Advancement Ops & Donor Experience Lead

University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.; Knoxville (TN); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid leave

Hybrid schedule

Education benefits

Retirement plans

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. seeks an Associate Director of Advancement Operations and Donor Experience to drive donor engagement, events, and strategic projects in a collaborative environment.

Based in Knoxville with a hybrid schedule, this role coordinates with development officers, the Dean’s Office, and campus partners to deliver superior donor experiences and operational excellence. Fall 2026 start date preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 4+ years in advancement, events, donor relations, or related fields.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Experience planning high-level donor events for donors, alumni, and volunteers.
• Experience collaborating across departments and liaising with marketing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead coordinator for donor cultivation, stewardship, and recognition events.
• Coordinate operational initiatives, processes, and strategic projects.
• Serve as liaison with communications/marketing to support donor engagement and fundraising.
• Develop timelines, manage logistics for events including venues and travel.
• Support fundraising priorities with thoughtful donor experiences.

Skills

Event management

Donor relations

Communications

Project management

Higher education administration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. seeks an Associate Director of Advancement Operations and Donor Experience to drive donor engagement, events, and strategic projects in a collaborative environment.

Based in Knoxville with a hybrid schedule, this role coordinates with development officers, the Dean’s Office, and campus partners to deliver superior donor experiences and operational excellence. Fall 2026 start date preferred.