The University of Tennessee Foundation Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Senior Director of Developmentfor the Haslam College of Business on the University of Tennessee Knoxville campus. Reporting to the Senior Executive Director of Advancement the Senior Director of Development will serve as one of the most experienced and productive fundraisers on campus with an emphasis on $1 million-plus gifts for the Haslam College of Business. Additionally the Senior Director will oversee four frontline fundraisers (3 directors of development and 1 associate director).
The purpose of this position is to implement the strategic direction set forth for the college.
Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Securing Funding:The Senior Director will be expected to personally secure significant philanthropic support to ensure the Haslam College of Business delivers a high-quality fiscally sustainable program while also mentoring and leading their team to meet and exceed fundraising expectations. Responsibilities include identifying cultivating soliciting negotiating and stewarding donor prospects through strategic engagement. An example of the Senior Directors annual metrics is as follows: 80-100 face-to-face visits 15-20 solicitations ($50k and above) and $4 million in philanthropic revenue generated.
Management/Administrative: Oversight and leadership for three Directors of Development setting fundraising and visit goals to maintain a strong and growing donor pipeline. The position collaborates closely with UTK development officers and campus leadership. It also assumes a visible leadership role aligned with the professional standards of Haslam College of Business and UTK Advancement.
Stewardship: Supports and staffs key college advancement events including the Alumni Awards Gala stewardship tailgates donor events and other college and university functions throughout the year. The role also hosts several donor stewardship lunches or meetings annually to strengthen relationships and recognition.
Required Education and Experience
The candidate who fills the Senior Director of Advancement position is required to have:
Bachelors degree
Demonstrated familiarity with higher education fundraising
Team development and management skills
8 years of development sales or related work experience
2 years of supervisory experience
Ability to lead in a metrics-oriented environment and provide strategic leadership.
Ability to develop and implement a donor-centric fundraising culture within the Haslam College of Business
Strong oral and written communication skills
Willingness to travel overnight
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 4 years of experience.
Preferred Education and Experience
In addition to meeting the required qualifications the preferred candidate will have:
Masters 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
Application Process:Priority will be given to applications received on or before April 1 2026 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 the 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 the need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.
Questions about the search may be directed to.
Target Start Date:July 2026
Benefits: The Foundations greatest asset is our team. Foundation employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of benefits that includes:
Generouspaid 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
Educationbenefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campuses
Retirement and deferred compensation plans including 401(k) 403(b) etc.
Comprehensive medical dental and visioninsurance plans
Employeediscounts 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:
Exec
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