This position will be an integral part of the team within the Office of Development and Alumni Relations (ODAR) in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and reports to the Senior Director of Development. CAES has an alumni network of 20,000+ and consistently raises over $15 million annually. The Director of Development is responsible for increasing philanthropic support to CAES through direct portfolio management and planning. This position will manage a subset of the team of CAES ODAR. This incumbent serves as a member of the CAES ODAR leadership team, collaborating within CAES and across organizational lines within University Development to align priorities and maintain a donor-centered approach to fundraising.

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Develop and manage a portfolio of 65+ major ($25K+) or principal ($1M+) gift prospects, meeting goals for fundraising, face-to-face meetings, solicitations, and gifts closed that meet the needs and goals of CAES, demonstrating leadership in effective, donor-centered fundraising and portfolio management strategies.
• 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.
• Collaborate with CAES and University fundraisers and alumni professionals on shared prospects, providing expertise and strategy on CAES fundraising priorities to encourage the highest levels of engagement.
• Assist in development of overall fundraising strategy for meeting the College’s primary funding needs and work collaboratively with academic departments to support and guide them through the donor process.
• 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.
• Manage a travel and operations budget and plan trips strategically.

• Manage, direct, and provide leadership to direct reports to ensure each team member meets annual and long-term goals, following UGA and UGAF policies and procedures.
• Set direct reports goals, manage performance throughout the year to achieve those goals, and conduct performance reviews annually.
• Coordinate with CAES leadership and Central Development staff regarding prospect strategies.
• Work with both CAES and Central Development support teams to develop programs and tools that optimize fundraising and fundraiser performance.
• Attend CAES ODAR team meetings, University Development meetings, and selected development trainings. Work collaboratively with CAES faculty and staff of academic departments and programs, other Development colleagues, and other UGA offices as needed to benefit CAES.
• Perform additional duties as assigned for alumni and development events, football Saturdays, and other special events which frequently fall on nights and weekends. Perform administrative duties as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and/or Competencies: 

• Progressively responsible fundraising or related experience, including work in all functional areas of development.
• Demonstrated supervisory, organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills. Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, presentation).
• 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.
• Excellent computer literacy and demonstrated skill using Microsoft Office and database management software.
• Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct.
• Self-starter, takes initiative, and can work independently using a solution-based approach to handling tasks.
• Works effectively and collaboratively with other individuals (co-workers, supervisor, students, faculty, staff, and other constituents), including with diverse and cross-functional teams and a wide-range of stakeholders.
• Ability to problem solve and generate creative solutions to advance the college’s efforts to maintain and strengthen high-quality relationships with donors.
• High attention to detail and proven skills and ability to manage multi-phase projects from inception to completion, including the ability to build consensus among team members and balance multiple concurrent priorities.
• Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of CAES and UGA.

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: 

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of progressive experience in fundraising, preferably in a higher education setting; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience related to sales, marketing, business development, or relationship management with a proven ability to cultivate and solicit major gifts.
• Experience in fundraising within a major capital campaign.
• Knowledge of best stewardship practices and donor engagement events.
• Demonstrated success in management of direct reports and ability to motivate and inspire while translating goals into metrics-driven action.
• Experience with alumni and donor database systems (e.g. Blackbaud, GAIL) is preferred.

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). 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 3,000 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 ([email protected]).