Executive Director of UGA Foundation Financial Services

This position directs and integrates Financial Accounting, Gift Accounting, Gift Agreements, Data Analytics, and Expenditure Control, ensuring consistent application of financial policies, strong internal controls, and high-quality service delivery. The Executive Director advances both a donor-centric approach to financial stewardship and fundraising strategy as well as ensuring compliance with business processes and financial reporting.

Operating with a high degree of independence, the role is responsible for implementing financial strategies, strengthening business processes, and overseeing financial system integrations that impact all financial teams. The position ensures alignment across internal teams, DAR leadership, and campus business officers, while promoting clear communication, accountability, and a service-oriented culture.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this role translates strategic priorities into effective execution, supporting the Foundation’s financial integrity, operational excellence, and long-term success.

Special Instructions to Applicants

• This position is structured as a permanent position within the Division of Development & Alumni Relations. We are unable to sponsor a work visa for this position.
• This position is open until filled with priority given to applications submitted by August 21, 2026. Please submit a cover letter and resume to include three references. The cover letter should address the interest in the position, qualifications, and relevant experience.

Additional Schedule Information

8:00am–5:00pm; Flexibility to work evenings and weekends may be necessary to meet business needs

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent plus 12 years of professional experience to include 5 years of supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters’ degree in business or related field
• At least 8 years of related experience in higher education or other non-profits
• Ability to establish the trust of colleagues and build strong relationships with key faculty/staff
• Ability to maintain high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to university business and confidential donor and prospect information
• Understanding of US GAAP, Internal Control Framework, IRS code, UPMIFA and CASE as related to charitable donations
• Ability to respond to donors needs and concerns in a kind and professional way

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Strong people management skills and time management skills
• Self-starter and highly motivated
• Collaborative style combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment
• Excellent writing skills with extreme attention to detail and confident, strong verbal communication
• Problem solver who can take initiative and set priorities while being flexible
• Team-oriented strategist able to effectively manage complex situations
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects
• Analytical, with adherence to self-guided goals and deadlines
• Adept at navigating complex environments with evolving priorities
• Ability to provide solutions
• Skilled using Microsoft Office products such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Creative thinker with ability to receive constructive feedback on ideas

Additional Division Expectations

• Through open, honest, and respectful communication, all staff, supervisors, and colleagues of the Division of Development & Alumni Relations are expected to interact with fairness, compassion, and decency. All employees will be held accountable for meeting the expectation of promoting a stable, productive, and healthy work environment.
• Adherence to CASE standards and commonly accepted industry standards relating to fundraising reporting are expected of all fundraisers. All fundraisers will be held accountable for meeting this expectation.

Physical Demands

• Work in a standard office environment
• Travel in and out of state
• Work nights and weekends, as necessary
• Work using electronic mail, telephone, face-to-face discussions, paper form correspondence
• Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening
• Organize and establish priorities; Remember detail; multi-task
• Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
• Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb

Duties/Responsibilities

(25%) Strategy & Leadership (Internal & External)

• Partner with the UGAF Chief Financial Officer to implement financial strategies and operational priorities.
• Translate financial goals into actionable plans across financial services functions.
• Exercise independent judgment in resolving complex financial and operational issues.
• Provide financial analysis, reporting, and subject matter expertise to support executive leadership decision‑making.
• Serve as a primary liaison between UGAF Financial Services, DAR leadership, development officers, and campus business officers to ensure alignment, consistency, and service excellence.
• Provide leadership, coaching, performance management, and professional development to direct and indirect reports.
• Ensure organizational structure and staffing levels align with operational demands and strategic priorities.
• Foster strong partnerships with Foundation and University stakeholders through clear communication, training, and problem resolution.
• Serve as the UGA Foundation’s representative to the Business Services Advisory Group.

(25%) Financial Operations

• Provide executive oversight and accountability for all financial services functions, including Gift Accounting, Gift Agreements, Financial Accounting, Data Analytics, and Expenditure Control.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of all Foundation financial transactions and reporting.
• Maintain a robust internal control environment aligned with Foundation policies, audit requirements, and fiduciary standards, in partnership with the Associate Director of Internal Control.
• Lead continuous improvement of financial policies, procedures, and workflows to mitigate risk and enhance efficiency.
• Identify, assess, and escalate financial and operational risks as part of the Foundation’s fiduciary and risk management framework.

(15%) Donor Stewardship and Support for Development and Alumni Relations (DAR)

• Ensure financial processes, reporting, and controls uphold donor intent and stewardship obligations.
• Partner with DAR on complex gift structures, endowments, and fundraising initiatives to ensure proper financial administration.
• Provide financial expertise to inform fundraising strategy and donor engagement.
• Ensure transparent, accurate, and timely financial reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Promote a donor‑centric, service‑oriented culture across all financial services teams.

(25%) Systems, Data, and Process Transformation

• Serve as sponsor for UGA Foundation financial systems strategy, integrations, and enhancements, including coordination with university enterprise systems.
• Lead the implementation, optimization, and governance of financial and development systems to support operational and reporting needs.
• Ensure data integrity, consistency, and usability across financial, development, and other UGA platforms.
• Drive continuous improvement of business processes to enhance scalability, accuracy, and service responsiveness.
• Collaborate with technical teams and campus partners to support system modernization and data‑driven decision‑making.

(10%) Compliance, Audit, and Governance Support

• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and Foundation policies.
• Support audit processes and maintain audit readiness across financial services. Provide support to the Finance and Audit Committees for the Foundation Board of Trustees.
• Partner with legal and compliance functions on matters related to donor agreements, financial oversight, and risk mitigation.
• Educate campus and development partners on UGAF financial policies, compliance requirements, and best practices
• Serve as Secretary to the Gift Acceptance Committee, supporting governance, documentation, and decision‑making.

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 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 established School of Medicine.

About the Division of Development and Alumni Relations

The Division of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Georgia advances the goals, objectives, and priorities of the university by generating private financial support, building, and maintaining relationships with alumni and donors, and assisting students with career development opportunities.

About the University of Georgia Foundation

The mission and purpose of the University of Georgia Foundation is to provide support for the teaching, research, public service, and outreach programs of the University of Georgia by means of volunteer leadership and assistance in development and fundraising activities; fiduciary care for the assets of the foundation for the long-term benefit and enhancement of the university; and broad advice, consultation, and support to the president of the university. The foundation shall operate as a cooperative organization in accordance with policies of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents.

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.