The University of Georgia
Director of Development-Strategic Initiatives
The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, us, 30604
Overview
Posting Number: S14186P
Working Title: Director of Development-Strategic Initiatives
Department: Franklin-Deans Dev & Alumni
About the University The University of Georgia is chartered by the state of Georgia and is the flagship university. UGA is ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The main campus is in Athens, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff and serves over 41,000 students across 19 schools and colleges, including the newly established School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia’s learning environment, advancing knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output across 80-degree programs in 40+ units.
College/Unit/Department website https://franklin.uga.edu/office-development-and-alumni-relations
Posting Type: External
Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP
Employment Type: Employee
Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time: Full Time
Additional Schedule Information: M-F, 8am-5pm; Evening and weekend required
Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience
Posting Date: 09/26/2025
Open until filled: Yes
Proposed Starting Date: 10/20/2025
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 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 emphasizes Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. Details are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 at the policy manual. Additional information on Freedom of Expression is available in Board Policy 6.5. More details can be found at the USG policy manual: https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom is also covered at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Credit and P-Card policy: A credit check is required for positions with financial responsibilities. See the UGA Credit Background Check website for details.
Classification and Eligibility Classification Title: Major Gifts Officer IV
FLSA: Exempt
FTE: 1.00
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 8 years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia’s learning environment, advancing knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output by faculty, students, and staff in more than 80-degree programs across 40+ units.
Position Summary The Director of Development will assist in managing the strategic funding initiatives for the college, as well as oversee the fundraising strategy and success for the Division of Biological Sciences and the Division of Social & Behavioral Sciences. Responsible for increasing philanthropic support through direct portfolio management and leading the work of the Franklin Associate Directors of Development reporting to this position. This position serves as a member of the Franklin Development & Alumni Relations leadership team, collaborating across departmental lines and within University Development to align priorities and maintain a donor-centered approach to fundraising.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Exemplary communications skills (both written and verbal)
Highly developed organizational and leadership skills
Demonstrates a commitment to outstanding customer service
Demonstrated computer competency and knowledge of Word, database management, and email skills
Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision and values of the University of Georgia
Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct
Physical Demands
Working at computer/desk for periods of time, some minor lifting
Driving to perform work related tasks
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 Background Background and credit checks: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check and verification of credentials and employment history. Some positions may require pre-employment drug testing. See the UGA Background Check website for details.
Duties/Responsibilities Associate Director of Development Supervision
Manage, direct, and provide leadership to the Associate Directors of Development (major gift fundraiser) reporting to this position to ensure team member meets all of the portfolio management priorities outlined in the Portfolio Management section above, for their individual portfolios of 80-100 major gift prospects.
Ensure all UGA and UGA Foundation policies and procedures are followed by the Associate Directors of Development.
Set individual fundraising goals for the Associate Directors of Development position reporting to this position, manage performance throughout the year to achieve those goals, and conduct performance reviews annually.
Identify areas of strength and weakness for the Associate Directors of Development reporting to this position, and develop individual annual strategies to develop areas of weakness and utilize or share areas of strength.
Perform personnel functions to include Supervision as well as selection, training and evaluation
Percentage of time: 40
Duties/Responsibilities
Lead prospecting, strategic planning, collateral and soliciting for key funding initiatives for Franklin College (e.g., Franklin Create!, Office of Academic Innovation)
Liaise with identified departments in the Biological Sciences division to provide development strategic planning.
Develop and manage a portfolio of 50+ major ($50K+ gift size) or principal ($1M+ gift size) gift prospects, meeting annually-set goals for fundraising, face-to-face meetings, solicitations, and gifts closed.
Move prospective donors through the stages of the development cycle (qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship), demonstrating leadership in donor-centered fundraising and portfolio management.
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: 60
Contact Details For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name: Meredith Metcalf
Recruitment Contact Email: mmetcalf@uga.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Working Title: Director of Development-Strategic Initiatives
Department: Franklin-Deans Dev & Alumni
About the University The University of Georgia is chartered by the state of Georgia and is the flagship university. UGA is ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The main campus is in Athens, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff and serves over 41,000 students across 19 schools and colleges, including the newly established School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia’s learning environment, advancing knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output across 80-degree programs in 40+ units.
College/Unit/Department website https://franklin.uga.edu/office-development-and-alumni-relations
Posting Type: External
Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP
Employment Type: Employee
Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time: Full Time
Additional Schedule Information: M-F, 8am-5pm; Evening and weekend required
Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience
Posting Date: 09/26/2025
Open until filled: Yes
Proposed Starting Date: 10/20/2025
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 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 emphasizes Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. Details are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 at the policy manual. Additional information on Freedom of Expression is available in Board Policy 6.5. More details can be found at the USG policy manual: https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom is also covered at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Credit and P-Card policy: A credit check is required for positions with financial responsibilities. See the UGA Credit Background Check website for details.
Classification and Eligibility Classification Title: Major Gifts Officer IV
FLSA: Exempt
FTE: 1.00
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 8 years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia’s learning environment, advancing knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output by faculty, students, and staff in more than 80-degree programs across 40+ units.
Position Summary The Director of Development will assist in managing the strategic funding initiatives for the college, as well as oversee the fundraising strategy and success for the Division of Biological Sciences and the Division of Social & Behavioral Sciences. Responsible for increasing philanthropic support through direct portfolio management and leading the work of the Franklin Associate Directors of Development reporting to this position. This position serves as a member of the Franklin Development & Alumni Relations leadership team, collaborating across departmental lines and within University Development to align priorities and maintain a donor-centered approach to fundraising.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Exemplary communications skills (both written and verbal)
Highly developed organizational and leadership skills
Demonstrates a commitment to outstanding customer service
Demonstrated computer competency and knowledge of Word, database management, and email skills
Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision and values of the University of Georgia
Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct
Physical Demands
Working at computer/desk for periods of time, some minor lifting
Driving to perform work related tasks
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 Background Background and credit checks: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check and verification of credentials and employment history. Some positions may require pre-employment drug testing. See the UGA Background Check website for details.
Duties/Responsibilities Associate Director of Development Supervision
Manage, direct, and provide leadership to the Associate Directors of Development (major gift fundraiser) reporting to this position to ensure team member meets all of the portfolio management priorities outlined in the Portfolio Management section above, for their individual portfolios of 80-100 major gift prospects.
Ensure all UGA and UGA Foundation policies and procedures are followed by the Associate Directors of Development.
Set individual fundraising goals for the Associate Directors of Development position reporting to this position, manage performance throughout the year to achieve those goals, and conduct performance reviews annually.
Identify areas of strength and weakness for the Associate Directors of Development reporting to this position, and develop individual annual strategies to develop areas of weakness and utilize or share areas of strength.
Perform personnel functions to include Supervision as well as selection, training and evaluation
Percentage of time: 40
Duties/Responsibilities
Lead prospecting, strategic planning, collateral and soliciting for key funding initiatives for Franklin College (e.g., Franklin Create!, Office of Academic Innovation)
Liaise with identified departments in the Biological Sciences division to provide development strategic planning.
Develop and manage a portfolio of 50+ major ($50K+ gift size) or principal ($1M+ gift size) gift prospects, meeting annually-set goals for fundraising, face-to-face meetings, solicitations, and gifts closed.
Move prospective donors through the stages of the development cycle (qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship), demonstrating leadership in donor-centered fundraising and portfolio management.
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: 60
Contact Details For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name: Meredith Metcalf
Recruitment Contact Email: mmetcalf@uga.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr