Senior Director Of Advancement, College of Nursing

The highest-ranked undergraduate Nursing college in the state of Tennessee, UT’s College of Nursing is ranked No. 18 among public universities nationally. With innovative industry partnerships, significant recent investment in endowed giving and a new, state-of-the-art 117,000 square foot building in the heart of the Knoxville campus, momentum around UT Nursing has never been greater. The most recent fiscal year was the most successful in college history, and the college has raised more than $57 million toward its $70 million campaign goal.

The College of Nursing in Knoxville is nationally ranked and internationally recognized for its diverse comprehensive programs. Innovative simulation, interprofessional collaboration, research and community outreach lead the way to improving health outcomes and meeting the challenges facing health care today. The College is committed to providing excellent education to prepare nurses who have a broad understanding of the profession, public policy, leadership, and health care systems. The Senior Director will actively participate in monthly College of Nursing Administrative & Director’s meetings and faculty/Director’s meetings.

The selected individual will be responsible for the strategic leadership of the college’s advancement efforts and will play the lead role in building and executing a strategic fundraising/advancement plan for the college alongside new dean Dr. Vinciya Pandian. The successful candidate will lead the goal setting, planning and supervision of the Advancement team, which currently includes an Advancement Coordinator. The Senior Director will be viewed as a leader on campus and must exhibit the high standards of performance and professionalism expected of the College of Nursing and UTK Advancement.

The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of current and prospective donors, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding financial investments in the college with a focus on gifts of $50,000+. Building relationships and maintaining a healthy pipeline of donors, alumni and volunteers will be a key indicator of success. An entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to travel (including visits with the Dean and other academic leaders) will maximize fundraising potential. Leading by example with proper and thorough data entry into UTFI’s CRM system is a must.

The chosen individual will serve as a key partner throughout the College and Division of Advancement, including Planned Giving, Regional, Corporate fundraisers to maximize potential. Earning trust and building strong relationships with academic partners, donors and Advancement colleagues is a requirement. Common forms of communication include gift proposals, thank you notes, fundraising appeals and timely contact reports, among other items.

The Senior Director will also serve as the College’s lead stewardship officer, responsible for the college’s short- and long-term stewardship strategy. This position will also oversee board relations for the college’s volunteer/advisory board, including the key role of identifying future board contributors.

Bachelors Degree and Minimum of 7 years of experience in a professional fundraising position, preferably in higher education, sales, or a similar position requiring comparable skills.

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written, and organizational skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and other available technologies.

Ability to travel extensively and work flexible hours.

Ability to work independently or in a group setting as both a team leader and a team member.

Knowledge of fundraising best practices and procedures, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and fundraising campaigns.

Ability to handle a variety of different tasks under pressure.

Ability to supervise, coach, and motivate a team of professionals.

Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across campus.

Positive attitude with the ability to relate well to people, especially in one-on-one settings.

Ability to work as a team player and think creatively.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s Degree with more than 7 year’s experience in a professional fundraising position, preferably in higher education, sales, or a similar position requiring comparable skills.

Microsoft Office Suite and Donor Software (preferably ACE) experience

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before October 9th, 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 hr@utfi.org .

Target Start Date: Fall 2026

Benefits: The Foundation’s 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 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

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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. 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.