Assistant or Associate Director of Development, Annual Fund

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Assistant or Associate Director of Development, Annual Fund for the Tennessee Fund of Tennessee Athletics at University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Associate Athletics Director, the Assistant/Associate Director of Development, Annual Fund is responsible for assisting with all annual fund programming and outbound communication from the Tennessee Fund.  

The purpose of this position is to support on-going cultivation and stewardship of the 26,000 plus donors to the Athletic Department. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

Fundraising and Program Management: Assist with all facets of Annual Fund execution and growth (solicitation, stewardship, tracking, programming). This includes all facets of priority fund giving, as well as philanthropic annual fund ventures. 

Communications: Develop all Tennessee Fund email communications strategies, primarily working with MailChimp. Manage all customer service functions (outgoing/incoming calls, emails, and the Tennessee Fund website, focused on providing outstanding customer service.) 

Management and Event Participation: Assist in overseeing full-time interns and student workers. Attend athletic events and special donor events.  

Required Education and Experience 

The candidate who fills the Assistant or Associate Director of Development, Annual Fund position is required to have: 

• Bachelor’s Degree 

• Minimum of 3 years in a development position or an external position related to development, such as sales, marketing or related field.  

• Excellent written and oral communication skills  

• Willingness and ability to travel locally and across the state of Tennessee 

Note - Candidates holding a graduate degree must have at least 1 year of 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. 

Preferred Education and Experience 

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

• Master’s Degree 

• Intercollegiate athletics development experience  

• Excellent computer, verbal and written communication 

• Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations 

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before October 21, 2024 via our Taleo 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: November 2024 

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. 

Tennessee Fund: Since 1986, the Tennessee Fund has helped support UT student-athletes and athletic programs thanks to the passion and loyal support of our generous members. Through the generosity of more than 16,000 donors, the Tennessee Fund provides for all expenses associated with all of Tennessee’s intercollegiate sports. As we strive to win championships in the nation’s best conference and build leaders in the classroom, your support is more important than ever. 

Knoxville – 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.