Associate Director of Development

University of Georgia; Kentucky; On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks an Associate Director of Development to advance fundraising goals for the Public Service and Outreach Division. This role involves developing strategic fundraising plans, cultivating donor relationships, and managing major gifts. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of relevant experience. Ideal candidates possess strong communication and organizational skills, particularly in fundraising and donor relations, and are committed to ethical fundraising practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience.
• Experience in all functional areas of development.
• Strong network of professional and community ties throughout Georgia.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a portfolio of major giving prospects.
• Provide individualized stewardship for donors.
• Oversee a comprehensive private giving program.
• Collaborate with UGA’s Office of Business Engagement.
• Engage with central development colleagues.

Skills

Fundraising experience

External communication strategies

CRM software

Presentation skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Teams

Database management software

Job description

Associate Director of Development

Department: PSO-VP Public Serv & Outreach

Posting Number: S14814P

Location: Athens Area

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Development is responsible for advancing fundraising goals for two or more units within the Public Service and Outreach Division by developing and executing strategic fundraising plans, cultivating relationships with prospects and donors, securing major gifts, and meeting performance metrics. This role reports to the Senior Director of Development and works closely with PSO unit directors.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and manage a portfolio of major giving prospects for each supported PSO unit, focusing on soliciting major gifts and making annual face‑to‑face meeting goals with donors and prospects.
• Provide individualized stewardship for donors, including regular updates, personalized communications, and tours.
• Oversee a comprehensive private giving program including tributes, sponsorships, capital campaigns, annual appeals, planned giving marketing, prospect research, recognition efforts, and stewardship.
• Prepare and deliver proposals, presentations, reports, and other fundraising materials to support donor qualification, cultivation, and solicitation.
• Collaborate with UGA’s Office of Business Engagement and Foundation Relations to submit requests for gifts/grants.
• Engage with central development colleagues to connect with UGA supporters and collaborate on donor cultivation.
• Research gift prospects and prepare briefing materials as needed.
• Write reports on donor visits, record all engagement actions in the development division database, and complete follow‑up activities.
• Attend 1:1 monthly meetings with PSO directors, the Senior Director of Development, and other development staff; attend PSO development team meetings, research prospect management meetings, and assigned central development meetings.
• Participate in donor events, including occasional evenings and weekends, to maximize engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong network of professional and community ties throughout Georgia.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Progressively responsible fundraising or related experience, including work in all functional areas of development.
• Experience with external communication strategies, corporate and foundation campaigns, constituent relationship management (CRM) software, and planned gifts.
• Strong self‑initiative, attention to detail, professionalism, emotional intelligence, and well‑developed listening and organizational skills.
• Exemplary communication skills, including written, verbal, and presentation abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, and database management software.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain 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.

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.

EEO 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 ([e-mail]).