The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Senior Director of Development for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Mid- Atlantic Region. Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement, the Senior Director of Development is responsible for serving as the university's primary advancement representative in major cities in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland, DC, Virginia, and other states as needed and is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure major and principal gifts in support of institutional priorities.

 

This role will manage a portfolio of high-capacity prospects and donors and is responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, negotiating, and stewarding philanthropic commitments. 

Required Education and Experience

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

• Bachelor’s degree

• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in major gifts fundraising, advancement, nonprofit development, sales, or a related field, with demonstrated success securing significant philanthropic commitments and managing complex donor relationships.

• Experience working within a comprehensive campaign environment, including developing and executing strategies that advance campaign priorities and fundraising goals.

 

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 6 years of experience.

 

Preferred Education and Experience

In addition to meeting the required qualifications, the preferred candidate will have:

• Master’s degree

• Experience working with major gift prospects, volunteers, senior-level constituents, and institutional leadership is strongly preferred

 

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before October 22nd 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. 

 

This position offers flexibility to be based in Knoxville, TN, or in an approved Mid-Atlantic market, depending on the location of the selected candidate. The successful candidate’s location should support effective management of the assigned prospect portfolio and regular travel throughout the region, with periodic travel to the Knoxville campus.

 

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: December 1, 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. 

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

 

Securing Funding: Secure $3-5M annually in philanthropic investments that advance the university's strategic priorities. Manage a portfolio of high-capacity major and principal gift prospects and donors capable of six- and seven-figure commitments. Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies while identifying and qualifying new prospects. Lead complex gift discussions and negotiations, collaborate with colleagues on multi-unit fundraising opportunities, and meet or exceed established goals and activity metrics.

 

Regional Leadership and Administration: Serve as the university's lead advancement representative in the Mid-Atlantic region, creating strategic engagement opportunities with alumni, donors, volunteers, and university partners. Collaborate with campus leadership and advancement colleagues to align regional efforts with institutional priorities. Maintain accurate prospect activity and donor records to keep portfolio management and reporting reliable. Prepare reports and strategy recommendations that demonstrate leadership through professionalism, collaboration, and adherence to fundraising best practices.