Director of Development

University of Georgia

Athens, GA

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JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

Administrative Skills, Alumni Relations, Background Investigation, Business Administration, Campaigns, Communication Skills, Computer Workstations, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems, Customer Support/Service, Detail Oriented, Donor Development, Donor Relations, Entrepreneurship, Establish Priorities, Estate Planning, Fast Food, Financial Management, Financial Services, Financial Strategy, Financial Support, Fundraising, Fundraising Program, Healthcare, Higher Education, Industry Standards, Interpersonal Skills, Investment Management, Leadership, Lift/Move 20 Pounds, LinkedIn, Marketing, Memory Hardware, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Multitasking, Nursing, People Management, Physical Demands, Prepare Correspondence, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Project/Program Management, Relationship Management, Retirement Plan, Safety/Work Safety, Sales, Sales Management, Set Goals, Startup, Stewardship, Strategic Planning, Talent Management, Team Player, Time Management, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills

LOCATION

Athens, GA

POSTED

2 days ago

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number

S14880P

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 (. 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.

School of Nursing

In May 2025, the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents authorized the establishment of an independent School of Nursing at the University of Georgia (UGA) to meet the nursing and healthcare demands for the ever-growing population of Georgia. Following a comprehensive planning exercise between USG & UGA, the announcement became public in August of 2025. A nationwide search was launched, and Carolyn K. Clevenger was identified as the first academic leader for UGA's School of Nursing and began her appointment on January 1, 2026. UGA plans to welcome its first nursing students as early as fall 2027.

College/Unit/Department website

and and

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

03/17/2026

Open until filled

Yes

Closing Date

Proposed Starting Date

06/01/2026

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 a minimum of five (5) of the required eight (8) years of professional experience in higher education fundraising or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in sales, marketing, development, business administration, higher education, project management, or relationship management, with demonstrated success in cultivating and soliciting 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.
Experience in a startup or entrepreneurial venture; proven case of building something up that was either new or underperforming.
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 serves as a liaison between the School of Nursing and University Development. The position serves as the School of Nursing's chief development officer and is responsible for establishing and overseeing the development team, as well as securing philanthropic support across all giving levels. Primary emphasis is placed on the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts ($50,000+) and principal gifts ($1,000,000+), in order to advance the school's mission and to support the implementation of its development programs and strategic initiatives. In addition to major and principal gifts, the position is also responsible for providing strategy, leadership, direction, coordination, and management of all aspects of giving for the School of Nursing, including major giving, annual gifts, stewardship, and alumni relations.

To fulfill the school's mission and implement its development-focused programs and initiatives, the Director of Development collaborates closely with the Dean to develop fundraising priorities, create a development plan, implement the plan, and secure major & principal gifts, while also managing any future development and alumni relations staff added to this effort. In this role, the employee is responsible for communication, collaboration, and coordination between School of Nursing and the University Development office, as well as creating productive partnerships with all other UGA schools, colleges, and units' fundraising programs.

The University Development Office sets four objectives for Directors of Development: number of annual visits, number of gift proposals, unit fundraising goal, and personal fundraising goal. Each of these goals is discussed with the Director and customized for the School of Nursing. In addition, the Director is required to attend the division and development meetings as well as individual monthly strategy meetings at the University Development office with the Senior Director of Development for Constituent Programs.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Progressively responsible fundraising or related experience and leadership experience, including work in all functional areas of development.
Demonstrated track record of successful frontline fundraising (discovery through solicitation and stewardship).
Strength in developing and executing strategic and comprehensive fundraising plans to achieve goals; experience working with senior administration and ability to effectively strategize and engage various groups and constituents.
Demonstrated supervisory, organization, time management, and interpersonal skills.
Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, presentation) and active listening.
Ability to deliver an effective and consistent message; a communication style that is open, cordial, and compelling.
Ability to develop trust and strong collaborative working relationships; experience nurturing and motivating high-level volunteers and expressing appreciation for their role in building an effective development network.
Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and ability to manage and work collaboratively.
Self-starter, takes initiative, and can work independently as well as in a team environment.
Detail-oriented, excellent memory for details, and critical thinking skills.
Ability to prioritize, work with, and complete multiple tasks simultaneously under deadlines.
Proficiency using Microsoft Office software, for instance, MS Word and Excel.
Demonstrates a commitment to outstanding customer service; Must work well in dealing with a variety of personality types.
Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, 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 is expected of all fundraisers. All fundraisers will be held accountable for meeting this expectation.

Physical Demands

Travel in and out of state
Work in a standard office environment
Sit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods of time
Work using electronic mail, telephone, face-to-face discussions, and 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

Fundraising Leadership and Donor Portfolio Management

Direct all fundraising efforts (principal, leadership, major, annual, and planned giving) and provide overall leadership to alumni relations and development functions for the School of Nursing.
Collaborate with the dean to design and implement fundraising strategies to meet the school's annual and long-term needs and manage future development professionals in the School of Nursing.
Manage a portfolio of 50+ top prospective donors, focusing on soliciting gifts, presenting proposals, and meeting an annually established goal of face-to-face meetings with prospects and donors. The purpose of the meetings is to cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors for the current and deferred gifts to benefit the School of Nursing. This requires some overnight travel in and out of state and occasional weekend work.

Percentage of time

50

Duties/Responsibilities

Administrative Leadership, Collaboration, and Operational Oversight

Serve as the liaison between the School of Nursing and University Development, ensuring all UGA policies and procedures are followed by the school. Attend division and development staff meetings, and monthly strategy meetings with the Senior Director of Development for Constituent-Based Programs.
Work collaboratively with all offices of the Development and Alumni Relations division, including financial services, gift and estate planning, regional program, etc., and with development colleagues located in schools, colleges, and units across campus.
Supervise and manage any future staff through developing performance initiatives, expectations, and evaluating his/her performance annually.
Provide operational, fiscal, and strategic oversight for the office.

Percentage of time

30

Duties/Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising Planning and Proposal Management

With the assistance of the Dean and the Senior Director of Development for Constituent Programs, submit an annual and long-term fundraising plan for the school that includes written strategies for top donor prospects in the portfolio.
Prepare timely, accurate, and relevant proposals, presentations, and other fundraising materials for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Complete telephone/correspondence/preparation/follow-up; record visits, interactions, and plans in the giving and alumni database (GAIL) in a thorough and timely manner.
Work collaboratively with other faculty within Nursing to promote development at alumni events and other special events at the school.

Percentage of time

20

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 (*).

* 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

Resume/CV
Cover Letter

Optional Documents

About the Company

University of Georgia

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