Development Associate

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Georgia is seeking a Development Associate in the Athens area to provide high-level administrative, donor relations support, and engagement activities for major gift prospects and donors.

The role focuses on coordinating meetings, maintaining donor data in GAIL and CRM, assisting with gift documentation, and supporting stewardship initiatives across DAR teams in a fast-paced fundraising environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate cross-campus prospect strategy meetings for the Assistant Vice President and DAR team, including scheduling, agendas, materials, action items, and follow-up.
• Plan and execute internal and external meetings, donor and prospect meetings, and campus visits with relevant briefings, technology, and materials.
• Help plan and facilitate campus visits for prospects and donors, greeting guests with professionalism when interacting with top donors.
• Support the College Relations team by preparing for one-on-one meetings with Directors of Development.
• Maintain donor information in systems, ensuring accuracy and facilitating timely gift processing and stewardship actions.

Skills

Donor relations

CRM system

Event coordination

Executive meetings

Donor visits

Professional communications

Reporting

Project coordination

Education

High school diploma

Tools

CRM system

Job description

Development Associate

Posting Number: S15817P

Posting Date: 09/25/2026

Location: Athens Area

Employment Type: Employee

Contract: Full Time

Salaries: $52,000+ Commensurate qualifications and experience

Open Until Filled: Yes

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 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.

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 ([e-mail]).

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.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications

• At least two years of professional administrative, development, advancement, fundraising, constituent relations, customer service, project coordination, or related experience.
• Experience coordinating executive-level meetings, donor visits, events, or stewardship activities.
• Experience preparing reports, briefings, correspondence, or other professional communications.
• Experience using a constituent relationship management (CRM) system.
• Progressively responsible experience working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to deal effectively and professionally with a variety of people at all levels of management within and external to a university environment.

Position Summary

Reporting to the division's Assistant Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), this position provides high-level administrative, operational, and donor relations support for the Assistant Vice President and team (Principal Gifts, Gift and Estate Planning, and College Relations). This position coordinates high-level donor engagement activities, manages donor information and records, supports gift administration processes, and facilitates cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship initiatives for major and principal gift prospects and donors.

Serving as a key partner to development officers and university leadership, the Development Associate helps ensure effective prospect management, accurate donor data, seamless execution of donor meetings and campus visits, timely processing of gift documentation, and exceptional donor service. The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, discretion, professionalism, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced fundraising environment. Through collaboration with development, donor relations, foundation, gift accounting, and academic unit partners, the Development Associate advances the institution's fundraising and donor engagement objectives.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Professional experience in an office, administrative support, advancement, or related professional setting.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to develop clear, professional communications for a variety of audiences and formats.
• Strong organizational, project management, and records management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to research, analyze information, and identify appropriate solutions to support operational and fundraising needs.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Professional, customer service-oriented demeanor with the ability to serve as a welcoming and effective point of contact.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and virtual meeting and collaboration platforms.

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 to meet the expectations 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.

Physical Demands

• Work in a standard office environment
• 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 detail; multi-task
• Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
• Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

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 (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 and Responsibilities

Executive and Principal Gift Team Support

Provides high-level administrative and operational support to advance the work of the Principal Gift, Gift and Estate Planning, and College Relations Teams and facilitates strategic donor engagement.

• Coordinate cross-campus prospect strategy meetings for the Assistant Vice President and team (Principal Gifts, Gift and Estate Planning, and College Relations), including scheduling, building and circulating agendas, preparing materials, documenting action items, and managing follow-up.
• Plan and execute internal and external meetings, donor and prospect meetings, and high-level campus visits. Coordinate agendas, briefings, technology, materials, Giving and Alumni Information Link (GAIL) interactions, and follow-up.
• Help plan and facilitate campus visits for prospects and donors, including welcoming and greeting guests with the professionalism and poise required when interacting with top donors.
• Support the College Relations team, particularly in preparing for one-on-one meetings with School, College, and Unit Directors of Development.

Percentage of time: 30

Donor Research and Database Management

Ensures donor information is accurate, accessible, and actionable to support fundraising strategy and decision-making.

• Compile and deliver donor briefings and research for the Principal Gift Team, Gift and Estate Planning Team, and the College Relations Team particularly for time-sensitive or high-level engagements. Draw from GAIL and coordinate with Gift Accounting and the UGA Foundation to provide pledge and endowment balances, naming details, recent donor interactions, and giving histories for meetings involving senior leaders or trustees.
• Assist frontline fundraisers with GAIL support while they are traveling, including documenting notes and action items.
• Record and maintain donor interactions and correspondence in GAIL, including responses to mailers, emails, and phone inquiries.
• Maintain a clear understanding of VIP donor activity and flag relevant developments for the Assistant Vice President and team (Principal Gifts, Gift and Estate Planning, and College Relations).

Percentage of time: 30

Gift Administration and Fund Documentation

Supports the administration and documentation of charitable gifts to ensure timely processing and compliance with university and foundation requirements.

• Facilitate the steps required to complete fund agreements following the close of a charitable gift.
• Work with DAR Gift Accounting to complete Letters of Commitment and provide the information needed to process current gifts.
• Work with the Trusts and Estates Coordinator in Gift & Estate Planning to complete and submit Statements of Future Gifts.
• Process charitable gift checks as needed, primarily as a backup to the Administrative Specialist.

Percentage of time: 20

Donor Engagement, Stewardship, and Cultivation Support

Coordinates stewardship and relationship-building activities to strengthen donor engagement and support long-term philanthropic success.

• Liaise with the Donor Relations and Concierge Stewardship team to coordinate timely reports and strategic stewardship and cultivation activities for top prospects and donors.
• Plan and arrange timely donor gifts as needed.

Percentage of time: 20