Georgia 4-H Foundation Development Officer

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.

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: Schedule may vary

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date: 08/21/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 09/07/2026

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

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.

Classification Title: Major Gifts Officer I

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent

Position Summary

The Development Officer reports to the Executive Director of the Georgia 4-H Foundation. This employee will implement identified priorities and funding needs for the George 4-H Foundation in coordination with the State 4-H program. This highly responsible professional position has accountability for the implementation of the Georgia 4-H Foundation annual fund campaigns, special events as well as establishment of a portfolio of donors. Work is performed independently on the basis of a general assignment of the responsibilities and follows through the full continuity of the job to the final results. Frequent work on evenings and weekends is expected. A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable private vehicle for official travel duty. http://georgia4h.org/

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Knowledge of fundraising or marketing/sales.
• Highly developed organizational skills and working on multiple projects under deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with demonstrated public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with colleagues, donors and potential donors, and the general public.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional skills by participating in continuing education and professional development activities such as conferences, workshops, and committee work; by conducting research or writing for publication; or by engaging in other creative and learning activities.

Physical Demands

• Sit at desk for extended periods of time.
• Lift up to 20 lbs.
• Driving as needed to perform job duties.
• This position will involve some days out of the office each week including overnight travel in and occasionally out of state. Occasional weekend work may also be necessary.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?: Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: No

Does this position require a P-Card?: No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?: No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?: Yes

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications): No

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Portfolio Management

• Focus on building strong, lifelong relationships with the Georgia 4-H Foundation, matching donors’ interests Georgia 4-H’s needs and priorities, and securing the financial resources necessary for excellence in support of the programs and facilities of Georgia 4-H.
• Develop and execute long- and short-term prospect management plans and solicitation strategies, prepare written prospect management plans, identify specific purpose and gift level for each assigned prospect, draft proposals and engage in ongoing cultivation of and correspondence with potential donors.
• Cultivate, solicit, and strategically steward prospects and donors for current and deferred major gifts ($25,000- $1,000,000).
• Manage a portfolio of major giving prospects focusing on soliciting major gifts, presenting proposals, and making an annually established goal of face-to-face meetings with donors and prospects monthly. The purpose of the meetings is to cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors for current and deferred gifts to benefit Georgia 4-H.
• Prepare timely, accurate, and relevant proposals, presentations, and other fundraising materials for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Keep supervisor informed on all fundraising activities.
• Enter contact reports in the donor tracking database (GAIL) after each visit, ensuring all reports are thorough and filed on a timely basis.
• Complete necessary follow-up after each visit.
• Send thank you notes, and any information requested by the donors/prospects.

Percentage of time: 60

Special Events

• Collaborate on the implementation of special events including both fundraising and stewardship events for the Georgia 4-H Foundation in cooperation with the Board of Trustees, appropriate committees, Executive Director and Foundation Staff. This may also include 4-H programs like State Congress.
• In collaboration with Georgia 4-H Foundation Trustees, committees/sub-committees, and Foundation Executive Director and Staff, coordinate and assist with the planning, implementation and evaluation of:
  • Events for 4-H alumni and friends
  • Donor receptions
  • Regional alumni programs
  • State 4-H Congress donor tours

Percentage of time: 20

Cross Campus Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across various University offices, including University Development, to identify areas of partnership and joint asks for major/planned gift prospects for the Georgia 4-H Foundation.

Percentage of time: 10

Reporting

• Submit processes in 4-H Foundation (Raiser’s Edge) and University of Georgia (GAIL) database(s) for gift reports and acknowledgement.
• Work collaboratively with the Foundation’s executive director to strategize majoring giving priorities and strategy. This may include endowment and multi-year commitment solicitation.

Percentage of time: 10

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name: Melanie Biersmith

Recruitment Contact Email: melmel@uga.edu