Senior Director of Development, Mid- Atlantic Region

University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.; Knoxville (TN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid leave

Hybrid work arrangements

Education benefits

Retirement and deferred compensation

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. seeks a Senior Director of Development for the Knoxville Mid-Atlantic Region. This leader will serve as the university’s primary advancement representative across multiple states and develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure major gifts.

The role manages a high-capacity portfolio, pursues six- to seven-figure commitments, and travels to engage alumni and donors, collaborating with campus partners to advance priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 8+ years in major gifts fundraising or related field with success in securing significant philanthropic commitments.
• Experience with campaigns and donor relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Secure $3-5M annually in philanthropic investments.
• Lead regional fundraising efforts and manage a major gifts portfolio.
• Cultivate, solicit, negotiate, and steward gifts with a focus on six- and seven-figure commitments.
• Travel regionally to engage alumni, donors, and partners while coordinating with campus leadership.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Donor relations

Strategic planning

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Job Description

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.

Responsibilities

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Securing Funding

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, and meet or exceed established goals and activity metrics.

Regional Leadership and Administration

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.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• 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. 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 6 years of experience.

Preferred Education And Experience

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

This position offers flexibility to be based in Knoxville, TN, or in an approved Mid-Atlantic market, depending on the location of the selected candidate. The successful candidate’s location should support effective management of the assigned prospect portfolio and regular travel throughout the region, with periodic travel to the Knoxville campus.

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.

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

Target Start Date

December 1, 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.