Director of Development

Director of Development

The Director of Development provides strategic leadership for development and alumni operations, frontline fundraising, and division-wide engagement and collaboration within the College of Environment and Design (CED). This role combines active major gift fundraising with team leadership and cross-campus partnership to advance CED's mission and philanthropic impact. The Director works to align fundraising strategies with institutional priorities, strengthen relationships across units, and foster a collaborative, results-driven culture.

In partnership with the University Development Office, the Director of Development is responsible for achieving key performance objectives, including annual visits, gift proposals, unit fundraising goals, and personal fundraising goals. These metrics are established collaboratively and tailored to the needs of the College. The Director is also expected to actively participate in monthly development meetings and regular strategy sessions to ensure alignment, accountability, and continued progress toward fundraising success.

Knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies include progressively responsible fundraising or related leadership experience, including work across core development functions and frontline fundraising (discovery, solicitation, and stewardship). Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic, comprehensive fundraising plans; experience working with senior administration and engaging diverse constituents and volunteer groups. Strong supervisory, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks under competing deadlines. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, including active listening and the ability to deliver clear, consistent, and compelling messages.

Physical demands include sitting and working in a standard office environment or vehicle for extended periods of time, holding a valid driver's license, driving as needed to perform job duties, traveling in and out of state as needed, working nights and weekends, as necessary, working using electronic mail, telephone, face-to-face discussions, paper form correspondence, communicating effectively in writing, speaking, and listening, organizing and establishing priorities, remembering detail, multi-tasking, lifting and/or moving up to 20 pounds, walking, standing, stooping, lifting, kneeling, climbing.

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? Yes. Does this position require a P-Card? 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 include leadership for development and alumni operations, direct fundraising efforts, and division engagement and collaboration.