Director of Development- Fine & Performing Arts and Humanities

Ugajobsearch; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens seeks a Director of Development for the Fine & Performing Arts and Humanities to lead major gift fundraising and portfolio strategy across Franklin College.

You will manage a 50+ donor portfolio, collaborate with campus fundraisers, and drive donor-centered campaigns to secure gifts of $50K+ and $1M+. This exempt, full-time role requires a Bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience, with some evenings and weekends as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience.
• Exemplary communications skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to work across teams and manage fundraising portfolios.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a portfolio of 50+ major ($50K+ gift size) or principal ($1M+ gift size) prospects.
• Move donors through the development cycle (qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship).
• Prepare timely proposals, presentations, and fundraising materials for potential donors.
• Record donor meetings and plans in the GAIL database with thorough documentation.
• Collaborate with University fundraisers on campaigns and donor relations.

Skills

Exemplary communications

Organizational leadership

Customer service

Computer proficiency

Donor relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Word

Database management

Email

Job description

Director of Development- Fine & Performing Arts and Humanities

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Please provide 3 references with contact information. This list can be uploaded along with your applicant documents.

Posting Details

Posting Number S15889P Working Title Director of Development- Fine & Performing Arts and Humanities Department Franklin-Deans Dev & Alumni 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 3,200 faculty and more than 7,900 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 44,000 students including over 33,000 undergraduates and over 11,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 20 schools and colleges, including the newly established School of Medicine and the Victoria Kay Investor School of Nursing. About the College/Unit/Department Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia’s learning environment, advancing new knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output by faculty, students, and staff in more than 80-degree programs across 40+ units. College/Unit/Department website https://franklin.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 M-F; 8-5; some evenings and weekends required. The position is an exempt position and not eligible for overtime or comp time based on the Fair Labor Standards Act ( FLSA ). Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience Posting Date 10/09/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 11/15/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants Please provide 3 references with contact information. This list can be uploaded along with your applicant documents. 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 ( [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.

Position Information

Position Information Classification Title Major Gifts Officer III FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience

Position Summary

The Director of Development for the Fine & Performing Arts and Humanities is responsible for increasing philanthropic support for the assigned Franklin College divisions, through direct portfolio management and through leading the work of the Franklin Associate Director of Development reporting to this position. This position serves as a member of the Franklin Development & Alumni Relations leadership team, collaborating across departmental lines and within University Development, to align priorities and maintain a donor- centered approach to fundraising.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Exemplary communications skills (both written and verbal)
• Highly developed organizational and leadership skills
• Demonstrates a commitment to outstanding customer service
• Demonstrated computer competency and knowledgeable of Word, database management, and email skills
• Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision and values of the University of Georgia
• Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct

Physical Demands

• Working at computer/desk for periods of time, some minor lifting, driving as needed to complete job tasks.
• Driving to perform work related tasks.

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) No

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

• Liaise with an identified division of the college to provide development strategic planning.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of 50+ major ($50K+ gift size) or principal ($1M+ gift size) gift prospects, meeting annually-set goals for fundraising, face-to-face meetings, 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 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