Assistant Director of Baker School Advancement Operations

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Assistant Director of Baker School Advancement Operations for the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement for the Baker School, the Assistant Director of Advancement Operations is responsible for managing and coordinating the administrative and operational infrastructure of Baker's advancement efforts. The purpose of this position is to serve as a key member of Baker's advancement team and support the effective execution of the School's fundraising and donor engagement efforts. This role will support prospect and portfolio strategy, identify opportunities for donor engagement and solicitation, ensure advancement activity is accurately tracked, and organize donor engagement activities and advancement events with colleagues across Baker and the University to demonstrate the impact of philanthropy, strengthen donor relationships, and expand Baker's donor network in Tennessee and beyond.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• 3 or more years of professional experience. Candidates holding a master's degree must have at least 1 year of professional experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and relationship-building abilities.
• Proven ability to use Microsoft Office Suite.
• Attention to detail.
• Judgment and discretion.
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required due to travel responsibilities of the position.

Nice To Haves

• Higher education and public policy experience.
• Advancement/fundraising experience

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate donor, prospect, and advancement activity information through the University’s CRM in collaboration with UTK Advancement's Fund Administration and Donor Experience, and Business Intelligence teams.
• Assist with gift processing, documentation, gift agreements, fund establishment, and other gift administration activities in coordination with the University’s advancement policies.
• Support prospect management by conducting prospect research, preparing donor and prospect profiles, and assisting Baker advancement with portfolio and pipeline management.
• Manage Baker’s annual endowment reporting process and coordinate scholarship-related advancement activities, including student thank-you letters and donor impact reporting.
• Monitor Baker philanthropic funds and gift agreements to help ensure gifts are administered and utilized appropriately and consistently with donor intent and university policies.
• Manage confidentiality agreements and appropriate access to advancement information for Baker faculty and staff.
• Develop accurate invitation and outreach lists in coordination with the Executive Director and University advancement partners.
• Support select Baker events beyond advancement when donor, alumni, or philanthropic engagement is an important component.
• Manage event registration platforms, RSVP tracking, and follow-up activities.
• Monitor web pages to ensure accurate and current advancement-related content.
• Review advancement-related communications for accuracy and timeliness before approval by the Executive Director of Advancement.
• Identify donor, alumni, student, and philanthropic impact stories for Baker’s editorial calendar, website, social media, newsletters, and other communications.
• Manage weekly gift acknowledgment processes and ensure donors receive timely and appropriate recognition for their support.
• Identify opportunities for meaningful donor recognition, engagement, and stewardship throughout the year.
• Prepare donor biographies, briefing materials, stewardship reports, and other information to support meetings and engagement with key donors and prospects.
• Since institutional priorities may change, the Assistant Director of Advancement Operations must stay flexible and be ready to support Baker’s advancement efforts as new opportunities arise.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

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