Regional Director of Development - Charlotte, NC

The University of Georgia; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia’s Regional Development team seeks a Regional Director based in Charlotte to lead major gift fundraising across the Charlotte region. You will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward high-capacity prospects while traveling frequently to meet donors and campus partners.

Successful candidates will maintain a robust portfolio, collaborate with college and unit fundraisers, and align donor interests with university priorities to secure transformational philanthropic

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience.
• Preferred: major gift fundraising in higher education.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• (40%) Conduct monthly scheduled meetings with prospective donors, alumni, assigned portfolio, and UGA constituents in assigned regions. That goal, along with a fundraising goal, will be agreed upon annually during strategic planning and revisited quarterly.
• (20%) Design and implement fundraising strategies to secure principal gifts ($1M+) and major gifts ($50K+) in support of the University’s strategic priorities.
• (20%) Complete managerial processes critical to travel, scheduled meetings, and fundraising performance.
• (20%) Work collaboratively with development and alumni colleagues across campus on prospects, alumni, and constituents in an effort to maximize giving potential for Schools, Colleges, and Units fundraising priorities.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Relationship management

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Proposed Start Date: 11/01/2026

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 Georgia to some of its most engaged constituents. Working across colleges, schools, academic units, and the UGA Athletic Association, they identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects while helping donors achieve their philanthropic goals.

Success in this role requires a highly strategic, donor-centered approach to relationship management. Regional Directors develop and execute comprehensive engagement strategies through a thoughtful blend of in-person visits, virtual outreach, and collaboration with campus partners. They are expected to maintain a robust portfolio of high-capacity prospects and conduct approximately 140 meaningful, strategic visits annually, with the majority taking place in person through intentional and coordinated travel.

This position will be based in Charlotte, North Carolina, with primary responsibility for cultivating and managing relationships throughout the Charlotte region. While building a portfolio and advancing major gift opportunities within Charlotte will be the primary focus of the role, Charlotte is a shared fundraising market that includes significant activity from multiple colleges, schools, units, and development officers. Success in this position requires a highly collaborative approach, including frequent partnership with campus-based fundraisers, central development colleagues, academic leaders, and unit-based advancement professionals to deliver a coordinated and donor-centered experience. The Regional Director will serve as a key connector across the institution, helping align philanthropic opportunities with donor interests and facilitating engagement that benefits the University as a whole.

Why Join UGA?

This is an opportunity to represent one of the nation’s premier public research universities while working remotely in a highly visible and entrepreneurial fundraising role. Regional Directors enjoy significant autonomy, build relationships with influential alumni and friends, and directly help secure transformational philanthropic investments that advance the University of Georgia’s students, faculty, programs, and future

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Duties/Responsibilities

• (40%) Conduct monthly scheduled meetings with prospective donors, alumni, assigned portfolio, and UGA constituents in assigned regions. That goal, along with a fundraising goal, will be agreed upon annually during strategic planning and revisited quarterly.
• (20%) Design and implement fundraising strategies to secure principal gifts ($1M+) and major gifts ($50K+) in support of the University’s strategic priorities.
• (20%) Complete managerial processes critical to travel, scheduled meetings, and fundraising performance.
• (20%)Work collaboratively with development and alumni colleagues across campus on prospects, alumni, and constituents in an effort to maximize giving potential for Schools, Colleges, and Units fundraising priorities.

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.

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. 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.

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.