Assistant Director Of Stewardship

Assistant Director of Stewardship, Tickle College of Engineering

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Assistant Director of Stewardship for the Tickle College of Engineering (TCE). Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Assistant Director of Stewardship is responsible for managing stewardship initiatives for the Tickle College of Engineering, including the development of programs and communications aimed at engaging and nurturing relationships with constituents. This position collaborates with the Director of Stewardship to provide specialized stewardship support in scholarships, endowment reporting, and acknowledgements.

This position manages stewardship strategy for donor segments such as first-time donors, giving day initiatives, reactivated donors, and mid-level donors. This position also manages stewardship efforts with special attention to financials and reporting. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Stewardship: Design and execute stewardship initiatives to engage and recognize College constituents, including alumni, donors, volunteers, affinity groups and industry partners. Organize and manage programs to actively involve constituents, ensuring their sustained support and engagement. Coordinate with the Stewardship Director to create and oversee a personalized stewardship plan for donors, ensuring timely and meaningful acknowledgement of their support. Work with stakeholders across the College and UT Foundation to align stewardship efforts with overarching strategic goals. Create donor stewardship communications and correspondence, such as acknowledgements and impact reports, to highlight the outcomes of philanthropy within the college. Maintain a stewardship calendar based on strategy conversations and next steps for donors who are giving at a level up to $500K. Work with the Stewardship Director to implement strategies to effectively engage and cultivate relationships with existing donors to deepen their commitment to the Tickle College of Engineering.

Account Data Management: Use CRM database to document, track, and enhance stewardship engagement with donors and potential donors. Monitor and review donor fund usage, ensuring it aligns with donor intent and promoting it through various College channels. Analyze data and generate reports for the College Leadership Team and donors, providing insights into the impact of their contributions.

Donor Event Planning: Plan and execute donor events in collaboration with school leadership, ensuring smooth execution and valuable engagement opportunities for donors.

Qualifications:

Required Education and Experience

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

- Bachelor's degree

- 3+ Years of experience in development, stewardship/donor relations, alumni affairs, event coordination or a related field

- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals in a diplomatic and professional manner with a strong commitment to customer service, open communication and team environment

- Resourcefulness in finding appropriate solutions to problems and initiative in presenting alternatives and implementing solutions to ensure effective change

- Ability to be flexible in working independently as well as collaboratively with University Advancement staff, as well as faculty and staff in college to achieve defined goal

- Ability to maintain accurate databases and generate thorough and accurate reports by locating, extracting, and analyzing financial and non-financial data from a variety of sources, to accurately interpret the data, and arrive at conclusions regarding appropriate response

- Proficient in MS Office Suite, database programs, and general ledger system

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 year of experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

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

- Master's Degree

- 1+ years of experience with progressive and direct experience in development, stewardship/donor relations, alumni affairs, event coordination

- Proficiency in using donor management systems, such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce, to track donor interactions and manage fundraising effort

- Demonstrated experience in advanced data analysis, including the ability to create and interpret complex financial reports and data visualizations to support decision-making

- Proven experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously, with a focus on meeting deadlines and achieving objectives within a fundraising or donor relations context.

- Previous work experience in higher education, particularly within a university advancement or development office

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before September 25, 2024 via our Taleo application system. Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, resume, and 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.

Questions about the search may be directed to hr@utfi.org.

Target Start Date: October 2024

Benefits: Recognized as a Top Employer by Knoxville Top Workplaces in 2022 and 2023, 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 day

- Flexible work arrangements, offering a hybrid schedule to most team member

- Education benefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campuse

- Retirement and deferred compensation plans, including 401(k), 403(b), etc.

- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plan

- Employee discounts to attractions, services, and good

_________

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.

Knoxville - 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.