Executive Director of Advancement, College of Education, Health & Human Sciences

Executive Director of Advancement (College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences)

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Executive Director of Advancement for the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (EHHS) on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus. The Executive Director will be the college’s chief development officer and oversee all EHHS advancement strategy and activities, including fundraising, stewardship, alumni/donor events, and the Dean’s Board of Advisors. The College will play a significant role in UT Knoxville’s $3 billion capital campaign, carrying a campaign goal of $65 million. With 57,000+ living alumni, the college offers degrees in education, counseling, leadership, public health, nutrition, kinesiology, sport studies, hospitality and tourism, among others.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership of the college’s advancement efforts and lead the building and execution of a strategic fundraising/advancement plan.
• Serve as part of the dean’s leadership team and advise college partners on advancement-related issues.
• Lead goal setting, planning, and supervision of the Advancement team; recruit, hire, and coach staff to build a highly effective team.
• Manage a portfolio of 50+ key stakeholder relationships (both individuals and corporate) plus volunteer advocates.
• Generate principal and major gift strategies via collaboration with academic leaders, peer fundraising leaders, the AVC, and others.
• Conduct high‑level development visits with the dean and other academic leaders and create proposals for stakeholders.
• Lead stewardship and short‑ and long‑term stewardship strategy during the university’s comprehensive campaign.
• Oversee board relations for college volunteer and advisory groups and identify future board contributors.
• Deliver advancement-related events, including fundraising and alumni-focused gatherings (donor recognition events, meet‑the‑dean receptions, tailgates, etc.).

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 8+ years of higher education fundraising experience with a proven track record of closing major gifts and exceeding individual and team goals.
• 2+ years of direct management/leadership experience.

A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required due to travel responsibilities. 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.

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

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree with 10+ years of higher education fundraising experience and a proven track record of closing major gifts and exceeding goals.
• 2+ years of leadership experience on a college campus in the advancement division or similar.
• A proven leader who can establish goals, motivate a team, and achieve the goals together.

Application Process

Priority will be given to applications received on or before March 23rd via our DASH application system. Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, and resume. Candidates selected to move forward 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. 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 a need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

Questions about the search may be directed to

Target Start Date: May/June 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.

About 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 University of Tennessee System comprises 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.

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