The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Director of Talent Acquisition. Reporting to the Executive Director of Talent Management, the Director of Talent Acquisition is responsible for leading a team of talent acquisition professionals and implementing a talent acquisition strategy that supports the organization’s workforce planning needs to achieve UTFI’s overall mission of advancement.
This role will oversee the recruitment lifecycle, creating brand awareness of UT and UT Foundation from the application process to talent evaluation/selection and offer negotiation/bridge to onboarding. This position will partner with central and statewide cross-functional stakeholders to support the development and execution of talent recruitment, retention, and engagement programs.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Strategic Talent Planning: Develop and implement a comprehensive talent acquisition strategy in support of UTFI’s workforce planning needs. Partner with CFO to review units' budgetary resources and constraints as it relates to staffing levels, new positions, and other TA related items that impact their cost center, i.e. relocation and sign-on bonuses. Serve as primary liaison to hiring authorities regarding requests for opening searches (new positions, backfill/vacancy).
Recruitment Cycle Oversight: Overall oversight of the TA lifecycle, ongoing and upcoming searches to support and direct the work of the TA team. Partner with stakeholders to identify, implement and evaluate pre-hire assessments for specific candidate pools based on industry best practices. Provide counsel and training to hiring managers based on industry best practices; how we hire, and steps in the process. Partner with Talent Management & Talent Engagement to strategize on UTFI's internal talent pools; areas of strength and growth areas.
Data Analytics and Reporting: Regularly pull data and create reports for UTFI leadership showcasing TA efforts, outcomes, and metrics. Oversee the strategic approach and planning for responsibly sourcing and reporting, including all Talent Acquisition related metrics and compliance records.
Required Education and Experience
The candidate who fills the Director of Talent Acquisition position is required to have:
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: Priority will be given to applications received on or before June 27, 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:
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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.