Donor Experience Coordinator
Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Donor Experience Coordinator for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Senior Director of Donor Experience, the Donor Experience Coordinator is responsible for supporting stewardship and donor relations programs designed to engage and recognize the university’s philanthropic supporters.
The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Donor Experience Coordinator for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Senior Director of Donor Experience, the Donor Experience Coordinator is responsible for supporting stewardship and donor relations programs designed to engage and recognize the university’s philanthropic supporters.
Required Education and Experience
The candidate who fills the Donor Experience Coordinator position is required to have:
Bachelor’s degree
1+ years of related experience
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
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:
Project management, spreadsheet management (MS Excel) expertise
Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, ability to work in a fast- paced, team-oriented environment
Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before January 20th 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: March 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
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.
The purpose of this position is to provide operational and strategic support for campus-wide level donor experience initiatives and serve as a liaison for designated central campus areas within the university. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Stewardship and Data Management: Support endowment and fund reporting, including data review, file merging, content editing, and report preparation. Collect and organize impact narratives from campus partners to support donor reporting. Assist with campus-wide scholarship recipient thank-you processes, including data management and communication review. Review and file gift agreements and maintain stewardee information for assigned accounts in the CRM system. Research and resolve inquiries related to donor programs or assigned areas, ensuring accuracy and
adherence to university policies.
Donor Relations Coordination: Serve as liaison for assigned central-campus areas, acting as the primary point of contact for donor experience and stewardship inquiries. Coordinate stewardship and recognition efforts for assigned areas in collaboration with the campus donor experience team. Support principal gift stewardship coordination as directed by the Senior Director. Assist with ThankView video outreach, including planning, recording coordination, and distribution for
assigned segments. Implement established donor recognition policies and ensure consistent messaging and branding across communications.
Project Management and Collaboration: Manage assigned projects from initiation through completion, ensuring alignment with Advancement wide donor experience strategy. Collaborate with internal and campus partners to ensure project timelines, expectations, and deliverables are met. Participate in meetings as a representative of the Communications and Donor Experience Team, providing updates on assigned initiatives. Support university Advancement events and stewardship activities as needed.