Vice Chancellor for Advancement en University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Fundraising: Plan, coordinate, and manage advancement programs for UTS; identify, cultivate, and solicit principal gift prospects by maintaining a personal portfolio of prospects; engage with UTS volunteer leadership and increase alumni participation in events, campaigns, and initiatives. 

Leadership: Recruit, motivate, coordinate, and retain a strong UTS advancement staff; lead staff in their programming efforts and in meeting their performance goals; serve on the UTS Chancellor’s cabinet and as a member of the UTFI President’s leadership team; and perform other duties as may be jointly assigned by the UTS Chancellor and the UTFI President & CEO.

Collaboration: Coordinate UTS fundraising and alumni affairs efforts with those at the system level, and with other UT System campuses and institutes; maintain cooperative and collaborative relationships with advancement staff at the system, campus, and institute levels, as well as UTS and UT System staff involved in governmental and public relations. 

The ideal candidate for the position of Vice Chancellor of Advancement for the University of Tennessee Southern will be an effective leader with a proven track record of building and maintaining relationships. S/he will bring a combination of strong business intellect and in-depth knowledge of effective sales, marketing, and/or fundraising strategies and operations to provide management oversight, leadership, and strategic direction to the position. 

For more information about the role, we invite you to review our detailed prospectus.

Required Education and Experience

The candidate who fills the Vice Chancellor for Advancement position is required to have:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of progressive experience in development, advancement, or other philanthropic leadership roles
• Effective interpersonal skills, an engaging manner, and the capacity to influence, inspire, and motivate executive and academic leadership, donors, prospects, volunteers, faculty, and staff, both within UTS and beyond;
• The ability to foster connections among members of these groups and to nurture strong and long-lasting individual and institutional relationships;
• An understanding and appreciation of the value of active and informed alumni and citizens and their roles in the enhancement of a land grant university;
• Specific experience in fundraising, sales, marketing, or a related field;
• Demonstrated excellence in oral communications and writing skills;
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing effective written communication; and
• Knowledge, ability, and personality necessary to convey to alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and other contributors the need, propriety, and benefit of private giving to institutions of public higher education.

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.

Preferred Education and Experience

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

• Master’s degree
• Experience leading a team through setting priorities and goals as part of a strategic direction to accomplish the mission

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before September 30, 2025, 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 from 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 [email protected]. 

Target Start Date: January 2, 2026 

Benefits: The Foundation’s greatest asset is our team. Foundation employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of benefits that include:

• 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 Southern, established in 2021 through the acquisition of Martin Methodist College (founded in 1870), is the fourth undergraduate campus in the UT System. As the only public four-year institution of higher education between Chattanooga and Memphis, and located approximately 70 miles south of Nashville and 40 miles north of Huntsville, Alabama, UT Southern offers a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience. Committed to academic excellence and community involvement, it prepares students for successful and meaningful careers.

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.