Executive Director of Advancement, College of Education, Health & Human Sciences
University Of Tennessee College
The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Executive Director of Advancement for the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (EHHS) on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus. Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement, the Executive Director of Advancement will be the college’s chief development officer and oversee all EHHS advancement strategy and activities, including fundraising, stewardship, alumni/donor events and the Dean’s Board of Advisors.
The College of Education, Health and Human Sciences will play a significant role in UT Knoxville’s $3 billion capital campaign and will carry a campaign goal of $65 million. With 57,000+ living alumni, this
dynamic college offers degrees in education, counseling, leadership, public health, nutrition, kinesiology, sport studies, and hospitality and tourism, among others.
The Executive Director of Advancement will be the college’s chief development officer and oversee all EHHS advancement strategy and activities, including fundraising, stewardship, alumni/donor events and the Dean’s Board of Advisors.
Required Education and Experience
The candidate who fills the Executive Director of Advancement position is required to have:
Bachelor’s degree
8+ years of higher education fundraising experience with a proven track record of closing major gifts and exceeding individual and team goals.
2+ years of experience of direct management/leadership.
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 4 years of experience.
Preferred Education and Experience
In addition to meeting the required qualifications, the preferred candidate will have:
Master's degree with 10+ years of higher education fundraising experience with a proven track record of closing major gifts and exceeding individual and team goals.
2+ years' experience in leadership on a college campus in the advancement division or similar.
A proven leader who can establish goals, motivate a team and achieve the goals together
Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before March 23rd 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: May/June 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:
Strategic Leadership: Strategic leadership of the college’s advancement efforts and will play the lead role in building and executing a strategic fundraising/advancement plan for the college. Part of the dean’s leadership team and will advise college partners on advancement-related issues. Lead the goal setting, planning and supervision of the Advancement team. Earning trust and building strong relationships with academic partners, donors and Advancement colleagues is a requirement. Ability to recruit, hire, and coach staff members will be key indicators of success as the selected candidate builds a highly effective Advancement team for the college.
Fundraising: Manage a portfolio of 50+ key stakeholder relationships (both individuals and corporate) plus volunteer advocates. Given the number of alumni families that include at least one EHHS graduate as a key decision maker, the Executive Director must be proficient at generating principal and major gift strategies via collaborating with academic leaders, peer fundraising leaders in other colleges, the AVC and others to maximize opportunities. In addition to solo travel, the Executive Director will conduct high-level development visits with the dean and other academic leaders and create effective proposals for stakeholders.
External Relations: Lead stewardship officer, responsible for both the short- and long-term stewardship strategy during the university’s comprehensive campaign. Oversee board relations for various college volunteer and advisory groups, including the key role of identifying future board contributors. Similarly, the Executive Director will be responsible for the delivery of advancement-related events to include both fundraising and alumni-focused gatherings that elevate the college’s profile (donor recognition events, meet the dean receptions, tailgates, etc.)