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University of Georgia

Director of Development

University of Georgia, Athens, GA, US, 30604

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Posting Details
Posting Details
Posting Number S14538P Working Title Director of Development Department PSO-VP Public Serv & Outreach About the University of Georgia
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department
The University of Georgia, a land-grant and sea-grant institution, is an international leader in outreach programming and statewide engagement. As part of UGA's outreach mission, the division of Public Service and Outreach (PSO) works to help create jobs and prosperity, develop the state's leaders, and solve critical statewide challenges. More information can be found at: https://outreach.uga.edu/.

College/Unit/Department website https://outreach.uga.edu/ Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information
M-F
Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience Posting Date 12/22/2025 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 03/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Policy Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Position Information
Classification Title Major Gifts Officer III FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications
Strong network of professional and community ties in philanthropy. Experience working with a board of advisors or volunteers.
Position Summary
The Director of Development is responsible for advancing the fundraising goals of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, a unit within the Public Service and Outreach Division (PSO), by developing and executing strategic fundraising plans and initiatives, cultivating meaningful relationships with prospects and donors, and securing major gifts. The Director of Development is responsible for meeting established objectives and performance metrics that are set annually, including donor meetings, proposal submissions, collaborations, discovering goals, and overall fundraising goals. This position is also responsible for coordinating with UGA Foundation Relations and Office of Business Engagement to develop proposals for philanthropic grants and foundation opportunities. This position supervises the Development & Stewardship Coordinator. The Director of Development is a key member of the development team within the Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach and will work closely with the director of the supported PSO unit. This position reports to the Senior Director of Development for Public Service and Outreach.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
  • Progressively responsible fundraising or related experience, including work in all functional areas of development.
  • Proven experience in successful major gift solicitations and a track record of developing and successfully executing strategic fundraising plans for major initiatives.
  • Experience with external communication strategies, corporate and foundation campaigns, constituent relationship management (CRM) software and planned gifts.
  • Demonstrates strong self-initiative, exceptional attention to detail, professionalism, emotional intelligence, and well-developed listening and organizational skills.
  • Exemplary communication skills, including written, verbal, and presentation abilities. Demonstrates the capacity to deliver clear, consistent, and impactful messages with an open, cordial, and persuasive communication style.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams and demonstrated skill in using database management software.
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of sensitivity to donor relationships and uphold respect for donor intent.
  • Thorough knowledge of and strict adherence to all legal and ethical standards in fundraising, ensuring compliance and integrity in all development activities.

Physical Demands
  • Travel both in-state and out-of-state
  • Work evenings and weekends as necessary
  • Driving as needed to perform job related duties.
  • Sit for extended periods of time.
  • Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
Duties/Responsibilities
Duties/Responsibilities
  • Build and manage a portfolio of major giving prospects for the supported PSO unit, focusing on soliciting major gifts, presenting proposals, and making an annually established goal of face-to-face meetings with donors and prospects monthly. The purpose of the visits is to cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors for current and deferred gifts of $50,000+ to benefit the UGA Foundation in support of the fundraising goals for the supported PSO unit. Visits involve on average 1-2 days out of the office each week including overnight travel (in and out of state) and occasional weekend work.
  • Provide individualized stewardship for donors, including regular updates, personalized communications and tours, and response to inquiries, ensuring donors have meaningful connections to their impact.
  • Communicate updates in a timely manner with PSO unit leadership, UGA and PSO administration, and the Senior Director of Development for PSO.
  • Supervise the Development & Stewardship Associate.

Percentage of time 60 Duties/Responsibilities
  • Oversee a comprehensive private giving program addressing tributes, sponsorships for fundraising events and programs, capital campaigns, annual appeals, planned giving marketing, recognition efforts and stewardship for the supported PSO unit.
  • Prepare and deliver timely, accurate, and relevant proposals, presentations, reports, and other fundraising materials to support donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Percentage of time 15 Duties/Responsibilities
  • Partner with UGA's Office of Business Engagement and Foundation Relations to submit requests for gifts/grants.
  • Engage with central development colleagues to connect with interested UGA supporters and to collaborate on donor cultivation and solicitation.
  • Collaborate with departments across the supported PSO unit to maintain a strong understanding of their needs and strategic priorities.
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the supported PSO unit and its programs, building strong relationships with key personnel, to clearly and compellingly commun

Required

    Preferred

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