Senior Director, Major Gifts - Athletics

University of Georgia; Ohio; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Georgia in Athens is seeking a Senior Director of Major Gifts to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward high-capacity donors for UGA Athletics. The role involves active donor prospecting, travel, and strategic fundraising leadership with a focus on annual revenue goals.

The successful candidate will manage a 250+ donor portfolio, collaborate across university channels, and ensure compliance with NCAA/SEC and institutional rules. Heavy travel and weekend hours are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent; 5 years of professional fundraising experience.
• Master’s degree preferred; 4+ years of major gift fundraising experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and identify new prospective donors while managing a portfolio of current donors.
• Travel to meet donors in Georgia and around the country.
• Establish annual fundraising goals and track progress toward measurable revenue, solicitation, and engagement objectives.
• Maintain accurate and timely prospect activity, solicitation strategies, and relationship management information within the department’s CRM system.
• Provide oversight to critical development functions within The Georgia Bulldog Club.
• Support donor experiences and represent UGA Athletics at university, athletic, and donor-related events.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organization

Self-starter

Major gift cycle knowledge

Donor relationship management

CRM data entry

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

CRM software

Job description

University of Georgia in Athens is seeking a Senior Director of Major Gifts to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward high-capacity donors for UGA Athletics. The role involves active donor prospecting, travel, and strategic fundraising leadership with a focus on annual revenue goals.

The successful candidate will manage a 250+ donor portfolio, collaborate across university channels, and ensure compliance with NCAA/SEC and institutional rules. Heavy travel and weekend hours are expected.