Developmental Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Director of Development for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director of Development is responsible for establishing and maintaining strong and effective relationships with UTHSC's major internal and external constituencies.
Responsibilities
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Fundraising: Cultivate, engage existing donors and new prospects toward solicitation of funds to meet strategic goals. Create and plan engagement opportunities for donors/prospects with Deans during travel at conferences, alumni events, etc. Follow up for all contacts to include gift agreement development and continuing communication with donors/prospects. Continuous networking within corporate and community organizations to create new relationships and grow awareness for College's needs.
Alumni Engagement: Work with Pharmacy alumni board and committee leadership to develop strategy for members in cultivation of alumni engagement opportunities and fundraising to support Deans' strategic plan. Work with alumni affairs in preparation of board meetings, special events and reporting/contact for board members. Work with director of annual giving to determine priorities for annual giving asks and campaigns.
Administrative: Ongoing review and changes to prospect lists; research for new prospects; stewardship letters and other efforts.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience
The candidate who fills the Director of Development position is required to have:

• 5+ years of experience in academic medicine, higher education (or a comparably complex organization), in development, stewardship, advancement services, sales, or related field.

• Proven success securing major gifts ($25K-$1M+) in a higher-education or academic health-care environment.

• Demonstrated ability to build, manage, and grow a major-gift pipeline, including discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

• Strong track record developing and executing strategic fundraising plans aligned with institutional and college-level priorities.

• Experience engaging alumni, grateful patients, corporate partners, and foundations to support scholarships, faculty endowments, research, and capital projects.

• Skilled at crafting compelling philanthropic cases for support in scientific, clinical, and research settings.

• Experience leading or contributing to comprehensive campaigns, including goal setting, reporting, and volunteer management.

• Demonstrated ability to use data-driven fundraising strategies, donor analytics, and portfolio management best practices.

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:

• Master's degree

• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Advance, Blackbaud, Salesforce) and portfolio management tools.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, travel, and work autonomously while meeting deadlines.

• Understanding of pharmaceutical education, clinical practice, and research environments (preferred but not required).

Application Process: 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: Fall 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

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 Health Science Center (UTHSC) trains the next generation of health care providers for Tennessee, cares for the people from one end of the state to the other and researches the cures for the diseases that most affect all who call Tennessee home. Founded in 1911, the main UTHSC campus is located in Memphis and includes six colleges: Dentistry, Graduate Health Sciences, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy. UTHSC also educates and trains cohorts of medicine, pharmacy and/or health professions students - in addition to medical residents and fellows - at its major sites in Knoxville, Chattanooga and Nashville.
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.