Senior Director of Advancement, Natalie L. Haslam College of Music

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Senior Director of Advancement for the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus. Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Advancement, the Senior Director of Advancement will work alongside the Dean and other key faculty at the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music to set and execute a fundraising strategy to support the priorities of the College.

Since being elevated in 2023 from a school within the College of Arts and Sciences to a standalone college, the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music has seen an increase in momentum, attention and accolades. The development of a strategic fundraising plan for the College will be the next step in its evolution, and the Senior Director of Advancement will be the Colleges most strategic partner in that process. This role will build a strategic fundraising plan and secure philanthropic gifts to support the college. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Fundraising: Manage a portfolio of prospective donors, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gift ($50K+) commitments to the College. Build relationships and maintain a healthy pipeline of prospective donors, alumni, and volunteers.

Administration and Leadership: Provide leadership for all fundraising and donor activities within the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, including the creation and implementation of a strategic fundraising plan. Serve as a key strategic partner with faculty and administrators to align priorities of the College with donor goals and interest. Supervise advancement staff, showcasing the ability to coach and support a team towards excellence.

Collaboration and Communication: Engage and collaborate with central advancement teams including Planned Giving, Stewardship, Regional, and Corporate Philanthropy to maximize fundraising potential. Work closely with various stakeholder groups including advisory boards. Communicate in ways that are donor-centric, including gift proposals, thank you notes, brochures, fundraising appeals, contact reports and donor stewardship reports.

Required Education and Experience

The candidate who fills the Senior Director of Advancement position is required to have:

• Bachelors Degree
• 7+ years of demonstrated fundraising success at a non-profit entity
• Fundraising experience should include major gift fundraising, annual giving, planned giving, volunteer management, and/or stewardship
• Ability to think strategically and collaborate with others to achieve a goal
• Strong customer-service orientation, with outstanding oral and written communication skills
• An entrepreneurial spirit, with the desire and drive to create opportunities for students, faculty, and programs at the university
• Willingness to work nights and weekends, to include donor travel and hosting key stakeholders at campus events, including athletics events
• 2+ years of management experience to include volunteers and/or students

A valid drivers 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 5 years of experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

In addition to meeting the required qualifications, the preferred candidate will have:

• Masters Degree
• Higher education fundraising/philanthropic experience
• Experience interfacing with a college Dean or other academic leaders
• Demonstrated success in working with corporations and foundations
• Proficient with pipeline development
• Experience developing and maximizing the assets of a donor advisory board
• Demonstrated success in planning and implementing a capital campaign

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before February 1, 2025 Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, resume, and 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.

Questions about the search may be directed to hr@utfi.org.

Target Start Date: April 2025

Benefits: Recognized as a Top Employer by Knoxville Top Workplaces in 2022 and 2023, the Foundations greatest asset is our team. Foundation employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of benefits that includes:

• 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 hybrid scheduling optionsto 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

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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. Tennessees 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. UTs campushome to more than 36,000 students and 9,000 faculty and staff membersis 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.