Director of Development
Job Details
Director of Development
Job ID: 299899
Location: Georgia Southern - Savannah
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
About Us
Georgia Southern University is the state's largest and most comprehensive center of higher education south of Atlanta. With nearly 150 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, Georgia Southern has been designated a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 "high research" university and serves more than 29,500 students from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico as well as 106 nations.
With three vibrant campuses - the Statesboro Campus, the Armstrong Campus in Savannah and the Liberty Campus in Hinesville - Georgia Southern offers a dynamic environment which encourages learning, discovery and personal growth. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has earned special accreditation from professional and academic associations that set standards in their fields.
Georgia Southern is an influencer and intellectual catalyst in southeast Georgia, a rapidly expanding region that is home to international companies such as Hyundai, Gulfstream and JCB, as well as the Port of Savannah and Georgia Ports Authority. With a focus on hands-on learning, Georgia Southern is supporting the demand for highly skilled workers by providing academic excellence and creative innovation in a supportive student-centered environment that empowers the next generation of leaders to succeed.
Beyond an ideal location, there is a place for you to work in an exciting environment abounding with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Named one of the Best U.S. Colleges by The Wall Street Journal, Georgia Southern is nationally ranked for the caliber of its programs and services. Georgia Southern University has been recognized by Forbes as one of "America's Best-In-State Employers" for 2025.
Location
Armstrong Campus - Savannah, GA
Department Information
Associate Vice President for Development
Job Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, the Director serves as key member of the Office of University Advancement directing and managing the planning and implementation of comprehensive fundraising programs. The Director of Development raises major and planned gifts from private sources in support of the Colleges current operations, endowments, and other approved projects and capital priorities and works in close cooperation with University's Central Advancement office, dean(s), center directors, senior administration, faculty, and staff.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the lead fundraising partner for assigned colleges and university units, collaborating with leadership to advance strategic philanthropic objectives and fundraising priorities
- Develops individual prospects and cultivation plans, working closely with dean(s), department heads, key donors, program and center directors, and faculty as well as appropriate Advancement leadership, prospect research team members, other DODs, and central Advancement staff
- Partner with deans, faculty, advisory boards, volunteer leaders, and other stakeholders to identify funding priorities, develop donor strategies, and strengthen fundraising outcomes
- Build, manage, and advance a portfolio of major gift opportunities, maintaining accountability for pipeline development, opportunity progression, forecasting, and fundraising outcomes
- Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and community partners through disciplined moves management and relationship-building activities
- Advance and secure philanthropic commitments through individualized fundraising strategies that align donor interests with institutional priorities
- Collaborate with Advancement colleagues, Athletics, and campus partners to coordinate donor engagement, advance shared opportunities, and adhere to established fundraising practices
- Develop proposals, cases for support, and investment opportunities that effectively communicate institutional priorities and philanthropic impact
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of donor engagement, prospect strategy, opportunity activity, and fundraising outcomes within the constituent relationship management system
- Contribute to campaign initiatives, division-wide priorities, and a culture of philanthropy that advances the mission of Georgia Southern University
Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree
Required Experience
- Four (4) or more years of related work experience
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience
- Higher education fundraising experience
- Experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge & NXT
Proposed Salary
$78,706 - $92,000
This is an exempt position paid on a monthly basis.
Required Documents to Attach
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Two (2) Professional References
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