"Director of Donor Relations"

Job Details

Posting Number: S13972P

Working Title: Director of Donor Relations

Department: Franklin-Deans Dev & Alumni

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: Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia’s learning environment, advancing new knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output by faculty, students, and staff in more than 80-degree programs across 40+ units.

College/Unit/Department website: https://www.franklin.uga.edu/office-development-and-alumni-relations

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: 8am-5pm, M-F; Required Evening and Weekend work as needed for events

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date: 08/06/2025

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 09/01/2025

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

Classification Title: Development/Fundraising Professional

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field.

Position Summary

The Director of Donor Relations is responsible for developing and leading a comprehensive donor stewardship and recognition program to enhance engagement, foster long-term relationships, and increase philanthropic support. This position works collaboratively with all development and alumni relations staff, senior leadership, and other key stakeholders to ensure donors at all levels are thanked, recognized, and informed about the impact of their giving.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Planning and organizational skills.
• Manage multiple tasks simultaneously, assess priorities, and track details in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated and have the ability to work well independently and collaboratively with a team.
• Demonstrated computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrates a commitment to outstanding customer service; Work well in dealing with a variety of personality types.
• Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and the University of Georgia.
• Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct.

Duties/Responsibilities

Donor relations and stewardship (40%)

• Develop customized stewardship plans for major and principal donors with an aim to manage at least 20 concierge stewardship relationship plans for the college.
• Meet with donors to express appreciation and update them on the impact of their gifts, while sustaining long-term relationships to encourage continued and increased support.
• Facilitate and host meetings between donors and beneficiaries (e.g.: students or faculty)
• Partner with development officers to align stewardship engagements with team fundraising strategies.
• Lead communication with all college Heritage Society donors as primary point of contact.

Donor recognition (25%)

• Design, implement, and manage a strategic, multi-tiered stewardship program for all donor segments, including major gifts, planned giving, and annual supporters.
• Coordinate donor recognition activities, including plaques, honor rolls, naming opportunities, college donor wall, and giving societies.
• Manage all giving society stewardship for the college, including Cornerstone and Franklin for Life, as well as provide targeted stewardship for specific funds (ie: Franklin Advantage Scholarship fund)
• Meet with and educate the college departments and schools on stewardship and scholarship best practices and advocate for donor-centered practices across the college.

Event planning and engagement (20%)

• Coordinate and promote Franklin College’s signature stewardship event, the Alumni Awards & Donor Celebration with director of alumni relations and the strategic college engagement coordinator.
• Plan and execute all other donor appreciation events, recognition ceremonies, and personalized donor cultivation opportunities as needed.
• Work with the strategic college engagement coordinator to manage donor communications and selection for the Franklin College SkySuite (e.g.: invitations and staffing). Serve as primary point of contact in development with regards to SkySuite.

Donor Communication (10%)

• Oversee the creation of stewardship communications such as impact reports, acknowledgment letters, donor profiles, and recognition materials.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and meaningful acknowledgment of all gifts with the development and alumni relations coordinator.
• Work with college communications team to produce content that highlights donor impact.

Evaluation and reporting (5%)

• Monitor and evaluate stewardship efforts using data-driven metrics reporting on donor engagement and retention, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement in partnership with the associate director of prospect management.
• Work with Central UGAF Stewardship Office on stewardship alignment with UGAF best practices.
• Work in coordination with the central assistant director of scholarship stewardship regarding gratitude reports and any central visits with students and donors.
• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions in CRM system.