Director of Stewardship

Overview

Posting Details

• Posting Number: S15117P
• Working Title:
  
  Director of Stewardship
• Department: DAR-Donor Engage & Steward

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 the state's flagship university. UGA is ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The main campus is in Athens, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff.

Enrollment exceeds 41,000 students (over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate/professional students). Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including the School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department:
The Office of Donor Relations and Stewardship turns donors into loyal supporters through stewardship and engagement. We foster deeper relationships by demonstrating appreciation for the impact donors are making in the lives of our students, faculty, and community. Our stewardship plan enriches the donor experience, instilling trust and securing ongoing support and lifelong engagement.

College/Unit/Department website: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Posting Type:
External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type:

Employee | Benefits Eligibility:
Benefits Eligible | Full/Part time:
Full Time

Work Schedule:

8:00am-5:00pm;
Must be willing and able to work evenings and weekends, as necessary.

Advertised Salary: $88,000+ Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Posting Date: 05/07/2026 | Open until filled:
Yes | Proposed Starting Date: 07/01/2026

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.

Location of Vacancy:
Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement:
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or other protected status. Accommodations are available; contact Central HR (hrweb).

USG Core Values Statement:
Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. More details in USG Board Policy ;
Freedom of Expression per Board Policy 06.05.

• Classification
  
  Title:
  
  Donor Relations Manager
• FLSA:
  Exempt
• FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor s degree in a related field or equivalent plus 10 years of professional experience, including 3 years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree preferred or bachelor s degree and 10 years of related higher education experience; or equivalent
• Higher education donor relations experience preferred
• Ability to establish trust and build relationships with faculty/staff
• Ability to respond to donors  needs and concerns professionally
• Ability to generate creative ideas for donor stewardship and recognition

Position Summary:

The Director of Stewardship serves as the senior leader for the stewardship function within DAR and acts as the primary strategic partner to the Senior Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship. This role provides vision, leadership, and execution for all stewardship and recognition efforts to ensure meaningful, personalized donor experiences aligned with fundraising priorities.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or

Competencies:

• Self-starter with strong motivation
• Personnel management and team leadership
• Collaborative, team-based approach
• Excellent writing, strong verbal communication
• Problem solving with prioritization and flexibility
• Strong organizational and multi-project management capabilities
• Analytical with ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Additional Division Expectations:

• Open, respectful communication and a healthy work environment
• Adherence to CASE standards and industry fundraising reporting standards

Physical Demands:
Office environment; some evenings/weekends; travel as necessary; computer use; multi-tasking.

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? Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? No

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

Security and Background:
Must pass background check; pre-employment drug test if applicable; credit check for positions with financial responsibilities.

Location:

Athens Area

Leadership and Management

• Serve as the senior leader for all stewardship initiatives with strategic direction and oversight
• Advise the Senior Director on donor engagement strategy
• Supervise and develop stewardship staff
• Oversee workflows, timelines, and quality control across programs
• Modernize stewardship practices using data and technology
• Oversee traditional stewardship…