University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.
Assistant Director of Gift Planning Operations
University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc., Knoxville, Tennessee, United States, 37955
Assistant Director of Gift Planning Operations
Join to apply for the
Assistant Director of Gift Planning Operations
role at
University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.
Job Summary The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of
Assistant Director of Gift Planning Operations
for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Executive Director of Gift Planning, the Assistant Director is responsible for serving as a collaborative liaison to both the Annual Giving (AG) and Communications and Donor Experience (CDE) teams pertaining to projects associated with marketing, stewardship, and reporting. The role also serves as the “front desk” for the Office of Gift Planning by receiving incoming phone calls, emails, and mail intended for the office at large. This position provides mission‑critical operations support to enhance efficiency, customer service, messaging and branding, data‑informed decision‑making, and reporting to support the work of securing outright and deferred philanthropic commitments.
Key Responsibilities
Internal Operations:
Act as the operational hub for the Office of Gift Planning; manage records, reports, documentation, and data integrity; coordinate acknowledgements for planned gifts; maintain SharePoint and collateral materials; monitor compliance‑related documents; support leadership with reporting, prospect identification, and meeting preparation; implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
Project Management:
Manage and track Gift Planning marketing and stewardship projects; coordinate with AG, CDE, and leadership to ensure timely execution; produce monthly acknowledgements; develop and monitor annual project schedules; assess the effectiveness of marketing efforts and recommend data‑informed adjustments; steward major deliverables such as annual impact reports and donor communications.
Event Coordination:
Lead planning, staffing, and execution of special Gift Planning events on or off campus; assist in hosting alumni and friends on campus, including providing tours; occasionally support evening and weekend work as required.
Qualifications Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree
3+ years of professional work experience
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams)
Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently yet collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
Ability to comprehend and distill complex processes, data, data coding, and reporting
A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required due to travel responsibilities. Any significant driving offense less than 12 months old will eliminate the application from consideration.
Preferred Education and Experience
3+ years of experience in a higher education environment, especially in Advancement, or in an environment handling wills, trust, and estate administration
Demonstrated project management skills; relevant professional certifications such as CAP, PMP, CFRE, Data Analytics preferred
Proficiency in database management and customer relationship management systems, especially Salesforce
Application Process Priority will be given to applications received on or before January 26th via our DASH application system. Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, and resume. Candidates selected to move forward will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without the candidate’s explicit permission.
All information entered into the candidate profile is considered when determining minimum qualifications. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis without current or future need for sponsorship.
Target Start Date April 1, 2026
Benefits
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
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.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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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Assistant Director of Gift Planning Operations
role at
University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.
Job Summary The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of
Assistant Director of Gift Planning Operations
for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Executive Director of Gift Planning, the Assistant Director is responsible for serving as a collaborative liaison to both the Annual Giving (AG) and Communications and Donor Experience (CDE) teams pertaining to projects associated with marketing, stewardship, and reporting. The role also serves as the “front desk” for the Office of Gift Planning by receiving incoming phone calls, emails, and mail intended for the office at large. This position provides mission‑critical operations support to enhance efficiency, customer service, messaging and branding, data‑informed decision‑making, and reporting to support the work of securing outright and deferred philanthropic commitments.
Key Responsibilities
Internal Operations:
Act as the operational hub for the Office of Gift Planning; manage records, reports, documentation, and data integrity; coordinate acknowledgements for planned gifts; maintain SharePoint and collateral materials; monitor compliance‑related documents; support leadership with reporting, prospect identification, and meeting preparation; implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
Project Management:
Manage and track Gift Planning marketing and stewardship projects; coordinate with AG, CDE, and leadership to ensure timely execution; produce monthly acknowledgements; develop and monitor annual project schedules; assess the effectiveness of marketing efforts and recommend data‑informed adjustments; steward major deliverables such as annual impact reports and donor communications.
Event Coordination:
Lead planning, staffing, and execution of special Gift Planning events on or off campus; assist in hosting alumni and friends on campus, including providing tours; occasionally support evening and weekend work as required.
Qualifications Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree
3+ years of professional work experience
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams)
Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently yet collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
Ability to comprehend and distill complex processes, data, data coding, and reporting
A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required due to travel responsibilities. Any significant driving offense less than 12 months old will eliminate the application from consideration.
Preferred Education and Experience
3+ years of experience in a higher education environment, especially in Advancement, or in an environment handling wills, trust, and estate administration
Demonstrated project management skills; relevant professional certifications such as CAP, PMP, CFRE, Data Analytics preferred
Proficiency in database management and customer relationship management systems, especially Salesforce
Application Process Priority will be given to applications received on or before January 26th via our DASH application system. Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, and resume. Candidates selected to move forward will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without the candidate’s explicit permission.
All information entered into the candidate profile is considered when determining minimum qualifications. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis without current or future need for sponsorship.
Target Start Date April 1, 2026
Benefits
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
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.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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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