Senior Director of Gift Import & Processing
The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) is pleased to announce an opening for the position of Senior Director of Gift Import and Processing within the Central Services office. Reporting to the Principal Lead of Constituent Management, the Senior Director of Gift Import and Processing (GIP) will provide strategic and operational leadership to a team of gift processors, while managing internal and external partnerships to support UTFI’s philanthropic engagement priorities.
This role will lead the Gift Import and Processing (GIP) team to ensure the accurate and efficient processing of philanthropic and non-philanthropic transactions.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Gift Administration & Processing: Leads all gift acceptance and processing processes and procedures, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and best-practices while overseeing accurate and timely data entry into Salesforce Ascend (ACE). Manage corporate matching gifts and oversee complex contributions from various sources, collaborating with internal teams for proper donor crediting and acknowledgment.
Strategic & Operational Leadership: Develop and implement strategies to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of GIP and Constituent Management operations, including continuously assessing and refining workflows, recommending technological enhancements, and leading strategic planning efforts for the department. Maintain current knowledge and awareness of legislative and industry developments impacting gift administration in higher education.
Management & Team Leadership: Lead and supervise the GIP team, including directly managing the Assistant Directors of Gift Import and Gift Processing and indirectly overseeing a team of specialists.
Quality Control & Customer Service: Ensure the integrity and accuracy of all gift records, promptly addressing inquiries from donors and staff while maintaining strict compliance with IRS regulations for gift processing and charitable contributions.
Required Education and Experience
The candidate who fills the Senior Director of Gift Import and Processing (GIP) position is required to have:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, non-profit management, or related field
- 8+ years of progressive experience in a professional environment that requires a high level of attention to detail
- 2+ years of direct experience supervising and guiding teams with proven success in building, developing and leading high-performing teams
- Experience managing financial data and related controls to ensure confidentiality and accuracy
- Experience with managing databases or information systems
- High level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including reporting
- Commitment to high degree of accuracy; strong attention to detail
- Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
- Ability to travel when necessary
Note - Candidates holding a graduate degree must have at least 6 years of experience.
Preferred Education and Experience
In addition to meeting the required qualifications, the preferred candidate will have:
- Master’s degree
- Experience in managing a team of 6+
- Experience with Salesforce, Ascend, GiveCampus, Stripe, Blackthorn, Oracle
Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before June 9, 2025, via our DASH application system. Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, resume, and 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.
Questions about the search may be directed to [email protected].
Target Start Date: Summer 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 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.
