Senior Director of Development, Mid- Atlantic Region

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, IA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Senior Director of Development for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Mid- Atlantic Region. Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement, the Senior Director of Development is responsible for serving as the university's primary advancement representative in major cities in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland, DC, Virginia, and other states as needed and is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure major and principal gifts in support of institutional priorities. This role will manage a portfolio of high-capacity prospects and donors and is responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, negotiating, and stewarding philanthropic commitments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in major gifts fundraising, advancement, nonprofit development, sales, or a related field, with demonstrated success securing significant philanthropic commitments and managing complex donor relationships.
• Experience working within a comprehensive campaign environment, including developing and executing strategies that advance campaign priorities and fundraising goals.
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required due to travel responsibilities of the position.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree
• Experience working with major gift prospects, volunteers, senior-level constituents, and institutional leadership is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Secure $3-5M annually in philanthropic investments that advance the university's strategic priorities.
• Manage a portfolio of high-capacity major and principal gift prospects and donors capable of six- and seven-figure commitments.
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies while identifying and qualifying new prospects.
• Lead complex gift discussions and negotiations.
• Collaborate with colleagues on multi-unit fundraising opportunities.
• Meet or exceed established goals and activity metrics.
• Serve as the university's lead advancement representative in the Mid-Atlantic region, creating strategic engagement opportunities with alumni, donors, volunteers, and university partners.
• Collaborate with campus leadership and advancement colleagues to align regional efforts with institutional priorities.
• Maintain accurate prospect activity and donor records to keep portfolio management and reporting reliable.
• Prepare reports and strategy recommendations that demonstrate leadership through professionalism, collaboration, and adherence to fundraising best practices.

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: Senior