Regional Director of Development

Posting Number:

S13642P

Working Title:

Regional Director of Development

Department:

DAR-Regional Development

About the University of Georgia:

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 3,100 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 formed School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department:

The Regional Program team builds and maintains relationships with alumni and friends to raise major gifts for the University of Georgia. The Regional Directors build a culture of philanthropy in regions across the country while strengthening affinity for UGA. Through frequent travel to assigned cities, this team provides strategic direction and leadership for alumni and friends as they make philanthropic and volunteer decisions.

College/Unit/Department website:

www.dar.uga.edu and https://give.uga.edu/

Posting Type:

External

Retirement Plan:

TRS or ORP

Employment Type:

Employee

Benefits Eligibility:

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time:

Full Time

Additional Schedule Information:

8:00am–5:00pm; Willing and able to work evenings and weekends as necessary

Advertised Salary:

Commensurate qualifications and experience

Posting Date:

05/21/2025

Open until filled:

Yes

Proposed Starting Date:

11/01/2025

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.

Location of Vacancy:

Atlanta 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.

Classification Title:

Development/Fundraising Professional

FLSA:

Exempt

FTE:

1.00

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 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 Program is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with alumni and friends to raise major gifts for the University of Georgia. The Regional Directors of Development build a culture of philanthropy in regions across the country while strengthening affinity for the University. Through travel to various territories, Regional Directors provide strategic direction and leadership for UGA’s alumni and friends as they make philanthropic and volunteer decisions across the university. Regional Directors make strategic engagement with alumni, parents, and friends a top priority by using a blend of in-person constituent meetings, virtual meetings when they are necessary for a donor-centered approach, and collaboration with internal stakeholders to engage individuals and organizations in their local markets. Expectations are for Regional Directors to conduct up to 160 planned, strategic meetings with top prospects each year. Most of those meetings will be in-person based on planned and coordinated outreach. Travel should be coordinated with the availability of top prospects and coordinated with key internal stakeholders.This team is an extension of the development efforts of all 17 schools and colleges in addition to the various academic units and the Athletic Association. Because of this group’s diverse geographical reach, as well as the representation of the entire university, regional directors exemplify a donor centered approach by maximizing a donor’s philanthropic potential and passion to invest in any area of the University of Georgia.This Regional Director’s assigned region includes cities across Metro Atlanta. Though subject to change based on institutional priority, this position may include other regions to be determined as needed.

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:

• Work evenings and weekends as necessary
• Work in a standard office environment
• Travel in and out of state as necessary
• Sit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods 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:

Conduct a minimum of 11 monthly scheduled meetings with prospective donors, alumni, assigned portfolio and UGA constituents in assigned region.

• The purpose of the meetings is to discover, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward University-wide prospects and donors.
• Basic expectation of a meeting is that it is a scheduled and agreed upon face-to-face meetings between the Regional Director and the prospect.
• Territories to conduct monthly meetings include cities assigned to the Regional Director based on institutional priority, wealth ratings, and alumni density.
• Purpose of the meetings is to cultivate, solicit, and steward assigned and newly identified prospects and donors for current and deferred gifts of $50K+ to benefit any School, College, or Unit within the University of Georgia.

Percentage of time:

40

Duties/Responsibilities:

Design and implement fundraising strategies to secure Principal gifts ($1 million+) and major gifts ($50K+) in support of the University’s strategic priorities.

• Fundraising goals are established and agreed upon annually by the Senior Regional Director and the Regional Director in consultation with the Senior Director of Regional Programs.
• Develop and continue to increase a portfolio of prospects with capacity of $50K+ in collaboration with the Research & Prospect Management teams and the Senior Regional Director.
• When appropriate, participate in prospect strategy meetings with the Regional Team, Research & Prospect Management team, volunteers, etc.

Percentage of time:

20

Duties/Responsibilities:

Complete managerial processes critical to travel, scheduled meetings, and fundraising performance.

• Complete telephone/correspondence/preparation/follow-up; record meetings, interactions, and plans in the giving & alumni database (GAIL) in a thorough and timely manner after the completion of individual meetings and/or trips.
• Prepare timely, accurate, and relevant proposals, presentations, and other fund-raising materials as needed for solicitation.
• Develop a strategy or plan for each prospect assigned with a written solicitation strategy in place for each person.
• Plan and/or participate in quarterly strategy planning sessions for assigned regions with internal university stakeholders.
• Perform administrative duties as needed.

Percentage of time:

20

Duties/Responsibilities:

Work collaboratively with development and alumni colleagues across campus on prospects, alumni, and constituents to maximize giving potential for Schools, Colleges, and Units fundraising priorities.

• Create and execute fund raising plans for assigned regions with School/College/Unit fundraisers, Alumni Association, and other internal stakeholders.
• Work with School/College/Unit fundraisers to fulfill requests to schedule meetings with prospects for the Regional Director’s assigned region.
• Attend division and development staff meetings, scheduled individual strategy meetings, as well as agreed upon professional development activities.

Percentage of time:

20

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