Position Summary:
Major Gifts Officer
UT Medical and UTHSC College of Medicine - Knoxville is seeking a dynamic, results-driven Major Gifts Officer to join our growing Philanthropy team. This role is ideal for an experienced fundraiser who thrives in building deep relationships, engages effectively with executive leadership and high-net-worth individuals, and has a proven track record of closing major gifts.
The successful candidate will bring exceptional communication and listening skills, a strong executive presence, and demonstrated success securing five- and six-figure gifts, while independently managing and growing a high-performing donor portfolio.
Position Overview
As a key member of the Major Gifts team, the Major Gifts Officer is responsible for developing and executing strategic fundraising initiatives aligned with institutional priorities. This role requires a proactive, self-directed fundraiser who can build trust with sophisticated donors and partners, translate institutional priorities into compelling cases for support, and drive measurable results.
The Major Gifts Officer will collaborate closely with senior leadership, physician leaders, and philanthropy colleagues to cultivate meaningful relationships that result in significant philanthropic investment in UT Medical and UTHSC College of Medicine - Knoxville.
Key Responsibilities
Portfolio Development & Management
Independently build, manage, and grow a portfolio of 125-150 major gift prospects, including individuals capable of giving $10,000 to $500,000+
Develop and execute tailored engagement strategies for each prospect, with a focus on long-term relationship growth and increased giving
Partner with senior leadership on principal gift strategy and cultivation
Major Gift Cultivation & Closing
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors with an emphasis on closing 5- and 6-figure gifts
Demonstrate a strong track record of moving prospects through the pipeline to close, with a focus on securing high-impact gifts
Apply a disciplined moves management approach, leveraging strong listening skills to align donor interests with institutional priorities
Executive-Level Engagement
Confidently engage and build relationships with C-suite executives, physician leaders, and high-net-worth individuals
Strategic Pipeline Growth
Proactively qualify, cultivate, and add new major gift prospects to ensure a robust and sustainable pipeline
Leverage networking, community engagement, and internal partnerships to identify new opportunities
Proposal Development & Strategy
Create compelling, customized proposals and presentations that resonate with individuals, families, corporations, and foundations
Performance Metrics & Accountability
Consistently meet or exceed annual fundraising goals, including production, visits/high value moves, and pipeline growth
Maintain a high level of activity, including 200+ high value move interactions annually
Utilize CRM systems to track progress, analyze performance, and drive data-informed strategies
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Build strong partnerships with hospital administrators, physician leaders, and the Philanthropy Advisory Council
Stewardship & Engagement
Ensure thoughtful stewardship of donors, delivering meaningful recognition and impact reporting
Represent the organization at donor and campaign events, supporting engagement and cultivation efforts
Ideal Candidate Profile
Proven success securing major gifts at the $25,000-$500,000+ level
Exceptional communication and listening skills, with the ability to build authentic, trust-based relationships
Experience working with C-suite leaders, physicians, and high-net-worth individuals
Demonstrated ability to independently manage and grow a portfolio, including building pipeline from qualification to close
Strong understanding of metrics, moves management, and performance tracking
Strategic thinker with a high level of initiative, professionalism, and accountability
Position Qualification:
Minimum of 5 years of direct fundraising experience in healthcare, higher ed, or other non profit.
Bachelors degree required, Masters preferred.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; written and verbal.
High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information.
Excellent customer service skills.
Experience working with executive leadership.
Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, The University of Tennessee Medical Center, has a rich history in the East Tennessee community of providing patient-centered care and remaining at the forefront of research, technology and treatments. UT Medical Center attributes its well-respected standing within the community to the exceptional people that dedicate themselves to patient care excellence. The hospital serves as a referral center for Eastern Tennessee, Southeastern Kentucky and Western North Carolina. It is the region’s academic medical center, Magnet® recognized hospital and Level I Trauma Center.