The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Assistant Director of Baker School Advancement Operations for the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement for the Baker School, the Assistant Director of Advancement Operations is responsible for managing and coordinating the administrative and operational infrastructure of Baker's advancement efforts.

 

The purpose of this position is to serve as a key member of Baker's advancement team and support the effective execution of the School's fundraising and donor engagement efforts. This role will support prospect and portfolio strategy, identify opportunities for donor engagement and solicitation, ensure advancement activity is accurately tracked, and organize donor engagement activities and advancement events with colleagues across Baker and the University to demonstrate the impact of philanthropy, strengthen donor relationships, and expand Baker's donor network in Tennessee and beyond.

Required Education and Experience

The candidate who fills the Assistant Director of Baker School Advancement Operations position is required to have:

• Bachelor's degree.

• 3 or more years of professional experience. Candidates holding a master's degree must have at least 1 year of professional experience.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and relationship-building abilities.

• Proven ability to use Microsoft Office Suite.

• Attention to detail.

• Judgment and discretion.

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 1 year of experience.

 

Preferred Education and Experience

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

• Higher education and public policy experience.

• Advancement/fundraising experience

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before October 7th, 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: Fall 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:

Data Management and Fund Administration 

• Maintain accurate donor, prospect, and advancement activity information through the University’s CRM in collaboration with UTK Advancement's Fund Administration and Donor Experience, and Business Intelligence teams. 

• Assist with gift processing, documentation, gift agreements, fund establishment, and other gift administration activities in coordination with the University’s advancement policies. 

• Support prospect management by conducting prospect research, preparing donor and prospect profiles, and assisting Baker advancement with portfolio and pipeline management. 

• Manage Baker’s annual endowment reporting process and coordinate scholarship-related advancement activities, including student thank-you letters and donor impact reporting. 

• Monitor Baker philanthropic funds and gift agreements to help ensure gifts are administered and utilized appropriately and consistently with donor intent and university policies. 

• Manage confidentiality agreements and appropriate access to advancement information for Baker faculty and staff. 

Communications and Events Management 

• Develop accurate invitation and outreach lists in coordination with the Executive Director and University advancement partners. 

• Support select Baker events beyond advancement when donor, alumni, or philanthropic engagement is an important component. 

• Manage event registration platforms, RSVP tracking, and follow-up activities. 

• Monitor web pages to ensure accurate and current advancement-related content. 

• Review advancement-related communications for accuracy and timeliness before approval by the Executive Director of Advancement. 

• Identify donor, alumni, student, and philanthropic impact stories for Baker’s editorial calendar, website, social media, newsletters, and other communications. 

Stewardship and Donor Experience 

• Manage weekly gift acknowledgment processes and ensure donors receive timely and appropriate recognition for their support. 

• Identify opportunities for meaningful donor recognition, engagement, and stewardship throughout the year. 

• Prepare donor biographies, briefing materials, stewardship reports, and other information to support meetings and engagement with key donors and prospects. 

• Since institutional priorities may change, the Assistant Director of Advancement Operations must stay flexible and be ready to support Baker’s advancement efforts as new opportunities arise.