Director of Development- Fine & Performing Arts and Humanities

Georgia 4-H; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TRS or ORP

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens invites applications for the Director of Development for the Fine & Performing Arts and Humanities within Franklin College. This role drives philanthropic growth through direct portfolio management and leadership of the Franklin Associate Director of Development.

The successful candidate will manage 50+ major or principal gift prospects, coordinate strategies across Franklin and Central Development, and ensure donor-centered fundraising.

Qualifications

• Exemplary written and verbal communications skills.
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities.
• Commitment to donor-centric fundraising and customer service.
• Familiarity with Word, databases, and email tools.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with division to provide development strategic planning.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of 50+ major/principal gift prospects.
• Move donors through qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Prepare proposals and fundraising materials for potential donors.
• Record donor interactions in the database and coordinate with fundraising teams.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

Computer proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Word

Database management

Email

Job description

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 3,100 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:

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

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

Proposed Starting Date:

11/15/2026

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.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

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 shared prospects, providing expertise on Franklin fundraising priorities and integrating Franklin’s interests and priorities into an overall prospect fundraising strategy that is donor- and University-centered

Percentage of time:

60

Duties/Responsibilities:

Associate Director of Development Supervision

• Manage, direct, and provide leadership to the Associate Director of Development (major gift fundraiser) reporting to this position to ensure team member meets all of the portfolio management priorities outlined in the Portfolio Management section above, for their individual portfolios of 80-100 major gift prospects.
• Ensure all UGA and UGA Foundation policies and procedures are followed by the Associate Director of Development.
• Set individual fundraising goals for the Associate Director of Development position reporting to this position, manage performance throughout the year to achieve those goals, and conduct performance reviews annually.
• Identify areas of strength and weakness for the Associate Director of Development reporting to this position, and develop individual annual strategies to develop areas of weakness and utilize or share areas of strength.
• Perform personnel functions to include Supervision as well as selection, training and evaluation

Franklin and University Departments and Staff

• Lead the effort to educate all Franklin development staff, University fundraising teams and key Central Development teams on Franklin College’s fundraising priorities each year. Share strategies and materials for presenting these priorities to prospective donors, and work to keep Franklin’s priorities top of mind.
• Work with both Franklin’s and Central Development’s support teams (such as Stewardship, Prospect Management, and Alumni Relations) to develop programs and tools that optimize fundraising and fundraiser performance.
• Lead the liaison function for the office bringing together major gift fundraisers, annual giving fundraisers, and Franklin College departments and programs to capitalize on opportunities to work together to identify and increase funding opportunities.

Percentage of time:

40

Contact Details:

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name:

Stephanie Rosso

Recruitment Contact Email:

[e-mail]