Senior Director of Development

Posting Number

S15190P

Working Title

Senior 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.

Public Service and Outreach

UGA is a national leader in university outreach with faculty, staff, and students in all of UGA’s schools and colleges contributing to Georgia’s short- and long-term prosperity. In addition, eight Public Service and Outreach units focus specifically on serving Georgia:

• Archway Partnership
• Carl Vinson Institute of Government
• J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development
• Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
• Office of Service-Learning
• Small Business Development Center
• State Botanical Garden of Georgia
• UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel

Through the work of these units, UGA serves every county in Georgia and beyond developing leaders, creating jobs, and addressing critical challenges in order to position Georgia as a competitive force regionally, nationally, and internationally.

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

Additional Schedule Information

8:00am–5:00pm; Willing and able to work evenings and weekends, as necessary.

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Posting Date

05/21/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Proposed Starting Date

08/01/2026

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 ( View email address on jobradars.com ).

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.

Classification Title

Development Manager-Coll/Div

FLSA

Exempt

FTE

1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent plus 10 years of professional experience to include 3 years of supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred with 7 or more years of extensive higher education experience; a proven ability to cultivate and solicit major and principal level gifts
• Significant experience developing fundraising strategies while providing leadership and direction for implementation of a comprehensive development plan
• Fundraising and Management experience in a medium to large school, college, or unit at UGA
• Knowledge and experience using Blackbaud CRM system
• Plus Delta Partners Discipline of Frontline Fundraising certification
• Previous work experience in higher education and in a hybrid centralized-decentralized fundraising model involving colleges/schools
• Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the University of Georgia

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Development leads the overall fundraising operations and performance of the Public Service and Outreach (PSO) development team. S/he is responsible for the planning and implementation of an integrated approach to development, maximizing support for PSO and its eight units. S/He will serve as the unit’s chief development officer with responsibility for increasing philanthropic support and engagement.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies:

• Progressively responsible fundraising or related leadership experience, including work across development functions and leadership in a comprehensive or major capital campaign.
• Demonstrated success in frontline fundraising, including principal gifts (from discovery through solicitation and stewardship).
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic, comprehensive fundraising plans; experience collaborating with senior administration and engaging diverse constituents and volunteer groups.
• Strong supervisory, organizational, time‑management, and project‑management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives under 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 strong collaborative relationships; experience motivating and supporting high‑level volunteers and expressing appreciation for their contributions.
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, attention to detail, and sound judgment.
• Self‑starter who takes initiative and works effectively both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Commitment to outstanding customer service and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of personality types.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and the ability to learn and effectively use alumni and donor databases (e.g., Blackbaud CRM); demonstrates responsible and policy‑compliant use of AI tools in fundraising.
• Demonstrated professionalism, ethics, accountability, and integrity in all interpersonal and organizational interactions.

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

Leadership for Development Operations

• Lead and develop a team of approximately seven staff, providing strategic direction, coaching, and accountability for comprehensive fundraising performance and Public Service and Outreach (PSO)-related initiatives.
• Partner with the Vice President to design and implement fundraising strategies that meet annual targets and advance long-term unit priorities.
• Lead efforts to engage advisory boards across multiple PSO units in advancing philanthropic support, including oversight of nominations and succession planning.
• Develop a coordinated fundraising strategy for PSO, equipping unit leadership with clear priorities, actionable plans, and guidance to achieve measurable results and strong stewardship outcomes.
• Cultivate and maintain a resilient, high-performing team culture within PSO Development that equips staff to navigate high-volume periods, advances professional growth and promotional readiness, and reinforces continuous coaching for success.

Percentage Of Time

Duties/Responsibilities

Frontline Fundraising

• Develop and manage a portfolio of 50+ of the unit’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 PSO’s fundraising priorities and integrating the unit’s interests into an overall prospect strategy that is donor- and University-centered.

Duties/Responsibilities

Division Engagement & Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison between PSO and the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), ensuring alignment with UGA and PSO 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

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

***email_hidden***