Assistant Director of Fund Administration
Knoxville, TN, USA
The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Assistant Director of Fund Administration for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Executive Director of Fund Administration, the Assistant Director is responsible for supports campus partner coordination and fund information stewardship across the University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) portfolio of endowed and non-endowed philanthropic funds, in support of the university’s philanthropic mission.
This role will serve as a key operational support to the Executive Director of Fund Administration in maintaining strong, responsive relationships with college and unit budget directors, development officers, and campus partners. While the Executive Director owns these partner relationships, the Assistant Director provides the day-to-day coordination, communication, and information support that keeps them productive—compiling, organizing, and overseeing the flow of information regarding fund balances, expenditures, and reinvestment activity.
The Assistant Director is responsible for supports campus partner coordination and fund information stewardship across the University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) portfolio of endowed and non-endowed philanthropic funds, in support of the university’s philanthropic mission.
Required Education and Experience
The candidate who fills the Assistant Director of Fund Administration position is required to have:
Bachelor’s degree
3+ years of progressive experience in endowment administration, fund accounting, advancement services, or a close related finance function
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:
Master’s degree
4–6 years, including direct endowment/payout administration in a university foundation or institutionally related foundation, and some lead or supervisory experience.
Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before July 30th 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: 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:
Campus Partner Support & Coordination: Serves as the primary day-to-day contact for college and unit budget directors, development officers, and campus partners on fund balances, expenditures, utilization, and reinvestment questions, escalating relationship-sensitive matters to the Executive Director. Coordinates and tracks recurring and ad hoc partner communications to ensure timely, accurate responses. Fosters a responsive, service-oriented culture across the fund administration team's campus interactions.
Fund Information and Payout Analysis: Compiles and maintains accurate fund data—balances, spending activity, and utilization trends—preparing reports for campus partners that flag underutilized, aged, or expiring funds. Tracks reinvestment activity and monitors expenditure across the portfolio, reconciling reported figures against systems of record. Assists in calculating and reconciling endowment payouts and distributions against donor-restricted purposes, supporting stewardship, audit, and compliance reporting.
Process Improvement and Documentation: Identifies opportunities for automation and standardization across fund reporting and partner coordination workflows. Develops and maintains procedural documentation, reporting templates, and onboarding materials. Contributes to broader department and Advancement-wide goals related to donor experience and fund administration.