responsibility for ongoing review and suggested evolution of prospect management policies and procedureswith a focus on ensuring clarity consistency and streamlined operations across all development units and campuses. This position regularly interacts with senior leadership and key stakeholders across the enterprise.
Responsibilities
Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Leadership & Supervision: Provides dynamic and analytical leadership to the Portfolio
Strategy & Solutions team. Leads strategic planning communication and execution of team goals ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and fiscal responsibility. Manages and mentors a high performing team by providing training resources and ongoing coaching while fostering a culture of respect growth and innovation. Oversees performance evaluations policy development and the integration of emerging tools like AI to enhance prospect intelligence and pipeline optimization.
Portfolio Strategy: Collaborate with fellow Prospect Development senior leaders to define workflows business processes and key performance indicators (KPIs) that effectively maintain and monitor the University of Tennessee system-wide portfolio while further segmenting the System-wide portfolio into portfolios aligned with institutions institutes units individual development officers and prospect poolsall with a goal of ensuring dynamic and optimized prospect assignment across the pipeline. Partner with senior development leaders to define principal giving portfolios and align assignments with consideration of cross-institutional/unit philanthropic interests held by prospects to realize transformational philanthropic investments by taking a donor-centered approach.
Portfolio Solutions: Provide proactive leadership to ensure an ongoing collaborative and solutions-focused approach is provided by all team members; this approach positions the team as professional advisors who are laser-focused on identifying and addressing barriers to development officer production. Maintain regular and proactive communication with key senior development leaders to ensure an accurate pulse is maintained on evolving needs; prioritize potential solutions according to business needs and address needs in an entrepreneurial manner.
Prospect Management: Provide leadership in regular review and refinement of prospect management policies and proceduresalways focusing on actively addressing potential barriers. Monitor overall integrity of performance metrics for Development Officers and collaborate with
prospect development peer leaders and Central Services colleagues to ensure respective dashboards and reports are accurate clear and accessible. Provide counsel to the AVP of Prospect Development regarding strategic planning and implementation of new objectives and goals that will continue to refine an always growing pipeline.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience
The candidate who fills the Executive Director of Portfolio Strategy & Solutions position is required to have:
- Bachelors degree
- 8 years of progressive experience in roles that require translating data and analysis to generate actionable strategy and solutions that drive business outcomes
- 2 years of supervisory experience including goal setting performance management and driving results
- An entrepreneurial mindset with strong strategic planning capabilities and business intelligence acumen
- Experience working within a decentralized work environment in a collaborative service role leading complex projects
- A broad understanding of diverse prospect bases spanning the full scope of UTFIs enterprise i.e. business engineering arts & sciences agriculture athletics grateful patients and friends of the institution
- Excellent analytical communication and interpersonal skills
A valid drivers 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 6 years of experience.
Preferred Education and Experience
In addition to meeting the required qualifications the preferred candidate will have:
- Masters degree
- Philanthropic experience including fundraising prospect development prospect management portfolio development and the use of analytic tools
- Experience utilizing CRMs; Salesforce preferred
- Change management experience
- Experience developing and leading trainings and/or experience teaching or advising professional staff
Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before August 4 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 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 directed to .
Target Start Date: September 2025
Benefits: The Foundations greatest asset is our team. Foundation employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of benefits that includes:
- Flexible work arrangements offering a hybrid schedule to most team members
- Comprehensive medical dental and vision insurance plans
The Foundation:The University of Tennessee Foundation Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that serves as the preferred channel for private contributions benefiting students and faculty within the UT System. With a vision of being one of the top-performing advancement organizations in higher education UTFI is committed to enhancing the educational landscape across the University of Tennessee campuses.
The UT System: The University of Tennessee System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville Chattanooga Pulaski Martin and the Health Science Center at Memphis; the Institute of Agriculture; and the Institute for Public Service.
The University of Tennessee Foundation Inc. is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race color national origin religion sex pregnancy marital status sexual orientation gender identity age physical or mental disability genetic information veteran status and parental status or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
