Director of Fund Administration

University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.; Knoxville (TN); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid leave

Hybrid schedule

Education benefits

Retirement plans

Medical insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) invites applications for the role of Director of Fund Administration for the UT Knoxville Division of Advancement.

This senior leader will guide the end-to-end lifecycle from gift agreement intake through fund and account creation, setting policy and risk management across the function. The role serves as Executive Director’s delegate on governance and compliance, contributing to cross-institutional initiatives and ensuring alignment with donor

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in Advancement Services, Gift Administration, Fund Administration, Development Operations, higher education finance or nonprofit administration.
• 2 years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Set strategy, policy, and service standards for gift agreements and fund establishment lifecycle across UT Knoxville.
• Direct internal and campus review of gift agreements and manage relations with UTFI, GC, and campus leadership.
• Supervise fund administration staff and oversee creation of endowed and non-endowed funds and reconciliation before payout.

Skills

Advancement Services

Gift Administration

Fund Administration

Development Operations

Higher education finance

Nonprofit administration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Job description

Director of Fund Administration

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of director of Fund Administration for the UT Knoxville Division of Advancement. Reporting to the executive director of Fund Administration, the director of Fund Administration is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for the gift agreement and fund establishment function at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, setting policy and direction for the end-to-end lifecycle from gift agreement intake through fund and account creation.

The purpose of this position is to serve as the principal strategic leader for the gift agreement and fund establishment lifecycle at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This role will set policy, manage risk, and direct performance across the full agreement-to-fund lifecycle in support of the university's philanthropic mission. The director will also serve as the Executive Director's primary delegate on fund administration policy and precedent-setting agreement decisions and represent the function in cross-institutional settings.

Responsibilities

• Strategic and Policy Leadership: Set strategy, policy, and service standards for the gift agreement and fund establishment lifecycle across UT Knoxville, ensuring alignment with UPMIFA, IRS requirements, institutional policy, and donor intent. Direct prioritization of the intake and drafting function, evaluate and approve changes to gift agreement templates and standard terms, establish service and quality standards, and serve as the primary point of escalation for complex intake matters.
• Governance, Risk, and Executive- Level Agreement Resolution: Direct internal and campus review of gift agreements and manage the routing relationship with UTFI, General Counsel, and campus leadership through full execution. Exercise independent authority to resolve complex donor intent issues and non-standard terms, escalating matters involving institutional risk or precedent as appropriate. Ensure the integrity, proper recording, imaging, and retention of executed agreements and oversee the function's overall compliance posture.
• Team Leadership & Organizational Development: Provide direct supervision, performance management, professional development, and workload direction for fund administration staff. Oversee the creation and integrity of new endowed and non-endowed funds in systems of record and the reconciliation of discrepancies before handoff to payout administration. Lead process improvement, training, and documentation initiatives; contribute to resource planning; and represent Fund Administration on cross-institutional committees and initiatives.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 5 or more years of progressive experience in Advancement Services, Gift Administration, Fund Administration, Development Operations, higher education finance or business administration, nonprofit administration, or a similarly relevant field.
• 2 years of supervisory experience, which may include supervision of interns, students, and/or volunteers.

Note: Candidates holding a master’s degree must have at least 3 years of experience outlined above.

Preferred Education And Experience

• Master’s degree.
• 8 or more years of experience in advancement services or fund administration.
• Experience in a major public research university or university foundation.
• Experience with campaign gift administration.
• Leadership or supervisory experience that includes completing performance reviews and coaching.
• Experience with process improvement or workflow automation initiatives.
• Experience with endowed fund creation and administration.
• A demonstrated track record of strong performance and sound judgment in progressively responsible roles, including relevant experience outside of fund or gift administration.

Target Start Date

Fall 2026

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

The Foundation

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that serves as the preferred channel for private contributions benefiting students and faculty within the UT System. With a vision of being one of the top-performing advancement organizations in higher education, UTFI is committed to enhancing the educational landscape across the University of Tennessee campuses.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been advancing knowledge and enriching lives since its founding in 1794. Tennessee’s flagship public research university, UT Knoxville is a diverse community whose shared commitment to discovery, creativity, and education combines with a tradition of service and engagement to carry the Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. UT’s campus—home to more than 36,000 students and 9,000 faculty and staff members—is part of the vibrant city of Knoxville, located on the Tennessee River with the Great Smoky Mountains nearby.

The UT System

The University of Tennessee System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, Martin and the Health Science Center at Memphis; the Institute of Agriculture; and the Institute for Public Service.

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.