Description

Posting Details

Posting Number

S15143P

Working Title

Director of Development

Department

DAR-College Relations

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

Division of Development and Alumni Relations

The Division of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Georgia advances the goals, objectives, and priorities of the university by generating private financial support, building, and maintaining relationships with alumni and donors, and assisting students with career development opportunities.

College of Environment and Design

As the birthplace of public higher education, the University of Georgia has a long and distinguished history in the development and dissemination of the nation's intellectual, cultural, and environmental heritage.

Landscape Architecture has been taught at UGA since 1928. The former School of Environmental Design transitioned to become the College of Environment and Design in 2001. It was the first new college at UGA since 1969. The CED provides nationally accredited, inventive, and demanding programs in landscape architecture, historic preservation, environmental planning & design, and environmental ethics. At CED , our students cultivate not only the skills they need to work as professional designers and practitioners, but the individual passions they have to make a difference in their world.

Students are challenged to explore their unique, individual interests and creatively problem-solve contemporary issues, working with faculty to solve community issues in design charrettes. They also interact with clients, community organizations, and planning agencies. We aim to connect our students with a large and accomplished alumni network as much as possible.

College/Unit/Department website

https://give.uga.edu/ and https://dar.uga.edu/ and https://ced.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

8:00am-5:00pm; Must be willing and able to work evenings and weekends as necessary

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Posting Date

05/13/2026

Open until filled

Yes

Closing Date

Proposed Starting Date

07/01/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

• This position is structured as a permanent position within the Division of Development & Alumni Relations. We are unable to sponsor a work visa for this position.

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 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title

Dev Officer-Coll/Div

FLSA

Exempt

FTE

1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 8 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred or bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of related higher education experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience related to sales, marketing, development, business administration, higher education, project management, or relationship management with a proven ability to cultivate and solicit major gifts.
• Previous work experience in higher education and in a hybrid centralized-decentralized fundraising model involving colleges/schools.
• Demonstrated experience developing fundraising strategies while providing leadership and direction for implementation of a comprehensive development plan.
• Leadership in a major capital campaign.
• Management experience.
• Knowledge and experience using Blackbaud CRM system. Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the University of Georgia.

Position Summary

The Director of Development provides strategic leadership for development and alumni operations, frontline fundraising, and division-wide engagement and collaboration within the College of Environment and Design ( CED ). This role combines active major gift fundraising with team leadership and cross-campus partnership to advance CED's mission and philanthropic impact. The Director works to align fundraising strategies with institutional priorities, strengthen relationships across units, and foster a collaborative, results-driven culture.

In partnership with the University Development Office, the Director of Development is responsible for achieving key performance objectives, including annual visits, gift proposals, unit fundraising goals, and personal fundraising goals. These metrics are established collaboratively and tailored to the needs of the College. The Director is also expected to actively participate in monthly development meetings and regular strategy sessions to ensure alignment, accountability, and continued progress toward fundraising success.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Progressively responsible fundraising or related leadership experience, including work across core development functions and frontline fundraising (discovery, solicitation, and stewardship).
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic, comprehensive fundraising plans; experience working with senior administration and engaging diverse constituents and volunteer groups.
• Strong supervisory, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks under competing deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, including active listening and the ability to deliver clear, consistent, and compelling messages.
• Ability to build trust and collaborative working relationships; experience motivating and supporting high-level volunteers and fostering an effective development network.
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, attention to detail, and sound judgment.
• Self-starter who takes initiative and works effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Commitment to outstanding customer service and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of personality types.
• Consistently models high standards of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct.

Additional Division Expectations:

• Through open, honest, and respectful communication, all staff, supervisors, and colleagues of the Division of Development & Alumni Relations are expected to interact with fairness, compassion, and decency. All employees will be held accountable for meeting the expectation of promoting a stable, productive, and healthy work environment.
• Adherence to CASE standards and commonly accepted industry standards relating to fundraising reporting are expected of all fundraisers. All fundraisers will be held accountable for meeting this expectation.

Physical Demands

• Sit and work in a standard office environment or vehicle for extended periods of time
• Hold a valid driver's license
• Driving as needed to perform job duties
• Travel in and out of state as needed
• Work nights and weekends, as necessary
• Work using electronic mail, telephone, face-to-face discussions, paper form correspondence
• Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening
• Organize and establish priorities; Remember detail; multi-task
• Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
• Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb

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

Leadership for Development and Alumni Operations

• Direct fundraising efforts (principal, leadership, major, annual, and planned giving) and provide overall leadership to all development and alumni relations functions.
• Partner with the dean to design and implement fundraising strategies that meet annual targets and advance long-term college priorities.
• Develop a coordinated fundraising strategy with clear priorities, plans, and guidance to achieve measurable results and strong stewardship outcomes.
• Partner with the dean to engage the college's advisory board in advancing philanthropic support, including oversight of nominations and succession planning.
• Lead and manage a staff member, providing strategic direction, coaching, and accountability for performance.

Percentage of time

30

Duties/Responsibilities

Frontline Fundraising

• Develop and manage a portfolio of 35+ of the college's highest-impact major and principal gift prospects, meeting annually established goals for fundraising, face-to-face visits, solicitations, and gifts closed.
• Move prospective donors through the stages of the development cycle (qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship), demonstrating leadership in effective, donor-centered fundraising and portfolio management strategies.
• Prepare timely, accurate, and relevant proposals, presentations, and other fundraising materials for potential donors, and communicate with prospective donors through the strategic use of a variety of methods.
• Record prospective donor meetings, interactions, and plans in the giving and alumni database ( GAIL ) in a thorough and timely manner and demonstrate leadership to the team in doing so effectively.
• Collaborate with University fundraisers on shared prospects, providing expertise on fundraising priorities and integrating the college's interests into an overall prospect strategy that is donor- and University-centered.

Percentage of time

40

Duties/Responsibilities

Division Engagement & Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison between the College of Environment and Design ( CED ) and the Division of Development and Alumni Relations ( DAR ), ensuring alignment with UGA and CED policies, priorities, and procedures.
• Actively participate in division meetings, strategy sessions, and training to stay aligned with DAR priorities and contribute to a unified, collaborative approach across the institution.
• Partner with colleagues across DAR-including UGA Foundation, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Gift and Estate Planning, Annual Giving, Principal Giving, and Regional Development-to advance fundraising opportunities and strengthen collaboration across campus.

Percentage of time

30

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name

Development & Alumni Relations' Office of Talent Management

Recruitment Contact Email

dartalent@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you hear about this job opportunity in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR)?
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • DAR Careers Page
   • Handshake
   • Insight Into Academia
   • Inside Higher Ed
   • LinkedIn
   • UGAJobs (UGA's job board)
   • Other (Please provide name of source)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents