Assistant Dean and Executive Director for Advancement, College of Communications & Information

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, IA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) seeks an Assistant Dean and Executive Director for Advancement for the College of Communication and Information (CCI) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor and working alongside the College Dean, this leader is responsible for CCI’s fundraising and external relations efforts and serves as a senior advisor to the Dean. The role builds relationships throughout CCI, partners with faculty and staff to engage alumni and friends, meets with department heads to understand philanthropic needs, and collaborates with campus advancement teams to secure resources that advance the University’s mission.

The position leads an advancement team of three frontline fundraisers, an events professional, and an administrative support professional. It also manages a portfolio of affluent current and prospective CCI donors and cultivates and solicits gifts of $50,000 or more. Current goals include 100 annual visits, 15–20 proposals over $50,000, and more than $3,000,000 in private gift support, while managing a portfolio of 60–80 prospects.

The position is based on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus and offers a hybrid schedule to most team members. The target start date is March 1, 2027. Applications are prioritized if received on or before December 1 through the DASH application system and must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without the candidate’s explicit permission.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 8 years in a position related to development, such as fundraising, sales, marketing, or financial planning; candidates with a graduate degree must have at least 6 years of experience.
• At least 2 years of supervision experience.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record due to travel responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.
• At least 6 years of experience (listed as preferred in addition to the required qualifications).
• Successful track record managing frontline fundraisers in a higher education setting.
• Proven ability to close six- and seven-figure major gifts for a nonprofit.

Responsibilities

• Lead fundraising and external relations for the College of Communication and Information.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni and friends for major and annual gifts, regardless of gift size.
• Manage a portfolio of 60–80 current and prospective donors and cultivate and solicit gifts of $50,000 or more.
• Pursue annual goals of 100 visits, 15–20 proposals over $50,000, and more than $3,000,000 in private gift support.
• Advise the Dean on fundraising, alumni relations, and external relations.
• Manage the Dean’s travel for fundraising and alumni engagement.
• Build relationships across the College, including partnering with faculty and staff to engage alumni and friends and meeting with department heads about philanthropic needs.
• Collaborate with campus leadership and advancement teams to secure resources for the University’s mission.
• Represent the UT Foundation within CCI and to alumni and friends.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the CCI advancement team and help team members meet or exceed annual metrics.

Benefits

• Paid leave, including up to 24 vacation days and 12 sick days annually, plus 14 paid holidays and administrative closing days.
• Flexible work arrangements, including a hybrid schedule for most team members.
• Education benefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campuses.
• Retirement and deferred compensation plans, including 401(k) and 403(b).
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Employee discounts on attractions, services, and goods.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior