Senior Director of Major Gifts

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Senior Director of Major Gifts to lead fundraising for UGA Athletics and The Georgia Bulldog Club. This role identifies, cultivates, solicits, and steward major gift prospects, managing a large donor portfolio and ensuring compliance with NCAA and institutional rules.

Occasional travel is expected within Georgia and nationally; heavy travel within state, region, and nation is anticipated.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience.
• Master’s degree preferred with 4+ years of major gift fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated success identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and closing significant philanthropic gifts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and identify new prospective donors and manage a portfolio of current donors.
• Travel within Georgia and across the country to meet donors and prospects.
• Establish annual fundraising goals and track progress toward revenue and engagement objectives.
• Maintain accurate prospect activity and solicitation strategies in the department’s CRM system.
• Provide oversight to critical development functions within The Georgia Bulldog Club.
• Represent UGA Athletics and The Georgia Bulldog Club at university, athletic, and donor events.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Organization

Major gift cycle

Donor relationship management

Data entry / CRM

Travel readiness

Portfolio management (250+ donors)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Posting Details: Posting Number S16059P, Working Title Senior Director of Major Gifts Department Athletics-The GA Bulldog Club

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 3,200 faculty and more than 7,900 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 44,000 students including over 33,000 undergraduates and over 11,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 20 schools and colleges, including the newly established School of Medicine and the Victoria Kay Investor School of Nursing.

About the College/Unit/Department: 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. Ability to work nontraditional hours to include nights, weekends, and some holidays. Requires heavy travel within state, region, and nation.

Advertised Salary $80,000 - $100,000. Posting Date 11/12/2026. Open until filled. Closing Date Proposed. Starting Date 01/01/2027. 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, 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.

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

Master’s degree. 4+ years of major gift fundraising experience with demonstrated success identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and closing significant philanthropic gifts.

Position Summary

This position will identify, qualify, solicit, and steward major gift prospects/donors for UGA Athletics. Will actively identify and solicit new donors. Ensures compliance with NCAA, SEC, and institutional rules and regulations pertaining to development.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies

• This position utilizes excellent interpersonal and communication skills.


• Organized, detail-oriented, and a self-starter.


• Strong understanding of the major gift cycle, including outright, multi-year, planned, and transformational giving.


• Ability to build and maintain relationships with high-capacity donors, alumni, and university constituents.


• Able to input data into a prospect tracking system.


• Willing to travel and available for weekend/evening work.


• Ability to manage a portfolio of 250+ major gift donors and prospects as well as a state and national region, with regular travel by car and air.


• Ability to use appropriate discretion regarding donor information and confidentiality.


• Commitment to exceptional donor stewardship and relationship management.


• Knowledge of and compliance with NCAA, SEC, and institutional rules and regulations.

Physical Demands

Drive a vehicle, sit and stand for long periods of time; lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. Close and distance vision and peripheral vision.

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 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 UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Develop and identify new prospective donors while also managing a portfolio of current donors. Travel to meet with donors and prospects in the state of 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.

Percentage of time 65

Provide oversight to critical development functions within The Georgia Bulldog Club. Evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, donor experience, and fundraising outcomes.

Percentage of time 10

Stewardship. Ensure donors receive meaningful engagement that strengthens long-term philanthropic relationships. Support exceptional donor experiences. Represent UGA Athletics and The Georgia Bulldog Club at university, athletic, and donor-related events.

Percentage of time 20

Other duties as assigned by the Associate AD – Major Gifts.

Percentage of time 5