The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Director of Gift Planning for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Executive Director of Gift Planning, the Director of Gift Planning is responsible for the identification, assessment, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of planned gifts that benefit colleges and units across the Knoxville campus. In alignment with the Accountability, Collaboration, Excellence, and Servant Leadership (ACES) pillars of the Office of Advancement, this position provides mission-critical fundraising and administration for the

benefit of the Office of Gift Planning.

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The Director of Gift Planning is responsible for the identification, assessment, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of planned gifts that benefit colleges and units across the Knoxville campus.

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Required Education and Experience

The candidate who fills the Director of Gift Planning position is required to have:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• 5+ years of experience in a higher education advancement; client-facing roles involving face-to-face relationship development, communicating an organization’s mission and societal impact, and/or fundraising; financial planning and/or investment management; or related work experiences.

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:

• 5+ years of fundraising experience in a higher education environment.

• Demonstrated knowledge of planned giving.

• Excellent telephone demeanor, professional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, and a capacity to build strong relationships with prospective and existing donors.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams).

• Experience using Salesforce software or related CRM platforms.

• Possess an analytical mindset, attention to detail, organizational skills, and a capacity to articulate complex financial concepts in writing or verbally.

• Ability and willingness to engage in extensive travel, sometimes for multiple consecutive overnights.

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before May 13th 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: August 1, 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.

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Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Identification, Cultivation, and Solicitation of Planned Gifts: Advances planned giving for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and the University of Tennessee Foundation by securing planned gift commitments of $50,000 or more through donor identification, assessment, cultivation, strategy development, solicitation, negotiation, stewardship, and engagement. The Executive Director of Gift Planning, in partnership with the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Regional, Gift Planning, and Corporate Philanthropy, sets annual individual and team goals for this role.

Partnership/Collaboration: Works closely with college, unit, and regional Advancement staff, as well as the Executive Director of Gift Planning, the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Regional, Gift Planning, and Corporate Philanthropy, and other UTFI and UT colleagues to support the needs of the Advancement operation. Partners with internal stakeholders to develop strategies for identification, assessment, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, and collaborates with Advancement and UTFI colleagues to ensure proper gift commitment documentation and the accurate receipt of estate distributions.

Operations: Leads donor‑centric stewardship and engagement activities for existing planned giving donors, prepares monthly activity reports for the Executive Director of Gift Planning, and develops forecasting projections and strategies for portfolio and proposal assignments.