Job Description

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Assistant Director for Leadership Giving for the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, the Assistant Director for Leadership Giving plays a key role in growing annual giving leadership and mid-level giving, 

strengthening the donor pipeline and supporting college wide fundraising priorities. 

This role will contribute to the growth and retention of the College of Arts and Sciences donor pipeline.

Responsibilities

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

Donor Portfolio Management: Manage a portfolio of leadership annual giving and mid‑level donors and prospects ($500–$25,000+). Cultivate, solicit, and retain Dean’s Circle members. Evaluate SYBUNT and LYBUNT lists to proactively renew and solicit donors. 

Donor Engagement: Develop and execute personalized engagement strategies (phone, email, virtual, in‑person). Collaborate with Annual Giving, Advancement colleagues, and campus partners on shared appeals and key stewardship initiatives such as Big Orange Give, Big Orange Family Campaign, and Senior Toast. 

Stewardship: Record donor interactions in the CRM and use data to measure progress and guide outreach. Maintain and update the A&S campaign gifts spreadsheet and forecast revenue. Conduct donor research and analysis across all 21 A&S departments to build qualified pipelines. 

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience 

The candidate who fills the Assistant Director for Leadership Giving position is required to have: 

• Bachelor’s degree 
• 3+ years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, sales, marketing, or related fields with measurable results or 1+ years with a Master’s 
• Strong communication skills, analytical ability and capacity to manage a high volume donor portfolio 
• Experience with CRM systems and donor data; proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools 
• Ability to travel and participate in occasional evening/weekend activities 

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 years of experience. 

Preferred Education and Experience 

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

• Strategy, data savvy relationship builder who thrives in a collaborative environment and is energized by identifying donor and helping them deepen their connection to the college 
• Ability to manage a robust portfolio, align outreach and academic priorities, and strengthening the pipeline for future major gift opportunities 

Application Process: 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 [email protected].  

Target Start Date: August 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