Director of Donor Relations

Knoxville, TN - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description

The University of Tennessee Foundation Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Director Donor Relations for the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Reporting to the Executive Director of Donor Experience the Director of Donor Relations is responsible for leading donor- centered stewardship and recognition strategies.

This role will celebrate and support the University of Tennessee Knoxvilles donors and students faculty and staff who benefit from their generosity.

Responsibilities

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Annual Giving Stewardship: Establish and manage UTKs inaugural leadership annual giving society in collaboration with Communications Donor Experience (CDE) and Annual Giving (AG) teams including member recognition fulfillment coding and overall stewardship strategy. Lead stewardship planning and execution for Big Orange Give (BOG) UTKs annual day of giving

including day-of reporting communications videos and year-round donor engagement.

Student Engagement and Donor Relations: Oversee stewardship calling programs utilizing Student Alumni Associates and the Engagement Center to thank donors. Serve as the primary liaison with Alumni Affairs and the Student & Young Alumni programs team for student-focused donor relations initiatives including Big Orange Give Grateful Vol Day Big Orange Family and other special stewardship initiatives as needed. Prepare and train students and scholarship recipients to effectively participate in advancement related events and initiatives as needed.

Campus- Wide Donor Relations Support: Support stewardship projects involving the Alumni Board of Directors and the Philanthropy and Stewardship Committee. Support strategic stewardship initiatives for select non-academic units under the direction of the Senior Director of Stewardship. Manage donor recognition signage projects in collaboration with the Executive Director including

project oversight and maintenance of the donor signage database. Primary lead on Thankview platform including Big Orange Give Big Orange Family Grateful Vol Day recurring birthday messaging and special milestone videos. Monitor contact maintenance provide training and support as needed for internal staff.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

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

Bachelors degree

5 years of experience in a people- oriented public relations or development related field

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously detail oriented ability to effectively engage and interact with donors and students

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 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:

Masters degree

Stewardship or donor relations experience communications experience and higher education experience

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before October 21st 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: December 2025

Benefits: The Foundations 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 arrangements offering a hybrid schedule to most team members

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

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 University of Tennessee Knoxville has been advancing knowledge and enriching lives since its founding in 1794. Tennessees flagship public research university UT Knoxville is a diverse community whose shared commitment to discovery creativity and education combines with a tradition of service and engagement to carry the Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. UTs campushome to more than 36000 students and 9000 faculty and staff membersis part of the vibrant city of Knoxville located on the Tennessee River with the Great Smoky Mountains nearby.

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

DescriptionThe University of Tennessee Foundation Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Director Donor Relations for the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Reporting to the Executive Director of Donor Experience the Director of Donor Relations is responsible for lea...