Senior Director of Development

Job Details

Senior Director of Development

The Senior Director of Development leads the overall fundraising operations and performance of the Public Service and Outreach (PSO) development team. S/he is responsible for the planning and implementation of an integrated approach to development, maximizing support for PSO and its eight units. S/He will serve as the unit’s chief development officer with responsibility for increasing philanthropic support and engagement.

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.

Additional Schedule Information

8:00am–5:00pm; Willing and able to work evenings and weekends, as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent plus 10 years of professional experience to include 3 years of supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred with 7 or more years of extensive higher education experience; a proven ability to cultivate and solicit major and principal level gifts
• Significant experience developing fundraising strategies while providing leadership and direction for implementation of a comprehensive development plan
• Fundraising and Management experience in a medium to large school, college, or unit at UGA
• Knowledge and experience using Blackbaud CRM system
• Plus Delta Partners Discipline of Frontline Fundraising certification
• Previous work experience in higher education and in a hybrid centralized-decentralized fundraising model involving colleges/schools
• Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the University of Georgia

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Progressively responsible fundraising or related leadership experience, including work across development functions and leadership in a comprehensive or major capital campaign.
• Demonstrated success in frontline fundraising, including principal gifts (from discovery through solicitation and stewardship).
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic, comprehensive fundraising plans; experience collaborating with senior administration and engaging diverse constituents and volunteer groups.
• Strong supervisory, organizational, time‑management, and project‑management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives under deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, including active listening and the ability to deliver clear, consistent, and compelling messages.
• Ability to build trust and strong collaborative relationships; experience motivating and supporting high‑level volunteers and expressing appreciation for their contributions.
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, attention to detail, and sound judgment.
• Self‑starter who takes initiative and works effectively both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Commitment to outstanding customer service and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of personality types.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and the ability to learn and effectively use alumni and donor databases (e.g., Blackbaud CRM); demonstrates responsible and policy‑compliant use of AI tools in fundraising.
• Demonstrated professionalism, ethics, accountability, and integrity in all interpersonal and organizational interactions.