Assistant/Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts

Knoxville, TN, United States

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Job Description

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Assistant or Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts for the Tennessee Fund and Tennessee Athletics. Reporting to the Associate Athletics Director of Development, the Assistant or Associate Director is responsible for building and developing credible/sustainable relationships to generate financial support for the Tennessee Athletics department through the discovery, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects and donors to include traveling the state and other regions. 

Responsibilities

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

 

Front Line Fundraising: Identify and qualifies new major gift Shareholders Society prospects through peer referencing and prospect research. The first-year expectation is that the qualified and highly motivated individual would maintain at least 200 meaningful visits and secure up to $1,000,000+ of new revenue to benefit the University of Tennessee and the Athletics Department.  

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Assistant/Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts

Knoxville, TN, United States

Be the First to Apply

Job Description

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Assistant or Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts for the Tennessee Fund and Tennessee Athletics. Reporting to the Associate Athletics Director of Development, the Assistant or Associate Director is responsible for building and developing credible/sustainable relationships to generate financial support for the Tennessee Athletics department through the discovery, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects and donors to include traveling the state and other regions. 

Responsibilities

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

 

Front Line Fundraising: Identify and qualifies new major gift Shareholders Society prospects through peer referencing and prospect research. The first-year expectation is that the qualified and highly motivated individual would maintain at least 200 meaningful visits and secure up to $1,000,000+ of new revenue to benefit the University of Tennessee and the Athletics Department.  

 

Athletic Events : Attend and assist with athletic events, donor receptions and other department functions to include nights and weekends.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience  

The candidate who fills the Assistant or Associate Director of Development, Major Gift position is required to have:

• Bachelor’s Degree

• Minimum of 3 years in a development position or an external position related to development, such as sales, marketing or related field. 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills 

• Willingness and ability to travel locally and across the state of Tennessee

 

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

• Intercollegiate athletics development experience

• Knowledge of fundraising strategies specific to academic institution

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with colleagues, prospects, and donors of all levels.

 

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before August 21, 2026, via our Taleo application system. Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, resume, and 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. 

 

Questions about the search may be directed to hr@utfi.org. 

 

Target Start Date: Fall 2026

 

Benefits: Recognized as a Top Employer by Knoxville Top Workplaces in 2022 and 2023, 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

• 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 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.

 

Tennessee Fund: Since 1986, the Tennessee Fund has helped support UT student-athletes and athletic programs thanks to the passion and loyal support of our generous members. Through the generosity of more than 26,000 donors, the Tennessee Fund provides for all expenses associated with all of Tennessee’s intercollegiate sports. As we strive to win championships in the nation’s best conference and build leaders in the classroom, your support is more important than ever.

 

Knoxville – 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. 

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Job Info

• Job Identification 9453
  
• Job Category Advancement
  
• Posting Date 08/07/2026, 07:27 PM
  
• Job Schedule Full time
  
• Locations 1551 Lake Loudoun Boulevard, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US
  

EEO/AA STATEMENT / NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), ADEA (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the (EEO). Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the EEO office.

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