Executive Director of Business Intelligence and Analytics

Knoxville Technology Council; Knoxville (TN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Education benefits

Retirement plans

Health insurance

Job summary

University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) invites applications for Executive Director of Business Intelligence and Analytics to lead a team transforming advancement data into actionable insights driving strategy and philanthropic growth.

The role reports to the Chief Advancement Information Officer and stewards data governance, analytics, and executive-level storytelling. The position requires 8+ years in BI/analytics, 2+ years supervisory experience, and expertise in SQL Server Suite,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required.
• Eight or more years of BI/analytics or enterprise data strategy experience in large organizations.
• 2 years of supervisory experience including volunteers, interns, and students.
• Proven success leading BI development, data modeling, data warehousing, and analytics enablement.
• Ability to translate complex data into strategic recommendations for executives.
• Expertise with BI/data platforms such as Microsoft SQL Server Suite, Power BI, Tableau.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder influence across levels.
• Excellent communication skills and data storytelling.
• Graduate degree holders must have at least 4 years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Develops UTK Advancement's data and analytics strategy aligned with fundraising and engagement goals.
• Leads the UTK Advancement BI team across reporting, data science, and data architecture.
• Drives dashboards, predictive models, and analytic tools for donor behavior and campaigns.
• Modernizes data architecture and expands analytics capabilities division-wide.
• Ensures data governance, security, and compliance across stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Microsoft SQL Server Suite (SSMS/SSAS/SSIS)

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Executive Director of Business Intelligence and Analytics for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Information Officer, the Executive Director of Business Intelligence and Analytics is responsible for leading a team responsible for transforming advancement data into actionable insights that drive strategy, performance, and philanthropic growth.

The Executive Director of Business Intelligence and Analytics is responsible for leading a team responsible for transforming advancement data into actionable insights that drive strategy, performance, and philanthropic growth.

Required Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree
• Eight or more years of progressively responsible experience in business intelligence, analytics, or enterprise data strategy within complex organizations
• 2 years of supervisory experience including volunteers, interns and students
• Proven success leading teams responsible for BI development, data modeling, data warehousing, and analytics enablement
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex data into strategic recommendations for executive audiences
• Expertise in BI and data platforms such as Microsoft SQL Server Suite (SSMS, SSAS, SSIS), Power BI, Tableau, or similar tools
• Skilled at building relationships and influencing stakeholders across all levels
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate data into compelling stories that inform strategy
• Commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the advancement of UTK's mission through data-driven excellence

A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required due to travel responsibilities of the position. UTFI reserves the right to consider all appropriate circumstances. In general, any significant driving offense less than 12 months old will eliminate the application from consideration for the position.

Note - Candidates holding a graduate degree must have at least 4 years of experience.

Preferred Education And Experience

• Master's degree
• Familiarity with advancement, fundraising, or higher-education data models

Application Process

Priority will be given to applications received on or before September 15th, via our DASH application system. Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, and resume. Candidates selected to move forward in the evaluation process will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without explicit permission of the candidate.

When determining minimum qualifications, only information entered into the candidate profile can be considered. Please ensure your candidate profile is completed in its entirety as it relates to qualifying education/work experience.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

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

Target Start Date

October 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.

Responsibilities

The purpose of this position is to provide strategic direction for the design, governance, and delivery of business Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership and Data Governance

Develops and executes UTK Advancement's data and analytics strategy, aligning it with the division's fundraising and engagement goals. Partners with Central Services and campus leadership to define reporting priorities while championing a culture of data trust and stewardship. Oversees the integrity, quality, and governance of advancement data, collaborating with UTFI's BI team to maintain consistent standards and practices. Ensures compliance with institutional, legal, and privacy requirements, and builds secure, role-based data access frameworks for internal and campus stakeholders.

Team and Operational Leadership

Leads the UTK Advancement BI team, providing strategic and operational direction across reporting, data science, and data architecture. Elevates the team's use of data visualizations to make insights more accessible and actionable. Fosters professional growth through mentoring, training, and leadership development opportunities for team members. Defines and tracks performance metrics that measure both program effectiveness and operational efficiency.

Analytics Innovation and Executive Collaboration

Leads the development of dashboards, predictive models, and analytic tools that deliver forward-looking insights into donor behavior and campaign performance. Drives the integration of advanced analytics, AI, and data visualization to fuel continuous improvement and innovation. Modernizes data architecture and collaborates with campus teams and vendors to expand analytics capabilities division-wide. Delivers high-impact data insights for donor stewardship, campaign planning, and strategic decision-making, keeping all deliverables aligned with the division's goals.