Description

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; Will be willing and able to work evenings and weekends as necessary.
Advertised Salary Commensurate qualifications and experience Posting Date 10/24/2025 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 12/01/2025 Special Instructions to Applicants

• 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.
• This position is open until filled with priority given to applications submitted by November 7, 2025. Please submit a cover letter and resume to include three references. The cover letter should address the interest in the position, qualifications, and relevant experience.

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 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. 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 at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

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

• Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of professional experience related to sales, marketing, development, business administration, higher education, project management, or relationship management.
• Major gift fundraising in Higher Education ($50k and up).

Position Summary
The Regional Director of Development is critical to University of Georgia's efforts to identify and cultivate private support across all schools, colleges, and units on campus. The position supports key efforts to raise private funds that support student career preparation, scholarships, faculty support, research, innovation, public service and outreach, facility renovations as well as unrestricted money.

As a fundraiser, the Regional Director of Development will focus on current and deferred major gifts by establishing annually established goals for donor prospects. This position will have overall responsibility for meeting fundraising goals and will serve as the liaison between private donors and all school, college, and unit directors. This position will report to the Senior Regional Director of Development in the Office of Development.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Proven record of accomplishment of success in fundraising or similar role
• Ability to cultivate and solicit private gifts from high-level prospects
• Knowledge of private funding landscape in higher education
• Self-starter and highly motivated
• Collaborative style combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment.
• Excellent writing skills with extreme attention to detail and confident, strong verbal communication
• Problem solver who can take initiative and set priorities while being flexible.
• Team-oriented strategist able to effectively manage complex situations
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects
• Analytical, with adherence to self-guided goals and deadlines
• Adept at navigating complex environments with evolving priorities
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to university business and confidential donor and prospect information.
• Skilled using Microsoft Office products such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Creative thinker with ability to receive constructive feedback on ideas
• Ability to respond to donors needs and concerns in a kind and professional way

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

• Travel in and out of state
• Work evenings and weekends as necessary
• Sit and work at a computer workstation for an extended amount of time
• 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? No 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

Duties/Responsibilities
Donor Engagement & Travel

• Oversee and conduct monthly scheduled, face-to-face meetings with prospective donors, alumni, and UGA constituents in multiple assigned regions to discover, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects ($50K+). Territories will be assigned to the Regional Director based on institutional priority, wealth ratings, and alumni density.
• Cultivate donor relationships, attend strategic meetings, and represent UGA at high- level events such as emeritus trustee gatherings, athletics special events, and other institutional engagements.
• Serve as a connection for donors and all school, college, and unit directors when appropriate.

Percentage of time 40 Duties/Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Design and implement fundraising strategies to secure principal gifts ($1M+) and major gifts ($50K+) in support of UGA's strategic priorities.
• Lead major gift solicitations and steward principal donors.
• Expand UGA's philanthropic reach in top markets.

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities
Managerial and Administrative Processes

• Manage travel logistics, meeting preparation and follow-up, and documentation of fundraising activity.
• Record donor interactions and plans in the Giving and Alumni Link database (GAIL) in a timely and thorough manner.
• Prepare proposals, presentations, and fundraising materials for solicitations.
• Develop written solicitation strategies for each assigned prospect.
• Lead special team projects, including football donor engagement, Sky Suite planning, and other projects as needed.
• Participate in quarterly regional team strategy sessions with internal stakeholders such as RPM and regional team leadership.

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities
Cross-Campus Collaboration

• Work with development and alumni colleagues across campus to maximize giving potential for Schools, Colleges, and Units.
• Coordinate regional team fundraising plans with internal stakeholders including the Alumni Association.
• Support scheduling and meeting requests from unit fundraisers.
• Attend division meetings, strategy sessions, and professional development activities.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities
Leadership & Additional Responsibilities

Include, but not limited to:

• Mentor junior staff and contribute to team development as appropriate.
• Complete special projects and initiatives as assigned.
• Staff university-related events and cultivate prospects outside the assigned portfolio.
• Engage in professional development to expand skills and institutional knowledge.

Percentage of time 10

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

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you hear about this job opportunity in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations?
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • DAR Careers Page
   • Handshake
   • Insight to Academia
   • Inside Higher Ed
   • LinkedIn
   • Mitratech Circa
2. * Do you have a valid Driver's license?
   • YES
   • NO

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents