Senior Director of Development, Student Affairs

The Senior Director of Development serves as a liaison between the Division of Student Affairs and University Development. As Student Affairs' chief development officer, this position is responsible for establishing a team raising major gifts ($25,000 ) to enable the unit to fulfill its mission and implement its programs and initiatives. In addition to major gifts, the position is also responsible for providing strategy, leadership, direction, coordination, and management of all aspects of giving for the Division of Student Affairs, including major giving, annual gifts, stewardship, and alumni relations.

PROPOSED START DATE: 4/1/2025

LOCATION OF VACANCY: Athens Area

ADVERTISED SALARY: Commensurate qualifications and experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced Degree preferred or bachelor's degree with 7 years related experience
• Previous work experience in a hybrid centralized-decentralized fundraising model involving colleges/schools/units working directly with academic leaders and administrators
• Significant experience developing fundraising strategies/providing leadership and direction for implementation of a comprehensive development plan
• Management experience
• Knowledge/experience using Blackbaud CRM system

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES &/or COMPETENCIES

• Leadership experience, including work in all functional areas of development and experience leading a major capital campaign.
• Demonstrated track record of successful frontline fundraising, including principal gift experience (discovery through solicitation and stewardship).
• Strength in developing and executing strategic and comprehensive fundraising plans to achieve goals; experience working with senior administration and ability to effectively strategize and engage various groups and constituents.
• Demonstrated supervisory, organization, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, presentation) and active listening skills. Ability to deliver an effective and consistent message; a communication style that is open, cordial, and compelling.
• Ability to develop trust and strong collaborative working relationships; experience nurturing and motivating high-level volunteers and expressing appreciation for their role in building an effective development network.
• Self-starter, takes initiative, and can work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Detail oriented, excellent memory for details, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to prioritize, work with, and complete multiple tasks simultaneously under deadlines.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office software, for instance MS Word and Excel.
• Demonstrates a commitment to outstanding customer service; Must work well in dealing with a variety of personality types.
• 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.

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.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• (50%) Direct all fundraising efforts (principal, leadership, major, annual, and planned giving) and provide overall leadership to alumni relations and development functions. Manage a portfolio of top prospective donors focusing on soliciting gifts, presenting proposals, making an annually established goal of face-to-face meetings with prospects and donors monthly. This requires some overnight travel in and out of state and occasional weekend work.
• (30%) Serve as the liaison between the Division of Student Affairs and University Development ensuring all UGA policies and procedures are followed by the school. Work collaboratively with all offices of the Development and Alumni Relations division including financial services, gift and estate planning, business engagement, regional program, etc., and development colleagues located in schools, colleges, and units across campus.
• (20%) Attend Student Affairs Leadership Meetings (SALT), engage regularly with Student Affairs (especially dept directors/parent and family engagement) to discuss potential prospects and opportunities for engagement, and work with the VP of Student Affairs to oversee the Student Affairs Fundraising Advisory Board.

ABOUT THE DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS

(https://dar.uga.edu/)

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 DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

(https://studentaffairs.uga.edu/)

The Division of Student Affairs strives to enhance the engagement, intellect and character of each UGA student by offering programs and services that provide the best possible learning environment.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

(https://www.uga.edu/)

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 proof is in our more than 235 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 1,800 full-time instructional faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).