Associate Vice President of CRM Systems & Enterprise Applications

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Associate Vice President of CRM Systems and Enterprise Applications. Reporting to the Vice President of Finance & Administration, the Associate Vice President of CRM Systems and Enterprise Applications is responsible for providing strategic oversight of UTFI's Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) platform (currently Salesforce), enterprise business applications, data integration, analytics, and technology solutions supporting advancement operations across the University of Tennessee System.

The Associate Vice President serves as a key member of the Central Services leadership team and partners closely with executive leadership, advancement officers, campus stakeholders, and Information Technology leaders to develop and execute a long-term technology strategy that supports fundraising, alumni engagement, stewardship, prospect management, finance, and organizational operations.

This position provides executive leadership for enterprise applications, CRM governance, digital initiatives, application architecture, data integration, user adoption, vendor partnerships, and technology innovation while leading multiple teams responsible for delivering scalable, secure, and customer-focused CRM technology solutions across UTFI.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Executive Technology Strategy & Governance: Develops the strategic vision, multi-year roadmap, and governance framework for UTFI's CRM platform and enterprise applications. Partners with the CFO and executive leadership to align technology priorities with strategic planning and fundraising goals. Serves as executive sponsor for major initiatives and advises leadership on emerging technologies such as AI, automation, analytics, and cybersecurity. Establishes decision rights and investment priorities based on organizational impact and return on investment.

CRM, Enterprise Applications & Data Oversight: Provides executive oversight of Salesforce and related advancement technology, ensuring it supports fundraising, donor engagement, stewardship, alumni relations, and prospect development. Governs enhancements, releases, integrations, security, and user adoption across the application portfolio. Establishes enterprise data governance policies that promote data quality, security, and compliance with university and regulatory requirements. Leads modernization, lifecycle management, and standardization efforts that improve operational efficiency and user experience.

Team Leadership & Organizational Alignment: Directs managers, directors, analysts, administrators, and developers, including the Principal Leads for Salesforce Platform, User Enablement, and Integrated Application Systems, and the Senior Director of Project Management. Aligns priorities, resources, and accountability across platform, enablement, application, and project management teams to deliver consistent, scalable solutions. Drives workforce development, succession planning, and a culture of collaboration, innovation, and exceptional service. Implements clear cross-functional operating practices that unite the CRM technology organization.

Financial Stewardship, Vendor Management & Stakeholder Partnership: Develops and manages CRM and enterprise application budgets in partnership with the CFO, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources. Evaluates technology investments, negotiates software licensing, contracts, and consulting agreements, and monitors performance metrics, service levels, and ROI. Advises executives, campus advancement leaders, and Central Services as a trusted technology partner. Represents UTFI on governance boards and university-wide initiatives, translating complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences.

Required Education and Experience

The candidate who fills the Associate Vice President of CRM Systems and Enterprise Applications position is required to have:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Business Information Systems, or a related technology field.

• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in enterprise information technology, CRM systems, enterprise applications, software development, or technology operations, including at least 2 years of experience directly supervising employees within a CRM or enterprise applications team.

• Significant experience leading enterprise technology initiatives within complex organizations, preferably in higher education, nonprofit, or similar mission-driven environments.

• Demonstrated success developing and executing enterprise technology strategies that support organizational goals and operational excellence.

• Proven leadership experience managing and developing professional technology staff, including managers and technical teams.

• Extensive experience with enterprise CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred), application architecture, systems integration, cloud technologies, and business intelligence solutions.

• Experience leading digital transformation initiatives, enterprise system implementations, and organizational change management.

• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles, data governance, enterprise architecture, technology governance, and IT service management.

• Exceptional strategic planning, communication, relationship-building, and executive presentation skills.

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, manage competing priorities, and influence executive decision-making.

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 4 years of experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

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

• Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration (MBA), Information Systems, or related discipline.

• Experience supporting advancement, fundraising, higher education, healthcare, or nonprofit organizations.

• Experience with Salesforce Education Cloud, Nonprofit Cloud, Marketing Cloud, Data Cloud, MuleSoft, Tableau, Power BI, or similar enterprise platforms.

• Experience leading Agile, DevOps, enterprise architecture, or cloud modernization initiatives.

• Professional certifications such as Salesforce Architect, PMP , ITIL, AWS, Azure, CISSP , TOGAF, or equivalent.

• Experience overseeing enterprise application portfolios and large-scale technology budgets.

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before October 24th 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 hr@utfi.org. 

Target Start Date: January 2027

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.