What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Development, UTIA position at The University of Tennessee?
Job Description
The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Director of Development for the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development, the Director of Development is responsible for fundraising and performing constituent engagement in support for UT Extension- specifically the Tennessee RiverLine.
The purpose of this position is to collaborate with the UT Foundation, UT Extension and internal and external stakeholders with a primary focus on Tennessee RiverLine initiatives creating and implementing fundraising strategies.
Responsibilities
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to :
Major Gift Fundraising : Identify, research, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects for major gifts of $25,000 . Pursue planned gifts from major donors. Raise money for UT Extension programs with a primary focus on Tennessee RiverLine initiatives.
Annual Giving : Collaborate with UTIA annual giving staff to develop and execute new annual giving strategies for agriculture and natural resources and integrate UT Extension and the TN RiverLine's priority to develop and launch an annual giving / membership program into existing UTIA / UTFI annual giving programs.
Administrative : Collaboration with other development officers across the UT Foundation, and UTIA administration and faculty. This position will be the UTIA advancement team resident expert on UT Extension programming especially, the Tennessee RiverLine. Responsible for educating other development officers and advancement stakeholders about UT Extension and Tennessee RiverLine programs and fundraising priorities so they may also engage their portfolios to achieve shared success.
Qualifications
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 a position related to development such as : fundraising, sales, marketing, alumni engagement, academic affairs, or other non-profit experience
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively and build relationships
- Proven ability to prioritize and coordinate complex projects
- Assertive sales mentality with a donor / customer centered orientation
- Ability to utilize database information to secure significant funding
- Willingness and ability for overnight travel
- Ability to work weekends as needed
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 :
Application Process : Priority will be given to applications received on or before February 18, 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 : April 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 :
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.
UTIA - The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is dedicated to providing "Real. Life. Solutions." to society's most pressing issues. Through its extensive presence across the state and global outreach efforts, UTIA's work has a profound impact on agriculture, research, veterinary medicine, Extension, and more, ultimately contributing to economic growth, biodiversity and human and animal health.
The Tennessee RiverLine - The Tennessee RiverLine is a transformative initiative of UT Extension that envisions the Tennessee River as a continuous 1.2-million-acre river park spanning its 652-mile reach. By fostering sustainable tourism, economic development, and equitable access to outdoor recreation, the RiverLine enhances public health, resource stewardship, and community vitality. The Tennessee RiverLine helps carry out the university's land-grant mission by collaborating with over 50 cities and counties across three states and providing technical assistance in planning, design, recreation management, and stewardship to empower communities and enhance quality of life in the region. For more information, visit tnriverline.org.
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.
Salary : $25,000
