Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement

United Way Greater Knoxville • Knoxville, TN

1d

About The Position

United Way of Greater Knoxville (UWGK) is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven leader to serve as Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement. This role will lead the growth and execution of fundraising efforts focused on individual donors, giving societies, affinity communities, and high-impact donor experiences. The position aims to build the philanthropic pipeline that powers UWGK's work in education, financial stability, and health across East Tennessee. This is a visible, senior individual contributor role with autonomy, responsible for stewarding a personal portfolio (individual gifts up to $10,000), recruiting volunteer leaders, creating events, and expanding networks that connect generous citizens to community impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred
• 7+ years of progressive fundraising, advancement, or relationship management experience
• Demonstrated success in securing and stewarding individual philanthropic gifts
• Expertise in moves management, portfolio management, and pipeline development
• Experience in planning and executing donor or client engagement events
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• High emotional intelligence and executive presence
• CRM proficiency — StratusLive experience highly preferred

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with the Knoxville philanthropic and business community
• Experience with United Way affinity models (Women United, Tocqueville Society, Young Leaders)
• Experience supervising staff or managing executive volunteers
• CFRE credential or active pursuit thereof
• Background in wealth management, private banking, university advancement, consulting, or hospitality
• Experience managing affinity groups or volunteer-led donor communities

Responsibilities

• Manage a personal portfolio of donors giving up to $10,000 with clear cultivation milestones
• Develop and execute a comprehensive individual giving strategy
• Drive donor acquisition, retention, and upgrades through personalized outreach
• Build moves management systems and revenue forecasting pipelines
• Lead strategy and growth for networks such as Women United, young professionals, and emerging philanthropists
• Recruit members, volunteer leaders, and community sponsors
• Create year-round engagement: networking, volunteerism, educational programming
• Develop recognition and stewardship strategies that deepen loyalty
• Design and execute exceptional donor events, receptions, and mission immersion experiences
• Ensure every event advances cultivation, stewardship, and revenue goals
• Manage strategy, budgets, vendors, sponsorships, and post-event follow-up
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Impact, Finance, and Donor Services
• Support board members and campaign volunteers in fundraising strategy
• Use CRM data to monitor KPIs, trends, pipeline health, and ROI
• Prepare dashboards and recommendations for leadership and board committees

Benefits

• Own a real portfolio
• Build partnerships with CEOs, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and Knoxville's most generous philanthropists
• Design exclusive events and mission-driven engagements
• Significant space to test ideas, shape strategy, and grow philanthropic impact
• Apply your skills to create lasting change in education, financial stability, and health across East Tennessee
• Become a recognized connector and trusted leader among Knoxville's business and civic community

What This Job Offers

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