University of Georgia
Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education.
The Director of Donor Relations is responsible for developing and leading a comprehensive donor stewardship and recognition program to enhance engagement, foster long-term relationships, and increase philanthropic support. This position works collaboratively with all development and alumni relations staff, senior leadership, and other key stakeholders to ensure donors at all levels are thanked, recognized, and informed about the impact of their giving.
Position Information
Classification Title
FLSA Exempt FTE
1.00 Minimum Qualifications
Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications. Preferred Qualifications Posting Date
08/06/2025 Open until filled
Yes Proposed Starting Date
09/01/2025 Responsibilities
Donor relations and stewardship
Develop customized stewardship plans for major and principal donors with an aim to manage at least 20 concierge stewardship relationship plans for the college. Meet with donors to express appreciation and update them on the impact of their gifts, while sustaining long-term relationships to encourage continued and increased support. Facilitate and host meetings between donors and beneficiaries (e.g.: students or faculty). Partner with development officers to align stewardship engagements with team fundraising strategies. Lead communication with all college Heritage Society donors as primary point of contact.
Donor recognition
Design, implement, and manage a strategic, multi-tiered stewardship program for all donor segments, including major gifts, planned giving, and annual supporters. Coordinate donor recognition activities, including plaques, honor rolls, naming opportunities, college donor wall, and giving societies. Manage all giving society stewardship for the college, including Cornerstone and Franklin for Life, as well as provide targeted stewardship for specific funds (e.g.: Franklin Advantage Scholarship fund). Meet with and educate the college departments and schools on stewardship and scholarship best practices and advocate for donor-centered practices across the college.
Event planning and engagement
Coordinate and promote Franklin College's signature stewardship event, the Alumni Awards & Donor Celebration with director of alumni relations and the strategic college engagement coordinator. Plan and execute all other donor appreciation events, recognition ceremonies, and personalized donor cultivation opportunities as needed. Work with the strategic college engagement coordinator to manage donor communications and selection for the Franklin College SkySuite (e.g.: invitations and staffing). Serve as primary point of contact in development with regards to SkySuite.
Donor Communication
Oversee the creation of stewardship communications such as impact reports, acknowledgment letters, donor profiles, and recognition materials. Ensure timely, accurate, and meaningful acknowledgment of all gifts with the development and alumni relations coordinator. Work with college communications team to produce content that highlights donor impact.
Evaluation and reporting
Monitor and evaluate stewardship efforts using data-driven metrics reporting on donor engagement and retention, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement in partnership with the associate director of prospect management. Work with Central UGAF Stewardship Office on stewardship alignment with UGAF best practices. Work in coordination with the central assistant director of scholarship stewardship regarding gratitude reports and any central visits with students and donors. Maintain accurate records of donor interactions in CRM system.
Additional Information
Physical Demands
Travel in state when necessary; work nights and weekends as needed for events; work in a standard office environment; sit and work at a computer for extended periods; lift and/or move up to 25-30 pounds; walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb; setup displays and decorations at remote locations. Security
This position has Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, or access to chemicals and medications). 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 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 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available online at the USG policy manual. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation, including a criminal background check, verification of credentials and employment history, 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.
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Classification Title
FLSA Exempt FTE
1.00 Minimum Qualifications
Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications. Preferred Qualifications Posting Date
08/06/2025 Open until filled
Yes Proposed Starting Date
09/01/2025 Responsibilities
Donor relations and stewardship
Develop customized stewardship plans for major and principal donors with an aim to manage at least 20 concierge stewardship relationship plans for the college. Meet with donors to express appreciation and update them on the impact of their gifts, while sustaining long-term relationships to encourage continued and increased support. Facilitate and host meetings between donors and beneficiaries (e.g.: students or faculty). Partner with development officers to align stewardship engagements with team fundraising strategies. Lead communication with all college Heritage Society donors as primary point of contact.
Donor recognition
Design, implement, and manage a strategic, multi-tiered stewardship program for all donor segments, including major gifts, planned giving, and annual supporters. Coordinate donor recognition activities, including plaques, honor rolls, naming opportunities, college donor wall, and giving societies. Manage all giving society stewardship for the college, including Cornerstone and Franklin for Life, as well as provide targeted stewardship for specific funds (e.g.: Franklin Advantage Scholarship fund). Meet with and educate the college departments and schools on stewardship and scholarship best practices and advocate for donor-centered practices across the college.
Event planning and engagement
Coordinate and promote Franklin College's signature stewardship event, the Alumni Awards & Donor Celebration with director of alumni relations and the strategic college engagement coordinator. Plan and execute all other donor appreciation events, recognition ceremonies, and personalized donor cultivation opportunities as needed. Work with the strategic college engagement coordinator to manage donor communications and selection for the Franklin College SkySuite (e.g.: invitations and staffing). Serve as primary point of contact in development with regards to SkySuite.
Donor Communication
Oversee the creation of stewardship communications such as impact reports, acknowledgment letters, donor profiles, and recognition materials. Ensure timely, accurate, and meaningful acknowledgment of all gifts with the development and alumni relations coordinator. Work with college communications team to produce content that highlights donor impact.
Evaluation and reporting
Monitor and evaluate stewardship efforts using data-driven metrics reporting on donor engagement and retention, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement in partnership with the associate director of prospect management. Work with Central UGAF Stewardship Office on stewardship alignment with UGAF best practices. Work in coordination with the central assistant director of scholarship stewardship regarding gratitude reports and any central visits with students and donors. Maintain accurate records of donor interactions in CRM system.
Additional Information
Physical Demands
Travel in state when necessary; work nights and weekends as needed for events; work in a standard office environment; sit and work at a computer for extended periods; lift and/or move up to 25-30 pounds; walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb; setup displays and decorations at remote locations. Security
This position has Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, or access to chemicals and medications). 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 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 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available online at the USG policy manual. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation, including a criminal background check, verification of credentials and employment history, 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.
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