Regional Director of Development
The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
Position Summary
The Regional Development team is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with alumni and friends to raise major gifts for the University of Georgia. The Regional Directors of Development build a culture of philanthropy in regions across the country while strengthening affinity for the University. Through traveling to various territories, Regional Directors provide strategic direction and leadership for UGA’s alumni and friends as they make philanthropic and volunteer decisions across the university. Regional Directors make strategic engagement with alumni, parents, and friends a top priority by using a blend of in‑person constituent meetings, virtual meetings when they are necessary for a donor‑centered approach, and collaboration with internal stakeholders to engage individuals and organizations in their local markets. Expectations are for Regional Directors to conduct up to 160 planned, strategic meetings with top prospects each year. Most meetings will be in‑person based on planned and coordinated outreach. Travel should be coordinated with the availability of top prospects and coordinated with key internal stakeholders. This team is an extension of the development efforts of all 25+ schools and colleges, in addition to the various academic units and the Athletic Association. Because this group spans a wide geographical area and represents the entire university, regional directors demonstrate a donor‑centered approach by maximizing each donor’s philanthropic potential and passion for investing in any area of the University of Georgia. The Regional Director’s assigned regions include cities and territories across Texas. Though subject to change based on institutional priority, this position may include other regions to be determined as needed. While this position is primarily based in Athens, GA, the hiring unit is open to considering a mobile work arrangement for candidates residing in Dallas/Houston, Texas, and/or Atlanta/Athens, Georgia (with the expectation of frequent travel to our primary markets in Texas).
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of professional experience related to sales, marketing, development, business administration, higher education, project management, or relationship management.
Major gift fundraising in Higher Education ($50k and up)
Knowledge of private funding landscape in higher education
Ability to maintain high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to university business and confidential donor and prospect information.
Duties and Responsibilities Conduct monthly scheduled meetings with prospective donors, alumni, assigned portfolio, and UGA constituents in assigned regions. The scheduled meetings’ goal, along with a fundraising goal, will be agreed upon annually during strategic planning and revisited quarterly.
The purpose of the meetings is to discover, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward University‑wide prospects and donors.
Basic expectation of a meeting is that it is a scheduled and agreed‑upon face‑to‑face meeting between the Regional Director and the prospect.
Territories include cities assigned to the Regional Director based on institutional priority, wealth ratings, and alumni density.
Purpose of the meetings is to cultivate, solicit, and steward assigned and newly identified prospects and donors for current and deferred gifts of $50k+ to benefit any School, College, or Unit within the University of Georgia.
Design and implement fundraising strategies to secure Principal gifts ($1 million+) and major gifts ($50k+) in support of the University’s strategic priorities. Fundraising goals are established and agreed upon annually by the Senior Regional Director and the Regional Director in consultation with the Senior Director of Regional Programs.
Develop and continue to increase a portfolio of prospects with capacity of $50k+ in collaboration with the Research & Prospect Management teams and the Senior Regional Director. The regional development team has an emphasis on $100k+ solicitations.
When appropriate, participate in prospect strategy meetings with Regional Team, Research & Prospect Management team, volunteers, etc.
Complete managerial processes critical to travel, scheduled meetings, and fundraising performance.
Complete telephone/correspondence/preparation/follow‑up; record meetings, interactions, and plans in the giving & alumni database (GAIL) in a thorough and timely manner after the completion of individual meetings and/or trips.
Prepare timely, accurate, and relevant proposals, presentations, and other fundraising materials as needed for solicitation.
Develop a strategy or plan for each prospect assigned, with a written solicitation strategy in place for each person.
Plan and/or participate in quarterly strategy planning sessions for assigned regions with internal university stakeholders.
Perform administrative duties as needed.
Work collaboratively with development and alumni colleagues across campus on prospects, alumni, and constituents to maximize giving potential for Schools, Colleges, and Units’ fundraising priorities.
Create and execute fundraising plans for assigned regions with School/College/Unit fundraisers and other internal stakeholders.
Work with School/College/Unit fundraisers to fulfill requests to schedule meetings with prospects for the Regional Director’s assigned regions.
Attend division and development staff meetings, schedule individual strategy meetings, as well as agreed‑upon professional development activities.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies
Proven record of accomplishment and success in fundraising or a similar role
Ability to cultivate and solicit private gifts from high‑level prospects
Self‑starter and highly motivated
Collaborative style combined with the ability and desire to work in a team‑based environment.
Excellent writing skills with extreme attention to detail, and confident, strong verbal communication
Problem solver who can take initiative and set priorities while being flexible.
