Senior Director of Strategic IT Projects

 The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Senior Director of Strategic IT Projects. Reporting to the Vice President for Technology and Innovation and Chief Technology Officer, the Senior Director of Strategic IT Projects is responsible for leading high- impact technology projects that advance the University of Tennessee Foundation's mission.  

This role will focus on aligning technology initiatives with strategic goals, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and with measurable value to the Foundation and its stakeholders. 

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

Strategic Project Leadership: Lead planning, execution, and delivery of technology projects that support UTFI’s strategic roadmap, including CRM enhancements, data governance, document management, and digital communications initiatives. Partner with the CTO, Advancement Technology leadership, and campus stakeholders to ensure technology projects align with business objectives and compliance requirements. Translate organizational strategy into actionable project plans with clear milestones, deliverables, and success metrics. 

Project Execution and Governance: Manage full project lifecycle from initiation to closure, ensuring adherence to UTFI’s project governance framework, developed by this role. Monitor project progress, budgets, and timelines; proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies. Facilitate cross-functional collaboration among IT, Advancement, Communications, and campus-based teams.  

Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a primary point of contact for project stakeholders, ensuring transparent communication and expectation management.  

Process Improvement and Innovation: Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. Champion best practices in project management, change management, and user adoption. Stay current on higher education and nonprofit technology trends to inform UTFI’s technology strategy. 

Required Education and Experience 

The candidate who fills the Senior Director of Strategic IT Projects position is required to have: 

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, business administration, project management or a related field 
• 7+ years of project management experience, preferably in IT or technology- related initiatives 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneous with competing deadlines 
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholder groups 
• Proficiency with project management tools (Monday.com, Asana, Jira, Microsoft Project) 

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 3 years of experience. 

Preferred Education and Experience 

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

• Master’s degree 
• PMP, CAPM, or equivalent project management certification 
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or fundraising environments 
• Familiarity with CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred), data governance, and document management systems 
• Knowledge of change management methodologies 

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before October 16, 2025, 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: December 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 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.