Director of Advancement, Gary W. Rollins College of Business

University of Tennessee • Chattanooga, TN

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Development will lead and implement the major gift philanthropic fundraising strategy for the Gary W. Rollins College of Business (GWRCOB), focusing on identifying, cultivating, and soliciting gifts of $25,000 or more from individuals, foundations, and corporations. This position will report to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Advancement within UTC Advancement with a strong, intentional working structure to the Dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business. The Director will also support university-wide advancement initiatives and campaigns as identified in collaboration by GWRCOB Dean, Advancement and campus leadership. Success will require close coordination with the Dean of GWRCOB and other campus leaders to operationalize philanthropic priorities, broaden the prospect pipeline, and design and execute strategic fundraising initiatives to advance key priorities of the university and college. The Director will develop compelling cases for support that communicate the impact of philanthropic investments in Business education and research. The Director will manage and steward 60–80 major prospects, with minimum annual expectations of 100 donor visits, 15 proposals submitted, and $2,000,000 raised annually through major gifts. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, along with experience preparing customized proposals and prospect briefings. Exceptional written, verbal, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate Business initiatives into compelling philanthropic cases. The Director of Development for the college will coordinate with Annual Giving, Events and Alumni Affairs on projects related to the college and collaborating with advancement leadership to identify new prospects and strengthen the donor pipeline.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of progressively responsible fundraising, advancement, business development, or related experience with demonstrated success cultivating and securing major gifts or strategic partnerships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience preparing customized proposals and prospect briefings.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate Business initiatives into compelling philanthropic cases.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree
• 6 years of experience in a related field.
• Experience in higher education advancement or non-profit fundraising.
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required due to travel responsibilities of the position.

Responsibilities

• Direct, develop, and conduct major gift fundraising efforts for GWRCOB
• Support university advancement priorities and campaigns as identified by Advancement and campus leadership.
• Collaborate with the dean, campus leaders, faculty members, department heads and volunteers to identify philanthropic opportunities and strengthen engagement in fundraising and donor stewardship activities.
• Develop and implement strategic fundraising plans aligned with the college’s priorities, including scholarships, faculty support, programmatic enhancements, and student success initiatives.
• Cultivate and expand partnerships with corporate and industry leaders to support student experiential learning and research collaborations.
• Manage and steward 60–80 major prospects, with minimum annual expectations of 100 donor visits, 15 proposals, and $2,000,000 raised.
• Collaborate with the Advancement team and will participate in campus-wide fundraising efforts as determined by Advancement Leadership.
• Prepare customized presentations, proposals and prospect briefings.
• Record activity in CRM platform.
• Coordinate visitor schedules/itineraries.
• Plan business travel.
• Administer special fundraising projects.
• Conduct outreach involving email, phone calls, written correspondence.
• Identify, qualify, and cultivate new prospects in partnership with advancement research and alumni engagement teams to strengthen the long-term donor pipeline.
• Coordinate with Annual Giving and Alumni Affairs and MarCom and Events on projects and strategies for assigned college/unit including direct response, crowdfunding, give days, and faculty/campaign efforts.
• Collaborate with alumni engagement and communications teams to strengthen alumni participation and philanthropic engagement within the GWRCOB.
• Assist in college-focused special events for fundraising and stewardship purposes, including support of Dean’s Advisory Board and other volunteer leadership groups, donor engagement events, and stewardship activities.
• Perform other professional duties as assigned to support the success of the advancement program and strategic priorities of the college and university as coordinated by the Associate Vice Chancellor of Advancement and the Dean of the GWRCOB.

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: Director