Director of Development, Tickle College of Engineering

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Director of Development for the Tickle College of Engineering (TCE). Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Director of Development is responsible for securing philanthropic gifts that impact TCE’s strategic funding priorities as identified by academic and Office of Advancement leadership.

This role will focus primarily on identifying, assessing, cultivating, strategizing, soliciting, and securing major, planned and principal gift commitments that support TCE, which include, but are not limited to, individual gifts and multi-year pledges for endowed and non-endowed allocations. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Fundraising: Manage a portfolio of new prospects through an active schedule of identification, assessment, cultivation, solicitation, negotiation, and stewardship. Build relationships among prospective donors, alumni, and volunteers to support programs and priorities. Negotiate and close philanthropic gifts with an emphasis on commitments of $100,000 or more. The ability and willingness to travel (up to 50%), including multiple overnights.

Strategy: Design and implement fundraising strategies to secure major and principal gifts for the Tickle College of Engineering, which requires robust written and oral communication skills.

Collaboration: Partner with advancement colleagues across campus and the UT System on shared prospects, funding priorities, and donor stewardship to maximize giving potential for the Tickle College of Engineering and the University of Tennessee. This includes occasional evening and weekend event participation and attendance.

Administration & Leadership: Maintain accurate information on selected donors and prospects including contact reports in CRM system. Interact with development officers and academic leadership as appropriate. Potentially serve as the Engineering Development liaison to one or more academic departments or programs.

Required Education and Experience

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

• Bachelors Degree
• 5+ years if experience or an advanced degree with 3+ years of experience in development, sales, marketing, a higher education environment, or a related field

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:

• Demonstrated ability to secure major gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other private funding sources
• Knowledge of fundraising approaches specific to higher education institutions
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the 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 September 30, 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: December 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.

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.