Director of Advancement, UT Southern

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Director of Advancement for the University of Tennessee, Southern campus. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement, the Director of Advancement is responsible for securing financial resources as well as advocacy support for the University of Tennessee Southern. This role will work with UT Foundation, faculty and staff at UT Southern, and internal and external stakeholders to solicit funds and grow support of programs at UT Southern with a primary focus on major gift fundraising.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Fundraising: Work with major gift donors and prospects to continue to grow and meet the needs of the University of Tennessee’s newest campus by securing funding of $25,000 or more. Annual goals to include securing a minimum of $1.5 million dollars and 100 visits per year.

Event Management: Assist with planning and implementing events where advancement takes on the primary role and collaborate with the entire advancement team. This includes but not limited to scholarship events, homecoming, chamber of commerce coffees, and other events as deemed necessary by the Vice Chancellor of Advancement.

Administrative Process: Input and export ACE reports; monitor travel budget and submit expenses on a timely basis and in accordance with UTFI and UT policies.

Required Education and Experience

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

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5 years of experience in fundraising, development, marketing, or sales related field
• Ability and willingness to travel locally, regionally, and nationally

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:

• Master’s degree
• Experience with higher education fundraising or nonprofit fundraising
• Excellent computer, verbal, and written communication
• Demonstrated organizational skills

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before April 7, 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: June 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
• 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

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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 Southern, established in 2021 through the acquisition of Martin Methodist College (founded in 1870), is the fourth undergraduate campus in the UT System. As the only public four-year institution of higher education between Chattanooga and Memphis, and located approximately 70 miles south of Nashville and 40 miles north of Huntsville, Alabama, UT Southern offers a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience. Committed to academic excellence and community involvement, it prepares students for successful and meaningful careers.

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.