Associate Director of Digital Strategy

Job Description

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Associate Director of Digital Strategy for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Director of Digital Communications, the Associate Director of Digital Strategy is responsible for day‑to‑day management, optimization, and execution of Advancement web initiatives, while also serving as a strategic partner in identifying opportunities, recommending solutions, and shaping digital experiences that advance divisional goals and campaign priorities. While the position requires strong working knowledge of web technologies, it is not a dedicated web developer role and is focused on strategy, user experience, platform management, analytics, and digital effectiveness.

The purpose of this position is to collaborate closely with Advancement colleagues, digital team members, and campus partners to plan, build, and optimize web experiences; guide technical best practices; and ensure Advancement’s digital platforms are accessible, user‑centered, and aligned with brand and campaign goals.

Responsibilities

Web Strategy, Development and Oversight: Leads strategy, architecture, and day‑to‑day management of Advancement web platforms (including alumni.utk.edu and giving.utk.edu) and online forms via Formstack, ensuring alignment with division priorities, brand standards, accessibility requirements, and fundraising/engagement goals. Partners with Advancement leadership, colleagues, and campus stakeholders to recommend digital solutions, lead high‑impact web initiatives, and serve as primary point of contact for major platform enhancements and changes. Represents Advancement on the campus‑wide Web Developers Roundtable to ensure alignment with the Office of Communications and Marketing web standards and best practices.

Data, Analytics, and Performance Optimization: Leads web performance analysis using Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, and related tools to evaluate traffic, engagement, and conversions, translating insights into strategic recommendations, dashboards, and reporting for Advancement leadership. Maintains UTM tracking standards, evaluates SEO performance, and develops metrics to assess digital effectiveness and brand awareness. Serves as the team’s expert on WCAG2.0 accessibility standards, monitoring digital communications for ongoing compliance.

Digital Coordination and Partnership: Collaborates with the Digital Strategy and Innovation team and campus partners to align web tools, technical solutions, and strategies with foundation‑wide digital standards and operational goals such as donor engagement and event participation. Coordinates timelines, reviews, and approvals across web projects, working closely with digital communications colleagues to align efforts with broader Advancement messaging. Contributes to long‑range digital planning to ensure platforms evolve with audience needs and campaign priorities.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree.

3+ years of professional experience in web strategy, digital communications, website management, analytics, or digital marketing, or related fields.

Demonstrated experience managing and optimizing websites in WordPress or comparable content management systems.

Proficiency with Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager; experience developing and interpreting data‑informed insights.

Working knowledge of HTML and CSS; general understanding of JavaScript concepts and how scripts affect web performance and tracking.

Strong understanding of web accessibility principles and standards (WCAG), with experience applying inclusive design practices.

Knowledge of SEO best practices and performance optimization techniques.

Demonstrated ability to translate organizational goals into effective digital strategies while managing day‑to‑day execution and website operations.

Strong analytical, organizational, strategic planning, and project management skills.

Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to non‑technical partners.

Collaborative, solution‑oriented mindset and a commitment to advancing the mission of The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

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

Note – Candidates holding a graduate degree must have at least 1 year of experience.

Preferred Experience

Higher Education experience.

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, including one remote workday per week, may be available after six months of employment.

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.

Application Process
Priority will be given to applications received on or before July 13th in 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). 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 hr@utfi.org.

Target Start Date: September 2026.

EEO Statement
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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