Associate Director of Development

About the role

The Associate Director of Development is responsible for advancing the fundraising goals of two or more units within the Public Service and Outreach Division (PSO) by developing and executing strategic fundraising plans and initiatives, cultivating meaningful relationships with prospects and donors, and securing major gifts.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a portfolio of major giving prospects for each supported PSO unit, focusing on soliciting major gifts, presenting proposals, and making an annually established goal of face-to-face meetings with donors and prospects monthly. The purpose of the visits is to cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors for current and deferred gifts of $50,000+ to benefit the UGA Foundation in support of the fundraising goals for each supported PSO unit. Visits involve on average 1-2 days out of the office each week including overnight travel (in and out of state) and occasional weekend work.
• Provide individualized stewardship for donors, including regular updates, personalized communications and tours, and response to inquiries, ensuring donors have meaningful connections to their impact.
• Oversee a comprehensive private giving program addressing tributes, sponsorships, capital campaigns, annual appeals, planned giving marketing, prospect research, recognition efforts and stewardship for the supported PSO units.
• Prepare and deliver timely, accurate, and relevant proposals, presentations, reports, and other fundraising materials to support donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Partner with UGA’s Office of Business Engagement and Foundation Relations to submit requests for gifts/grants.
• Engage with central development colleagues to connect with interested UGA supporters and to collaborate on donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Collaborate with departments across supported PSO units to maintain a strong understanding of their needs and strategic priorities.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of each supported PSO unit and its programs, building strong relationships with key personnel, to clearly and compellingly communicate the unit’s needs to donors and prospects, both in writing and conversation.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop compelling, collaborative, tailored proposal materials for priority funding opportunities.
• Secure required internal approvals and submit proposals in a timely manner.
• Research gift prospects as required using internal and online data resources and prepare briefing materials as needed.
• Write reports on donor visits, detailing outcomes and knowledge gained. Record all donor engagement actions and reports in the university development division database.
• Complete follow-up after each visit. Send thank you notes and information requested by the donors/prospects.
• Attend 1:1 monthly meetings with directors of supported PSO units and the Senior Director of Development.
• Attend monthly PSO development team meetings, quarterly Research Prospect Management meetings and assigned central development meetings.
• Work collaboratively and strategically with the central development staff, division colleagues, and other development associates located in schools, colleges, and units across campus.
• Attend donor events (occasional evenings/weekends required) to maximize engagement and support the development division.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience.
• Strong network of professional and community ties throughout Georgia.

Qualifications

• Progressively responsible fundraising or related experience, including work in all functional areas of development.
• Experience with external communication strategies, corporate and foundation campaigns, constituent relationship management (CRM) software and planned gifts.
• Demonstrates strong self-initiative, exceptional attention to detail, professionalism, emotional intelligence, and well-developed listening and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates exemplary communication skills, including written, verbal, and presentation abilities.
• Demonstrates the capacity to deliver clear, consistent, and impactful messages with an open, cordial, and persuasive communication style.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams and demonstrated skill in using database management software.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of sensitivity to donor relationships and uphold respect for donor intent.
• Thorough knowledge of and strict adherence to all legal and ethical standards in fundraising, ensuring compliance and integrity in all development activities.

Skills

• Knowledge of and experience with fundraising and development practices.
• Ability to build and manage relationships with donors and prospects.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency in CRM software and database management.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

Benefits Eligible

Pay

Commensurate with Experience

Schedule

M-F, 8am-5pm; Evening or weekend work may be required

Contact Information

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name: Anne Moser

Recruitment Contact Email: amoser@uga.edu