Senior Director of Development, Haslam

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Senior Director of Development for the Haslam College of Business on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus. Reporting to the Senior Executive Director of Advancement, the Senior Director of Development will serve as one of the most experienced and productive fundraisers on campus, with an emphasis on $1 million-plus gifts for the Haslam College of Business.

Additionally, the Senior Director will oversee four frontline fundraisers (3 directors of development and 1 associate director).

The purpose of this position is to implement the strategic direction set forth for the college.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Securing Funding: The Senior Director will be expected to personally secure significant philanthropic support to ensure the Haslam College of Business delivers a high-quality, fiscally sustainable program, while also mentoring and leading their team to meet and exceed fundraising expectations. Responsibilities include identifying, cultivating, soliciting, negotiating, and stewarding donor prospects through strategic engagement. An example of the Senior Director’s annual metrics is as follows: 80-100 face‑to‑face visits, 15-20 solicitations ($50k and above), and $4 million in philanthropic revenue generated.

Management/Administrative: Oversight and leadership for three Directors of Development, setting fundraising and visit goals to maintain a strong and growing donor pipeline. The position collaborates closely with UTK development officers and campus leadership. It also assumes a visible leadership role aligned with the professional standards of Haslam College of Business and UTK Advancement.

Stewardship: Supports and staffs key college advancement events, including the Alumni Awards Gala, stewardship tailgates, donor events, and other college and university functions throughout the year. The role also hosts several donor stewardship lunches or meetings annually to strengthen relationships and recognition.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrated familiarity with higher education fundraising
• Team development and management skills
• 8+ years of development, sales, or related work experience
• 2+ years of supervisory experience
• Ability to lead in a metrics‑oriented environment and provide strategic leadership.
• Ability to develop and implement a donor‑centric fundraising culture within the Haslam College of Business
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Willingness to travel overnight

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.

• Master’s degree
• Demonstrated ability in securing major and principal gifts from individuals and/or corporations/foundations
• Experience in pipeline development and prospect identification
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as situations require

Priority will be given to applications received on or before April 1, 2026 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 the 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 the need now…