Director of Philanthropy, Foundation Relations

Job Summary

Establishes the vision for the Foundation Relations program to increase the number of foundations that support institutional priorities through philanthropy and sponsored programs. Provides strategic leadership for all private and community foundation activities and supports key institutional initiatives that require collaboration with university stakeholders for case development. Personally manages a portfolio of private and community foundations with principal level capacity and cultivates strong relationships with foundation leaders. Manages or assists with the management of select corporate foundations. Manages the (Assistant) Director of Foundations for Grants and Proposals.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Identifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards philanthropic gifts from private and community foundations with a demonstrated history of making gifts of $100,000, with specific emphasis on gifts of $250,000+.

Performance is evaluated annually based upon predetermined and weighted performance of the responsibilities of the employee:

• Scheduling of and participation in face-to-face meetings with major gift prospective donors, and/or donors
• Identification and qualification of new major gift prospects
• Number of major gift proposals presented
• Number of major gift solicitations closed
• Total dollars raised

Specific targets and weighting for all categories are based upon the breadth and maturity of the Director of Philanthropy's prospect portfolio on an annual basis.

Coordinate and oversee the development and writing of proposals including proposal solicitations, submissions, and tracking. Manages the Assistant Director of Foundations for Grants and Proposals.

Develop systems, practices and policies for the management of private, community and select corporate foundation relationships that will result in strategic approaches for grant and philanthropy opportunities throughout Augusta University.

Leads stewardship efforts for all private foundation philanthropy, including acquisition of information and creation of reports requested and/or required by foundation donors.

Compose grant related correspondences for the President of Augusta University and EVP for PAE.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. A minimum of 3 years of experience in higher education or non-profit organization, specifically, experience in personally identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding private philanthropic gifts, or 7 or more years of experience/training in fundraising, sales, marketing or similar.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree. 5 or more years' major gift fundraising experience in higher education or non-profit organization, specifically, experience in personally identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding private philanthropic gifts. Demonstrative success closing multiple gifts of $100,000 or more. Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of standard event management tasks and resources.
• Experience with databases with special attention to Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT and Foundation Search.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, verbal/written communications skills, attention to detail and analytical abilities.
• A high energy level, integrity and sincerity.
• Ability to multi-task, think creatively and handle a heavy workload.
• Requires adaptability, good judgement and initiative.
• Ability to work effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds, including healthcare professionals, community leaders, as well as patients, families, volunteers and employees.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends and conduct multi-day business trips.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days/M-F (work outside of normal business hours will likely be required of an employee in an exempt level position)

Pay Band: B16

Salary Range $95,200/annually - $120,000/annually

Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position.

Recruitment Period: 4/16/26 - Until Filled

Augusta University offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees.

Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.

Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!

Conditions of Employment

All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University.

If applicable for the specific position based on the duties: the candidate will also need to have a credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.

Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle.

For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.

All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive [patient, student, employee, financial, business, etc.] information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond.

Other Information

This position is also responsible for promoting a customer-friendly environment and providing superior service to our patients, students, faculty, and employees. "Augusta University is a patient-and family-centered care institution, where employees partner every day with patients and families for success."

Augusta University is a tobacco-free environment, and the use of any tobacco products on any part of the campus, both inside and outside, is strictly prohibited.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.