Director of Development

Director of Development

Position within the Public Service and Outreach Division (PSO) at the University of Georgia. The Director of Development is responsible for advancing the fundraising goals of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia by developing and executing strategic fundraising plans, cultivating relationships with prospects and donors, and securing major gifts.

Reports to the Senior Director of Development for Public Service and Outreach. Supervises the Development & Stewardship Coordinator.

• Build and manage a portfolio of major giving prospects for the supported PSO unit, focusing on soliciting major gifts and presenting proposals, with an annual goal of face‑to‑face donor meetings each month.
• Provide individualized stewardship for donors, including regular updates, personalized communications, tours, and responses to inquiries, ensuring meaningful donor engagement.
• Communicate updates in a timely manner with PSO unit leadership, UGA and PSO administration, and the Senior Director of Development.
• Supervise the Development & Stewardship Associate.
• Oversee a comprehensive private giving program that addresses tributes, sponsor ships, capital campaigns, annual appeals, planned giving marketing, and recognition efforts.
• Prepare and deliver timely, accurate, and relevant proposals, presentations, reports, and other fundraising materials to support donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Partner with UGA’s Office of Business Engagement and Foundation Relations to submit requests for gifts/grants.
• Engage with central development colleagues to connect with UGA supporters and collaborate on donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Collaborate with departments across the supported PSO unit to maintain a strong understanding of their needs and strategic priorities.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the supported PSO unit and its programs, building strong relationships with key personnel to clearly and compellingly communicate the unit’s needs to donors and prospects.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop compelling, collaborative, tailored proposal materials for priority funding opportunities.
• Secure required internal approvals and submit proposals in a timely manner.
• Research gift prospects using internal and online data resources and prepare briefing materials as needed.
• Write reports on donor visits, detailing outcomes and knowledge gained, and record all donor engagement actions in the development division database.
• Complete follow‑up after each visit, including sending thank‑you notes and delivering requested information.
• Attend one‑on‑one monthly meetings with the PSO unit director and the Senior Director of Development, monthly PSO development team meetings, quarterly Research Prospect Management meetings, and assigned central development meetings.
• Work collaboratively with central development staff, division colleagues, and other development associates across campus.
• Provide regular reports to the Board of Advisors and attend Board meetings to update and engage Board members.
• Attend donor events (occasional evenings/weekends) to maximize engagement and support the development division.

• Travel both in‑state and out‑of‑state.
• Work evenings and weekends as necessary.
• Drive as needed to perform job‑related duties.
• Sit for extended periods of time.
• Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience.
• Preferred Qualifications: Strong network of professional and community ties in philanthropy; experience working with a board of advisors or volunteers.
• Progressively responsible fundraising or related experience, including work in all functional areas of development.
• Proven experience in successful major gift solicitations and a track record of developing and executing strategic fundraising plans for major initiatives.
• Experience with external communication strategies, corporate and foundation campaigns, constituent relationship management (CRM) software, and planned gifts.
• Demonstrates strong self‑initiative, exceptional attention to detail,…