Associate Director of Development, College of Arts and Sciences

Associate Director of Development, College of Arts and Sciences

Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Associate Director of Development is responsible for soliciting major gifts from alumni and friends of the College of Arts and Sciences while establishing and maintaining effective relationships with major internal and external constituents.

The purpose of this position is to secure philanthropic gifts that impact the strategic direction set forth for the college by academic leadership in collaboration with the office of advancement.

• Fundraising:
  Manage a portfolio of 100‑120 prospects through an active schedule of solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship calls to donors and new prospects. Fundraise, at a minimum, $750K in support of the College of Arts and Sciences. Build relationships with prospective donors, alumni, and volunteers to support programs and priorities. Maintain information on donors and prospects including contact reports in the CRM system.
  
  Availability to travel to meet donors.
• Communication:
  Coordinate or write/produce appropriate fundraising materials including, but not limited to, case statements, priority menus, solicitation letters, gift proposals, appreciation letters, donor reports, and campaign status reports. Communicate in donor‑centric ways while furthering the mission of the University of Tennessee.

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3+ years of experience in development, sales, or related experience.
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record (a significant driving offense less than 12 months old will eliminate the application).
• Graduate degree must be accompanied by at least 2 years of experience.

• Demonstrated ability in securing gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other private funding sources.
• Knowledge of fundraising approaches specific to academic institutions.
• Experience in pipeline development.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with academic leadership, faculty, colleagues, prospects, and donors in a wide range of roles.

Priority will be given to applications received on or before March 2nd via our DASH application system. Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, and resume. Candidates selected to move forward 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 and work experience.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis without the need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

Questions about the search may be directed to hr.

Target

Start Date:

May 2026

• 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 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.

UT Knoxville has been advancing knowledge and enriching lives since its founding in 1794. Tennessee’s flagship public research university is a diverse community whose shared commitment…