The University of Georgia
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Senior Director of Principal Gifts
role at
The University of Georgia
Talent Acquisition Specialist at The University of Georgia The Senior Director of Principal Gifts reports to the Senior Executive Director of Development and is a key member of the Principal Gifts team within the Office of Development & Alumni Relations (DAR). The Senior Director of Principal Gifts:
provides strategic leadership in the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of principal gift prospects university-wide.
partners with fundraisers and university leadership to develop and implement donor‑centric strategies that align institutional priorities with donor passions.
supports and mentors fundraisers across campus, helping advance principal gift conversations and providing guidance on proposals, engagement strategies, and stewardship.
requires donor-facing work, focusing on a strategic portfolio of prospects and ensuring the division’s fundraising efforts are effective, coordinated, and impactful.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree with 7+ years of related higher education experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience related to sales, marketing, development, business administration, higher education, project management, or relationship management
Experience with comprehensive campaigns
Knowledge of private funding landscape in higher education
Ability to establish the trust of colleagues and build strong relationships with key faculty/staff
Proposed Start Date:
1/1/2026
Advertised Salary:
commensurate qualifications and experience
Duties/Responsibilities
University-Wide Principal Gift Strategy and Pipeline Management (60%)
Operational Responsibilities (10%)
About the 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.
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. 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.
EEO Policy 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.
USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, and 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online.
Seniority Level Director
Employment Type Full-time
Job Function Administrative and Strategy/Planning
Industries Higher Education
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Senior Director of Principal Gifts
role at
The University of Georgia
Talent Acquisition Specialist at The University of Georgia The Senior Director of Principal Gifts reports to the Senior Executive Director of Development and is a key member of the Principal Gifts team within the Office of Development & Alumni Relations (DAR). The Senior Director of Principal Gifts:
provides strategic leadership in the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of principal gift prospects university-wide.
partners with fundraisers and university leadership to develop and implement donor‑centric strategies that align institutional priorities with donor passions.
supports and mentors fundraisers across campus, helping advance principal gift conversations and providing guidance on proposals, engagement strategies, and stewardship.
requires donor-facing work, focusing on a strategic portfolio of prospects and ensuring the division’s fundraising efforts are effective, coordinated, and impactful.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree with 7+ years of related higher education experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience related to sales, marketing, development, business administration, higher education, project management, or relationship management
Experience with comprehensive campaigns
Knowledge of private funding landscape in higher education
Ability to establish the trust of colleagues and build strong relationships with key faculty/staff
Proposed Start Date:
1/1/2026
Advertised Salary:
commensurate qualifications and experience
Duties/Responsibilities
University-Wide Principal Gift Strategy and Pipeline Management (60%)
Operational Responsibilities (10%)
About the 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.
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. 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.
EEO Policy 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.
USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, and 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online.
Seniority Level Director
Employment Type Full-time
Job Function Administrative and Strategy/Planning
Industries Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr