Director of Portfolio Strategy & Solutions

Job Description

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Director of Portfolio Strategy and Solutions. Reporting to the Executive Director of Portfolio Strategy and Solutions, the Director of Portfolio Strategy and Solutions is responsible for leading a team of Portfolio Strategy and Solutions Advisors who catalyzes the production of the Development team through a solution- focused advisory approach that is collaborative, professionalized, and strategic.

The purpose of this position is to contribute to defining the philanthropic portfolios for each institution and institute into actionable pipelines at the unit level of each campus.

Responsibilities

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to :

Portfolio Strategy : Collaborate with fellow Prospect Development leaders to inform the refinement of workflows and business processes that will effectively maintain and monitor the University of Tennessee system-wide portfolio while further segmenting the System-wide portfolio into institutional portfolios, institute portfolios, unit-based portfolios, individual Development Officer portfolios, and prospect pools-all with a goal of ensuring dynamic and optimized prospect assignments across the pipeline. Partner with Development unit leaders to optimize unit portfolios and align assignments with consideration of cross-institutional / unit philanthropic interests held by prospects to realize transformational philanthropic investments by taking a donor-centered approach.

Portfolio Solutions : Provide proactive leadership to ensure an ongoing collaborative and solutions-focused approach is provided by all team members; this approach positions the team as professional advisors who are laser focused on identifying and addressing barriers to Development Officer production.

Prospect Management : Monitor overall integrity of performance metrics for Development Officers and collaborate with prospect development peer leaders and Central Services colleagues to ensure respective dashboards and reports are accurate, clear, and accessible.

Leadership and Supervision : Oversees team communication, goal setting, and performance management through strategic planning, budgeting, and objective evaluations. Leads and mentors by providing training, resources, and ongoing coaching to foster professional growth and high performance. Promotes a respectful, collegial workplace culture while ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational policies.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

The candidate who fills the Director of Portfolio Strategy and Solutions position is required to have :

• 5+ years of experience in roles that require translating data and analysis to generate actionable strategy and solutions that drive business outcomes
• An entrepreneurial mindset with strong strategic planning capabilities and business intelligence acumen
• Experience working within a decentralized work environment, in a collaborative service role leading complex projects
• A broad understanding of diverse prospect bases spanning the full scope of UTFI's enterprise, i.e. 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 3 years of experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

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

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 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 hr@utfi.org.

Target Start Date : January 1, 2026

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

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.