Assistant Director of Alumni Chapters

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Assistant Director of Alumni Chapters for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Director of Alumni Chapters, the Assistant Director of Alumni Chapters is responsible for helping advance the university, the Office of Alumni Relations, and the alumni chapter program, which engages alumni across the state, country, and world. 

This role will manage alumni volunteers in planning, coordinating, and staffing events and programs designed to build relationships with UT Knoxville alumni. 

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

Alumni Chapter Liaison: Serve as the primary staff lead in managing and communicating with 20+ domestic chapters, under the guidance and direction of the Director. Recruit, train, and manage alumni chapter board members in active areas. Travel to and attend assigned chapter events as needed and visit with current and prospective volunteer leaders and donors for stewardship and cultivation processes.  

Overall Coordination of the Chapter Program: Identify and collaborate with campus partners, including development, Enrollment Management, colleges/units, Student Life, Student Success, Athletics, and others to enhance alumni programs. Assist in maintaining the Chapters manual for board members of chapters to use when guiding programming in their area. Oversee and direct all communications related to chapter programming, along with the Director of Alumni Chapters. Plan and set up for onboardings, trainings, workshops, and meetings for volunteer leaders (both on and off campus). 

UT Alumni Program Support and Other: Provide staffing for Alumni Board meetings and other alumni council meetings as needed (and available). Provide staffing for campus events such as Homecoming, lifelong learning programs, young alumni events, student events, and athletic-related events as needed.  

Required Education and Experience 

The candidate who fills the Assistant Director of Alumni Chapters position is required to have: 

• Bachelor’s degree 
• 3+ years of experience in a people-oriented field (sales, marketing, communications, public relations, volunteer management) 
• Previous experience in alumni relations, student affairs/life, higher ed, working with volunteers, and/or experience as a volunteer is desired  
• Planning, organization, communication, oral and written communication skills, represent the university/organization to key shareholders, and proficient in Microsoft programs 

A valid driver’s 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 1 years of experience. 

Preferred Education and Experience 

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

• Master’s degree 
• Experience in non-profit and volunteer management 

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before October 8th 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 2025 

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.