The Director of Development for the Tennessee 4-H Foundation position reports directly to the Executive Director of the Tennessee 4-H Foundation. The Director of Development position is responsible for fundraising activities and performing constituent engagement in support of Tennessee 4-H. The Director of Development is expected to develop a working relationship and serve as a liaison with industry, civic groups, community stakeholders, and key personnel to achieve successful fundraising and nurture a culture of philanthropy. The Director of Development position is expected to assist with stewardship strategies and methods to ensure proper acknowledgment and recognition of donors. The Director of Development is also expected to complete other duties as assigned by the Executive Director, Tennessee 4-H Foundation. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

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The Director of Development position is responsible for fundraising activities and performing constituent engagement in support of Tennessee 4-H. The Director of Development is expected to develop a working relationship and serve as a liaison with industry, civic groups, community stakeholders, and key personnel to achieve successful fundraising and nurture a culture of philanthropy. The Director of Development position is expected to assist with stewardship strategies and methods to ensure proper acknowledgment and recognition of donors.

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Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree

• Experience: 3+ years of experience in a position related to development such as: fundraising, sales, marketing, alumni engagement, academic affairs, or other non-profit experience

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Skill in advancement/fundraising, Skill with written and oral communication, Self directed with the ability to work independently and collaboratively, Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively and build relationships, Proven ability to prioritize and coordinate complex projects, Assertive sales mentality with a donor/customer centered orientation, Ability to utilize database information to secure significant funding, Willingness and ability for overnight travel, Ability to work weekends as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s Degree

• Experience: Experience with donor databases, higher education fundraising and/or outdoor recreation and organization/non-profits, Strong presentation skills, Knowledge of Tennessee Extension specifically, the Tennessee 4-H Program

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Highly developed interpersonal skills with an affinity for networking. Full-developed social skills and networking prowess with strong customer service orientation, Ability to manage complex problems and projects through creative problem solving and resourcefulness, Knowledge of the Extension system (specifically 4-H youth development), Knowledge of document layout and photo software such Adobe In-design and Adobe Photoshop

Work Location:

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Hybrid

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT market range: 13

• Anticipated hiring range: $66,800 - $72,000

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before 12/5/25.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division:

UT Extension provides a gateway to the University of Tennessee as the outreach unit of the Institute of Agriculture. It is a statewide educational organization, funded by federal, state and local governments, that brings research-based information about agriculture, family and consumer sciences, and resource development to the people of Tennessee where they live and work.

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Advancement:

• Major Gift Fundraising: Identify, research, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects for major gifts of $25,000+.

• Pursue planned gifts from major donors.

• Raise money for Tennessee 4-H Programs.

• Provide leadership for planning, implementing and evaluating donor events and activities.

• Build and maintains positive relationships with UT Extension staff to assist with advancement opportunities.

• Develop a working relationship and serves as a liaison with local industry, government, civic groups, community stakeholders, and key personnel to achieve successful fundraising.

• Make arrangements with vendors, donors, and UT personnel to ensure successful donor events and visits.

• Nurture a culture of philanthropy.

• Identify and cultivates donors and volunteers by working with UT Extension staff and other key stakeholders.

• Support fundraising strategies and methods to ensure proper acknowledgment, recognition, stewardship of donors.

• Collaborate with annual giving staff to develop and execute new annual giving strategies

• Collaborate with UTIA Advancement Staff

Education & Training:

• Create and implements group in-service trainings to educate extension staff in fund development, budgeting, donor stewardship and other development topics.

• Conduct informal trainings with individuals and county staff about foundation policies, account restrictions, and development topics.

Other Duties:

• Assist with other duties as assigned by the Executive Director, Tennessee 4-H Foundation, Inc.