The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Senior Director of Prospect Intelligence and Pipeline Optimization. Reporting to the Executive Director of Prospect Intelligence and Pipeline Optimization, the Senior Director serves as a key deputy and strategic partner to the Executive Director, translating enterprise-level vision into operational excellence across the Prospect Intelligence and Pipeline Optimization unit.
This role will lead the enterprise-wide approach to proactively interpret, organize, and
distill disparate information into professionalized, accurate, and actionable constituent-level intelligence utilized by major gift officers. The Sr. Director supports UTFI’s philanthropic mission through strategic maintenance of a dynamic, data-driven pipeline of major giving prospects—enabling portfolio health and optimized prospect assignments.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Prospect Intelligence & Research Lead and oversee comprehensive prospect research and intelligence efforts that inform complex philanthropic strategies, with a focus on principal prospects and transformational gifts. This includes collecting, validating, and refining data related to prospects' contactability, capacity, affinity, and propensity to give. Work proactively to enhance the quality of prospect pools and strengthen the pipeline in support of strategic philanthropic outcomes for UT. Ensure all intelligence deliverables are accurate, timely, and aligned with Development team priorities.
Data Integrity, Pipeline Optimization & Forecasting Provide leadership in identifying and improving data integrity standards across the Prospect Intelligence and Pipeline Optimization functions, while contributing to the Executive Director's broader data governance vision. Support the refinement of workflows and business processes that maintain and monitor the UT system-wide portfolio, including segmentation across institutional, unit-based, and individual Development Officer portfolios. Assist in ensuring predictive modeling capabilities remain dynamic, accurate, and aligned with current professional standards. Support regular forecasting and reporting of philanthropic production to aid executive leadership in goal-setting and tracking goal attainment.
Team Leadership & Supervision Lead, mentor, and supervise team members through strategic planning, goal setting, performance management, and ongoing coaching to foster professional growth and high performance. Provide training and resources that support a high-functioning, collaborative team environment aligned with organizational priorities. Promote a respectful and collegial workplace culture while ensuring fiscal responsibility and adherence to organizational policies.
Required Education and Experience
The candidate who fills the Senior Director of Prospect Intelligence and Pipeline Optimization position is required to have:
Bachelor’s degree
7+ years of progressive experience in roles that require translating data and analysis to generate actionable strategy and solutions that drive business outcomes
2+ years of supervisory experience, including goal setting, performance management, and driving results
An entrepreneurial mindset with strong strategic planning capabilities and business intelligence acumen
A broad understanding of diverse prospect bases spanning the full scope of UTFI’s enterprise, including business, engineering, arts & sciences, agriculture, athletics, grateful patients, and friends of the institution
Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills
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 5 years of experience.
Preferred Education and Experience
In addition to meeting the required qualifications, the preferred candidate will have:
Master’s degree
Higher education advancement experience
Philanthropic experience, including fundraising, prospect development, prospect management, portfolio development, prospect research, and the use of analytic tools
Demonstrated proficiency in the deployment and strategic application of industry-standard Prospect Development tools and platforms for capacity evaluation, wealth screening, comprehensive profile development, and reputational risk assessment; experience with iWave, DonorSearch, and LexisNexis for Development Professionals
Experience utilizing CRMs; Salesforce
Experience utilizing analytics and data visualization tools, such as Tableau
Experience developing and leading trainings, and/or experience teaching or advising professional staff
Change Management Experience
Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before July 10th 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 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
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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 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.
