Director of Development

Director of Development

Company: University of West Georgia

Job Location:

Category: Development and Fundraising

Type: Full-Time

Job ID: 297529

About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation.  Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Location

Our campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118.

Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in-person educational experience and on-campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, the Director of Development is responsible for managing and cultivating relationships with existing major gift prospects, as well as identifying new prospective donors. As a Major Gifts Officer, this role develops and implements strategies for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals, organizations, foundations, and corporations capable of making major gifts ($25,000+) in support of UWG's institutional priorities. Building a pipeline of major and legacy giving is critical to the future of UWG, and as a member of the Development Team, this role is an integral part of the team that helps curate a first-choice university.

Responsibilities

1. Develops & implements comprehensive cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for a minimum of 100 prospects/ donors. Works both independently & with colleagues & volunteers to implement strategies. Qualifies identified prospects through individual visits, advises Data Team of potential new prospects.
2. Devises personalized involvement/engagement strategies for all prospects using a 'top-down' approach to ensure that highest rated prospects receive priority. Partners with development team to devise an overall strategy for cultivating, soliciting and stewardship of potential major and planned gift donors. Schedules appointments and oversees the preparation of necessary materials, including funding proposals, briefings for the Executive Director of Development and VP of UA, and stewardship reports for all assigned prospects. Identifies prospects to participate in specific events, committees, or other programs that promote the cultivation process. Ensures stewardship is provided to donors on existing endowment and current-use funds to demonstrate impact of gifts to UWG in coordination with Special Events, Donor Relations and Stewardship colleagues.
3. Actively participate in activities associated with the University, the University Advancement Division, and as part of the broader academic community.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's Degree

Required Experience
And 3-5 years experience in fundraising/development, recruitment, marketing, sales or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Educational Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Experience
4+ years experience as a major giving officer of a higher education institution or a non-profit organization, which includes major giving, planned giving and comprehensive fundraising campaigns.

Proposed Salary

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES
As a performance-driven professional, the Director of Development will have demonstrated success in closing major and principal gifts in higher education and campaign environments. Uses expert relationship building skills to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gift individual, corporate, institutional/foundation prospects and donors. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, as is the ability to build rapport with prospects and donors from diverse backgrounds. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to work in a team environment and possess a strong energy level and work ethic. This position requires skills in prioritizing, negotiating, influencing, strategic planning, project management, program administration and organization. Must be able to think strategically and work proactively with little supervision, demonstrating an ability to align strategy, development/ implementation with pre-approved  goals/priorities.

KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge and proficiency working with Blackbaud CRM -- Raiser's Edge Maturity, intelligence and professionalism that earn the respect of colleagues, volunteers, and donors.

SKILLS
Strong leadership abilities. Strong communication and interpersonal skills; excellent presentation skills. Demonstrated analytical and strategic thinking capabilities. Team player, collaborate with deans, faculty, campus partners, as well as development and advancement staff. Tolerance for ambiguity. Collegial and service-oriented. Well-refined organizational skills. Demonstrate initiative and creative energy. Entrepreneurial skills. Negotiation and persuasion abilities. Strong commitment to a diverse working environment and to serving the needs of a large and diverse community. Excellent project/program management skills, including skill in setting, meeting and exceeding program/project goals and objectives within budget and time constraints.