Executive Director of Advancement, Baker School

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position ofExecutive Director of Advancementfor the Baker School for Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement and working closely with the Dean of the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker), the Executive Director leads the Schools advancement efforts and serves as a senior advisor to the Dean.

The Executive Director will be among the most experienced and productive fundraisers on campus, specializing in cultivating and soliciting major and principal gifts from current and prospective donors. This role will provide leadership in developing and executing initiatives that inspire current and prospective donors to invest philanthropically in the School's mission.

Responsibilities

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Major Gift and Annual Giving: Motivated to meet and exceed annual fundraising goals by fostering a culture of philanthropy within the Baker School and among its donor base. Secure substantial philanthropic resources that will profoundly benefit Baker students and faculty, enabling the unit to reach its full potential. These efforts include identifying, cultivating, soliciting (both major and annual gifts), and stewarding alumni and friends, regardless of gift size.

Administrative and Management: Serve as a senior advisor to the Dean on fundraising, alumni, and external relations issues, managing the Deans travel for fundraising and alumni engagement, interacting with Baker School leadership (such as the dean, budget director, faculty, etc.), campus leadership, and representing the UT Foundation within the Baker School and to alumni and friends.

Board Management, Events, and Stewardship Responsibilities: Collaborate with the Dean of the Baker School to create, develop, and oversee boards that support the units mission. Work closely with the Schools staff to develop strategies for fundraising events and participate in staffing those events. Manage relationships with current and prospective donors. This includes sending acknowledgment letters, endowment reports, impact reports, and any other stewardship activities the School requires. Finally, the Executive Director will work with the Communications and Donor Experience team to coordinate stewardship efforts for the School.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

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

• Bachelors degree

• 8+ years in a position related to development, fundraising, sales, marketing, or other realted non-profit experience

• 2+ years of supervision experience

• Ability to lead in a metric-driven environment

• Experience providing strategic leadership to secure philanthropic revenue

• Experience in developing and implementing a donor-centric funding culture

• Strong oral and writing communication skills

• Overnight travel will be required

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 4 years of experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

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

• Masters degree

• Demonstrated ability in securing major and principal gifts from individuals and/or corporations/foundations

• Experience in pipeline development and prospect identification

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as situations require

• Experience working in political or government organizations

• Experience managing a board, coordinating events and/or donor stewardship

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before March 23, 2026 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 the 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 tohr@utfi.org.

Target Start Date: July 1, 2026

Benefits: The Foundations greatest asset is our team. Foundation employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of benefits that includes:

• Generouspaid 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

• Educationbenefitsfor employees and their dependents at UT System campuses

• Retirementand deferred compensation plans, including 401(k), 403(b), etc.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and visioninsuranceplans

• Employeediscountsto 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.

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