Job Details

Assistant Director of Alumni Outreach and Engagement, UTIA

Position Number: 6383955
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Alumni Associations and Services

Assistant Director of Alumni Outreach and Engagement, UTIA
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 3920
Job Category: Admin Support
Posting Date: 07/14/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 1502 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US

Job Description
The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Assistant Director of Alumni Outreach and Engagement for the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. Reporting to the Senior Director of Alumni and Annual Giving, the Assistant Director of Alumni Outreach and Engagement is responsible for developing and leading strategic engagement initiatives that cultivate meaningful relationships between alumni, students, and the UT Institute of Agriculture.

This role will manage a comprehensive portfolio of programs, events, volunteer leadership, and communications efforts designed to foster lifelong alumni connection and philanthropic support, with an emphasis on the Herbert College of Agriculture and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Responsibilities
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Alumni Engagement Strategy: Develop and implement a data-informed annual alumni engagement plan, aligning with UTIA's advancement goals. Create engagement opportunities tailored to career/life stages, interests, and affinity groups. Track and report metrics of engagement success, including event attendance, volunteer participation, and giving behavior. Identify and recommend potential donor prospects based on engagement behavior.

Event Strategy & Execution: Oversee the planning and execution of alumni engagement events including reunions, networking receptions, Homecoming, and regional visits. Manage event logistics, vendor contracts, budget tracking, volunteer staffing, and evaluation. Strategically connect events to fundraising and stewardship goals. Manage software platforms as needed for email or RSVP functions.

Leadership & Administration: Serve as lead staff liaison for the Herbert Young Alumni Council and provide support to other alumni volunteer groups and committees. Identify, cultivate, and steward alumni volunteers. Collaborate with development staff to engage with alumni boards and advisory councils. Partner with UTIA and UTFI communications teams to create integrated, branded alumni messaging across email, social, and print including oversight of alumni e-newsletters and storytelling efforts and features. Coordinate annual giving and grateful client colleagues on programs like Big Orange Give and the Family Campaign.

Qualifications
Required Education and Experience

The candidate who fills the Assistant Director of Alumni Outreach and Engagement position is required to have:

Bachelor's degree

3+ years of experience in marketing, communications, event planning, volunteer management, and working knowledge of advancement work

Demonstrated leadership in volunteer or program management

Strong writing, planning and interpersonal skills

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office

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:

4+ years of experience in advancement or higher education

Additional experience in creating outreach programs and speaking to small and large groups

Familiarity with Salesforce (ACE), or similar advancement platforms

Working knowledge of email marketing platforms and event software

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before July 28, 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 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: September 2025

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 Institute of Agriculture is dedicated to providing "Real. Life. Solutions." to society's most pressing issues. Through its extensive presence across the state and global outreach efforts, UTIA's work has a profound impact on agriculture, research, veterinary medicine, Extension, and more, ultimately contributing to economic growth, biodiversity and human and animal health.

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.

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