The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Senior Director of Alumni and Annual Giving for the University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement, the Senior Director of Alumni and Annual Giving is responsible for creating a long- term vision and strategy in building a sustainable and robust alumni and annual giving office.
This role will lead the creation and implementation of programs, projects, projects and events that strategically engage alumni and future alumni of the Herbert College of Agriculture and the College of Veterinary Medicine, as well as friends and donors of all units within the UT Institute of Agriculture and direct all annual giving activities for the institute.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Alumni Programs: Collaborate with the UT Alumni Association and UT Knoxville Office of Alumni Affairs to strengthen the graduate experience. Support the College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Council in fostering engagement among alumni, faculty, staff, and students. Explore ways to organize Herbert College of Agriculture alumni and deepen alumni–student connections. Develop strategies that help UTIA academic departments manage their own alumni and friends activities. Lead alumni communications, including social media, e‑newsletters, and website content in partnership with Advancement and Marketing. Serve as liaison to the UTIA Retirees Association and identify the most effective avenues for engagement. Create programming that connects students with alumni and industry partners for networking, internships, and career opportunities.
Annual Giving: Develop, implement, and lead a comprehensive annual giving program with tailored strategies for each of UTIA’s four primary units. Execute a multi‑channel solicitation plan using phone, email, mail, online outreach, and event‑based engagement. Partner with the UT Knoxville Office of Annual Giving on Big Orange Giving Day, the Family Campaign, and unit‑specific fundraising initiatives. Build relationships with alumni and friends, document meaningful interactions, and connect promising prospects with major gift officers to strengthen the donor pipeline.
Leadership: Serve on the UTIA Office of Advancement Executive Leadership Team, contributing to the strategic direction of alumni and annual giving programs. Collaborate with advancement colleagues and institute‑wide partners to develop and sustain a cohesive engagement strategy. Work with advancement and college staff to ensure all alumni programs are delivered with high quality and a personalized approach. Position requires evening and weekend work, as well as overnight and independent off‑site travel as needed.