Senior Director of Development

University of Georgia

Kentucky

On-site

USD 120,000 - 190,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

The Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations leads the Franklin College of Arts & Sciences' development and alumni relations efforts, directing major gift fundraising and donor stewardship across the college.

They collaborate with the Dean and the University Development office to set fundraising priorities, manage a portfolio of principal gifts, and coordinate with college units and partners across the university to advance strategic giving initiatives.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent plus 12 years of professional experience to include 5 years of supervisory experience.
Progressively responsible fundraising or related experience and leadership experience, including work in all functional areas of development and leadership in a major capital campaign.
Experience nurturing and motivating high-level volunteers and expressing appreciation for their role in building an effective development network.

Responsibilities

Executive Leadership for all Development and Alumni Relations Operations for the Franklin College of Arts & Sciences.
Frontline Fundraising: Develop and manage a portfolio of 30+ principal gift prospects ($1M+).
Serve as liaison between Franklin College and University Development; collaborate with various offices to integrate priorities.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

Strategic fundraising

Leadership

Relationship management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

12 years professional experience

Tools

Blackbaud CRM

Word

Database management

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Details Posting Number S15543P Working Title Senior Director of Development Department DAR-College Relations 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 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.

Franklin College of Arts and Sciences The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest, largest, and most academically diverse college at the University of Georgia. In many ways, it is at the heart of UGA , the nation’s first state-chartered institution of higher education. The first classes were taught in 1801 in a forest clearing on what is now the University’s historic North Campus. In 1806, the first permanent brick building was constructed on campus and named Franklin College in honor of Benjamin Franklin. The building, which was later renamed Old College, is the oldest structure in Athens and houses the administrative offices of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences as well as classroom space. Franklin College and University of Georgia were often used interchangeably to describe the fledgling institution until 1859, when the College of Law became the second college on a campus that now boasts 16 schools and colleges. The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the largest and most academically diverse college at the University of Georgia with over 11,000 students, over 800 faculty and three of the five most popular undergraduate majors at UGA – biology, psychology, and computer science. The college has 78 undergraduate majors, 35 master’s degree programs and 31 doctoral degree programs. Franklin College has more than 100,000 alumni which is 1/3 of the entire University of Georgia alumni base.

College/Unit/Department website https://www.franklin.uga.edu/ and https://give.uga.edu/ and https://dar.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 8:00am–5:00pm; Willing and able to work evenings and weekends, as necessary. Advertised Salary Commensurate with qualifications and experience Posting Date 08/05/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 10/01/2026

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.

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 (hrweb@uga.edu). 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.

Position Information Classification

Title Development Director-Coll/Div FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent plus 12 years of professional experience to include 5 years of supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s with 7 years of professional experience related to sales, marketing, development, business administration, higher education, project management, or relationship management.

Progressively responsible fundraising or related experience and leadership experience, including work in all functional areas of development and leadership in a major capital campaign.

A demonstrated track record of successful frontline fundraising, including principal gift experience (discovery through solicitation and stewardship).

Previous work experience in higher education and in a hybrid centralized-decentralized fundraising model involving colleges/schools/units.

Strength in developing and executing strategic and comprehensive fundraising plans to achieve goals; experience working with senior administration and ability to effectively strategize and engage various groups and constituents.

Experience nurturing and motivating high-level volunteers and expressing appreciation for their role in building an effective development network.

Event planning.

Knowledge and experience using Blackbaud CRM system.

Must have a valid driver’s license.

Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the University of Georgia.

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations leads the overall operations and performance of the Franklin College of Arts & Sciences Development and Alumni Relations teams. They are responsible for the planning and implementation of an integrated approach to development and alumni affairs, maximizing support for the College. They will serve as the chief development officer with responsibility for increasing philanthropic support and engagement for Franklin College.

The Senior Director of Development serves as a liaison between the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and University Development. As Franklin’s chief development officer, this position is responsible for raising major ($50,000+) and principal gifts ($1,000,000+) to enable the unit to fulfill its mission and implement its programs and initiatives. In addition to major and principal gifts, the position is also responsible for providing strategy, leadership, direction, coordination, and management of all levels of giving for Franklin, including major giving, annual gifts, stewardship, and alumni relations.

To fulfill the college’s mission and implement its programs and initiatives, the Senior Director of Development works closely with the Dean to develop fundraising priorities, create a development plan, implement the plan, and secure major and principal gifts while also managing the development and alumni relations team. In this role, the employee is responsible for communication, collaboration, and coordination between Franklin and the University Development office, as well as creating productive partnerships with all other UGA school, college, and unit fundraising programs.

The University Development office sets four objectives for Senior Directors of Development: number of annual visits, number of major/principal gift proposals, unit fundraising goal and personal fundraising goal. Each of these goals is discussed with the director and customized for their specific unit on an annual basis. In addition, each director is required to attend applicable division and development meetings as well as an individual monthly strategy meeting at the University Development office with the Senior Director of Development for Constituent Programs.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Demonstrated supervisory, organization, time management, and interpersonal skills.

Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, presentation).

Ability to deliver an effective and consistent message; a communication style that is open, cordial, and compelling.

Ability to develop trust and strong collaborative working relationships.

Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and ability to manage and work collaboratively.

Ability to develop and execute strategic, comprehensive plans to achieve organizational goals

Self-starter, takes initiative, and can work independently.

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.

Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct.

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

Sit and work in a standard office environment or vehicle for extended periods of time

Hold a valid driver’s license

Driving as needed to perform job duties

Travel in and out of state

Work nights and weekends as necessary

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? 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) 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

Executive Leadership for all Development and Alumni Relations Operations for the Franklin College of Arts & Sciences

Supervise and manage a team of approximately 12-15 staff, providing leadership and oversight for both fundraising performance (principal, leadership, major, annual, and planned giving)and alumni relations-related activities of the Franklin College of Arts & Sciences.

Collaborate with the dean to design and implement fundraising strategies to meet the college’s annual and long-term needs.

Develop and oversee a comprehensive short and long-term strategic plan for fundraising by providing guidance, advice, and support to department leaders on fundraising prioritization, planning, and strategies to ensure a successful campaign and stewardship efforts.

Percentage of time 35

Frontline Fundraising

Develop and manage a portfolio of 30+ of the college’s highest-impact principal gift prospects ($1M+), meeting annually established goals for fundraising, face-to-face visits, 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 35

Serve on the Division of Development and Alumni Relations’ Constituent Programs School, College, and Unit Team on Behalf of Franklin College of Arts & Sciences

Serve as the liaison between the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and University Development ensuring all UGA and Franklin policies and procedures are followed. Attend division and development staff meetings, monthly strategy meetings with the Senior Director of Development for Constituent Based Programs, as well as training and prospect management meetings as needed. Attend regular administrative/staff meetings at Franklin.

Collaborate closely with all offices within the Development and Alumni Relations division, including UGA Foundation Financial Services, the Office of Business Engagement, Foundation Relations, Gift and Estate Planning, Annual Giving, Principal Giving, Regional Development, and development colleagues across schools, colleges, and units campus-wide, as well as other DAR teams and partners.

Percentage of time 30

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact Contact Details For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below. Recruitment Contact Name Development & Alumni Relations’ Office of Talent Management Recruitment Contact Email dartalent@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

How did you hear about this employment opportunity within the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR)? Chronicle of Higher Education DAR Careers Page Handshake Insight Into Academia Inside Higher Ed LinkedIn UGAJobs (UGA’s job board) Other (please provide name of source)