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Assistant Director of Development, Annual Fund

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Sales & Business Development
Knoxville, TN, USA
Posted on Dec 13, 2025

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Assistant Director of Development, Annual Fund for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Senior Associate Athletics Director of Development, the Assistant Director of Development is responsible for assisting with all annual fund programming and outbound communication from the Tennessee Fund.

The purpose of this position is to support on-going cultivation and stewardship of the 26,000 plus donors to the Athletic Department.


The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Assistant Director of Development, Annual Fund for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Senior Associate Athletics Director of Development, the Assistant Director of Development is responsible for assisting with all annual fund programming and outbound communication from the Tennessee Fund.

Required Education and Experience

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

  • Bachelor’s degree

  • 3+ years of experience in development, marketing, or sales related field

  • Ability and willingness to travel as required

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:

  • 1+ years of experience with a master's degree

  • Intercollegiate athletics development experience along with excellent computer, verbal and written communication, knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations, able to work independently, build relationships, and solicit gifts

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before January 5th 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: March 2026

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.


Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Annual Fund and Philanthropic Giving: Assists with all facets of Annual Fund execution and growth, including solicitation, stewardship, tracking and programming. Support priority fund giving and other philanthropic annual fund initiatives. Attend athletic events and special donor events as part of donor engagement.

Communications: Assists with Tennessee Fund email communication strategy, primarily through Mailchimp.

Operations: Support general customer service functions, including outgoing/incoming calls, emails, and website management.