Director of Development, College of Arts and Sciences

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Director of Development for College of Arts and Sciences for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Director of Development is responsible for implementing the strategic direction for identifying, cultivating, and successfully soliciting individuals to support priorities for the college. The ideal candidate will solicit major gifts from alumni and friends of the College of Arts and Sciences, focusing on the Division of Arts & Humanities, while establishing and maintaining effective relationships with major internal and external constituents.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Major Gifts: Manage and strategically grow a portfolio of donors and prospective donors through active cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and relationship management. Secure philanthropic gifts that advance the college’s strategic priorities and initiatives established by academic leadership. Build and strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, volunteers, and key stakeholders to increase philanthropic engagement and long-term support.

Strategic Partnership: Partner with faculty, academic leadership, and central advancement teams to align donor interests with institutional priorities and funding opportunities. Coordinate donor communications, proposals, stewardship materials, and fundraising collateral to support engagement and solicitation efforts. Maintain accurate donor and prospect records within the CRM system while ensuring donor-centric communication and effective travel-based relationship management.

Administrative Operations and Leadership: Manage administrative and operational responsibilities related to fundraising activities, reporting, and internal coordination. Collaborate with administrative staff, development officers, and university leadership to support advancement initiatives and organizational effectiveness. Provide leadership, accountability, and coordination for development processes, communications, and departmental support functions. 

Required Education and Experience

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

• Bachelor’s degree

• 5+ years of development, sales, or related experience 

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

• Demonstrated ability in securing major gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other private funding sources

• Knowledge of fundraising approaches specific to academic institution

• Experience in pipeline development

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with academic leadership, faculty, colleagues, prospects, and donors in a wide range of roles

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before May 27th 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 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. 

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 hr@utfi.org. 

Target Start Date: August 2026

Benefits: 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, Knoxville, has been advancing knowledge and enriching lives since its founding in 1794. Tennessee’s 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. UT’s campus—home to more than 36,000 students and 9,000 faculty and staff members—is 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.