Team‑oriented strategist able to effectively manage complex situations
Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects
Analytical, with adherence to self‑guided goals and deadlines
Adept at navigating complex environments with evolving priorities
Skilled using Microsoft Office products such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Creative thinker with ability to receive constructive feedback on ideas
Ability to respond to donors’ needs and concerns in a kind and professional way
Physical Demands
Conduct business across the state of Texas
Travel in and out of state
Work evenings and weekends, as necessary
Sit and work at a computer workstation for an extended amount of time
Work using electronic mail, telephone, face‑to‑face discussions, paper form correspondence
Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening
Organize and establish priorities; remember details; multitask
Lift and or move up to 20 pounds
Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb
Other Job‑Specific Information 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? No
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? 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer 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).
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Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of professional experience related to sales, marketing, development, business administration, higher education, project management, or relationship management.
Major gift fundraising in Higher Education ($50k and up)
Knowledge of private funding landscape in higher education
Ability to maintain high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to university business and confidential donor and prospect information.
Duties and Responsibilities Conduct monthly scheduled meetings with prospective donors, alumni, assigned portfolio, and UGA constituents in assigned regions. The scheduled meetings’ goal, along with a fundraising goal, will be agreed upon annually during strategic planning and revisited quarterly.
The purpose of the meetings is to discover, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward University‑wide prospects and donors.
Basic expectation of a meeting is that it is a scheduled and agreed‑upon face‑to‑face meeting between the Regional Director and the prospect.
Territories include cities assigned to the Regional Director based on institutional priority, wealth ratings, and alumni density.
Purpose of the meetings is to cultivate, solicit, and steward assigned and newly identified prospects and donors for current and deferred gifts of $50k+ to benefit any School, College, or Unit within the University of Georgia.
Design and implement fundraising strategies to secure Principal gifts ($1 million+) and major gifts ($50k+) in support of the University’s strategic priorities. Fundraising goals are established and agreed upon annually by the Senior Regional Director and the Regional Director in consultation with the Senior Director of Regional Programs.
Develop and continue to increase a portfolio of prospects with capacity of $50k+ in collaboration with the Research & Prospect Management teams and the Senior Regional Director. The regional development team has an emphasis on $100k+ solicitations.
When appropriate, participate in prospect strategy meetings with Regional Team, Research & Prospect Management team, volunteers, etc.
Complete managerial processes critical to travel, scheduled meetings, and fundraising performance.
Complete telephone/correspondence/preparation/follow‑up; record meetings, interactions, and plans in the giving & alumni database (GAIL) in a thorough and timely manner after the completion of individual meetings and/or trips.
Prepare timely, accurate, and relevant proposals, presentations, and other fundraising materials as needed for solicitation.
Develop a strategy or plan for each prospect assigned, with a written solicitation strategy in place for each person.
Plan and/or participate in quarterly strategy planning sessions for assigned regions with internal university stakeholders.
Perform administrative duties as needed.
Work collaboratively with development and alumni colleagues across campus on prospects, alumni, and constituents to maximize giving potential for Schools, Colleges, and Units’ fundraising priorities.
Create and execute fundraising plans for assigned regions with School/College/Unit fundraisers and other internal stakeholders.
Work with School/College/Unit fundraisers to fulfill requests to schedule meetings with prospects for the Regional Director’s assigned regions.
Attend division and development staff meetings, schedule individual strategy meetings, as well as agreed‑upon professional development activities.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies
Proven record of accomplishment and success in fundraising or a similar role
Ability to cultivate and solicit private gifts from high‑level prospects
Self‑starter and highly motivated
Collaborative style combined with the ability and desire to work in a team‑based environment.
Excellent writing skills with extreme attention to detail, and confident, strong verbal communication
Problem solver who can take initiative and set priorities while being flexible.
Team‑oriented strategist able to effectively manage complex situations
Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects
Analytical, with adherence to self‑guided goals and deadlines
Adept at navigating complex environments with evolving priorities
Skilled using Microsoft Office products such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Creative thinker with ability to receive constructive feedback on ideas
Ability to respond to donors’ needs and concerns in a kind and professional way
Physical Demands
Conduct business across the state of Texas
Travel in and out of state
Work evenings and weekends, as necessary
Sit and work at a computer workstation for an extended amount of time
Work using electronic mail, telephone, face‑to‑face discussions, paper form correspondence
Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening
Organize and establish priorities; remember details; multitask
Lift and or move up to 20 pounds
Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb
Other Job‑Specific Information 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? No
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? 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer 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).
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