Regional Director of Development

University of Georgia; Georgia; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks a Regional Director of Development to lead major gift fundraising and donor engagement across Texas, with a focus on Dallas and Houston. This senior role partners with university leadership to develop fundraising strategies and cultivate high-level prospects.

Strong communication, ethical standards, and a track record in higher education fundraising are essential. Based in or near Texas, the Regional Director will steward donor relations, set regional goals, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience.
• Preferred: Texas residency with focus on Dallas and Houston; major gifts fundraising in higher education; knowledge of private funding landscape.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage donor information with discretion.
• Strong writing and verbal communication; collaborative, team-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

• Conduct monthly meetings with prospective donors, alumni, and portfolio constituents to achieve fundraising goals.
• Design and implement fundraising strategies to secure principal gifts ($1M+) and major gifts ($50k+).
• Counsel donors, cultivate relationships, and steward university-wide prospects across assigned regions.
• Travel as needed to meet donors and manage regional fundraising responsibilities.

Skills

Fundraising

Major gifts

Higher education fundraising

Confidentiality

Writing skills

Team collaboration

Analytical

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Job description

Regional Director of Development

Posting Details

Posting Number S15746P Working Title Regional Director of Development Department DAR-Regional Development 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.

• 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.
• Candidates residing in Texas are preferred. The position's primary fundraising responsibilities will focus on the Dallas and Houston metropolitan areas, while also supporting donor cultivation and fundraising efforts throughout Texas and other assigned territories as needed.

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 8:00am–5:00pm; Flexibility to work evenings and weekends may be necessary to meet business needs

Advertised Salary Commensurate qualifications and experience

Posting Date 09/11/2026

Open until filled Yes

Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 11/01/2026

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.
• Candidates residing in Texas are preferred. The position’s primary fundraising responsibilities will focus on the Dallas and Houston metropolitan areas, while also supporting donor cultivation and fundraising efforts throughout Texas and other assigned territories as needed.

Location of Vacancy Outside Georgia

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 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates residing in Texas are preferred. The position’s primary fundraising responsibilities will focus on the Dallas and Houston metropolitan areas, while also supporting donor cultivation and fundraising efforts throughout Texas and other assigned territories as needed.
• Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of professional experience related to sales, marketing, development, business administration, higher education, project management, or relationship management.
• Major gift fundraising in Higher Education ($50k and up)
• Knowledge of private funding landscape in higher education
• Ability to maintain high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to university business and confidential donor and prospect information.
• Ability to respond to donors needs and concerns in a kind and professional way.

Position Summary

The University of Georgia’s Regional Development team plays a critical role in advancing the university’s mission by building meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, and friends across the country. Through strategic engagement and major gift fundraising, Regional Directors help shape the future of UGA by connecting donors’ passions and philanthropic interests with opportunities to make a lasting impact.

Regional Directors serve as trusted advisors and frontline fundraising leaders, representing the breadth and excellence of the University of G... (continued text exactly as original up to)

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Proven record of accomplishment of success in fundraising or similar role
• Ability to cultivate and solicit private gifts from high-level prospects
• Self-starter and highly motivated
• Collaborative style combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment.
• Excellent writing skills with extreme attention to detail and confident, strong verbal communication
• Problem solver who can take initiative and set priorities while being flexible.
• Team-oriented strategist able to effectively manage complex situations
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects
• Analytical, with adherence to self-guided goals and deadlines
• Adept at navigating complex environments with evolving priorities
• Skilled using Microsoft Office products such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Creative thinker with ability to receive constructive feedback on ideas

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

• The position’s primary fundraising responsibilities will focus on the Dallas and Houston metropolitan areas, while also supporting donor cultivation and fundraising efforts throughout Texas and other assigned territories as needed.
• Sit for extended periods while working at a computer workstation and during travel as required by job responsibilities
• Hold a valid driver’s license
• Driving as needed to perform job duties
• Travel in and out of state
• Work evenings and weekends, as necessary
• 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? Yes

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/Responsibilities

Conduct monthly scheduled meetings with prospective donors, alumni, assigned portfolio and UGA constituents in assigned regions. The scheduled meetings goal, along with a fundraising goal, will be agreed upon annually during strategic planning and revisited quarterly.

• The purpose of the meetings is to discover, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward University-wide prospects and donors.
• Basic expectation of a meeting is that it is a scheduled and agreed upon face-to-face meetings between the Regional Director and the prospect.
• Territories include cities assigned to the Regional Director based on institutional priority, wealth ratings, and alumni density.
• Purpose of the meetings is to cultivate, solicit, and steward assigned and newly identified prospects and donors for current and deferred gifts of $50k+ to benefit any School, College, or Unit within the University of Georgia.

Design and implement fundraising strategies to secure Principal gifts ($1 million+) and major gifts ($50k+) in support of the University’s strategic priorities. Fundraising goals are established and agreed upon annually by the Senior Regional Director and the Regional Director in consultation with the Senior Director of Regional Programs.

• Develop and continue to increase