Associate Director of Development for Veterinary Medicine

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Associate Director of Development for the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. Reporting to the Director of Development, the Associate Director of Development is responsible for creating and implementing fundraising strategies including major gift fundraising, planned giving, and sponsorship for the College of Veterinary Medicine.  

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

Major Gift Fundraising: Identify, research, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects for major gifts of $25,000+. Pursue planned gifts from major donors, working collaboratively with the UTIA Director of Planned Giving. Raise money for college priorities and develop their prospect pool with input and guidance from their supervisor. 

Administrative: Demonstrates strong collaboration with development officers across campus and campus leadership, while consistently exhibiting professionalism and leadership in all aspects of performance. 

Required Education and Experience 

The candidate who fills the Associate Director of Development position is required to have: 

• Bachelor’s degree 
• 4+ years with of experience in a role related to development such as fundraising, sales, marketing, alumni engagement, academic affairs or other non-profit experience 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively and builds relationships 
• Proven ability to prioritize and coordinate complex projects and to work in a fast paced team environment and the ability and willingness to travel if necessary 
• Aggressive, sales mentality with a donor/customer centered orientation; excellent oral and written communication skills; willingness and ability for overnight travel 
• Ability to work weekends as needed  
• Ability to utilize data base information to secure significant funding  

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 2 years of experience. 

Preferred Education and Experience 

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

• Master’s degree 
• Experience with donor databases and higher education fundraising preferred 
• Strong presentation skills, self-confidence, and motivation 
• Attentiveness to detail, sensitivity to the needs of diverse constituencies 
• Strong goal-oriented work ethic is preferred 

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before October 22nd, 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 University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is dedicated to providing “Real. Life. Solutions.” to society’s most pressing issues. Through its extensive presence across the state and global outreach efforts, UTIA’s work has a profound impact on agriculture, research, veterinary medicine, Extension, and more, ultimately contributing to economic growth, biodiversity and human and animal health. 

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.