Director of Fund Administration

University of Tennessee; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid leave and holidays

Job summary

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. seeks a Director of Fund Administration for UT Knoxville to lead gift agreement and fund establishment lifecycles, ensuring alignment with donor intent and policy standards.

Responsibilities include setting strategy, managing risk, and directing end-to-end lifecycle activities from intake through fund creation, with supervision of fund administration staff and cross-institutional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in Advancement Services, Gift Administration, Fund Administration, or related field.
• 2 years of supervisory experience (interns, students, volunteers possible).
• Master's degree preferred with 8+ years experience preferred for advanced roles.

Responsibilities

• Set strategy, policy, and service standards for gift agreements and fund establishment lifecycles.
• Direct internal and campus review of gift agreements and escalation for complex donor terms.
• Lead governance, risk management, and compliance across the fund administration function.
• Supervise fund administration staff and oversee end-to-end creation of endowed and non-endowed funds.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Policy development

Risk management

Staff supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

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.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

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.

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.

Applications must be submitted on or before October 9th.

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 holi

Questions about the search may be directed to [e-mail] .