Director of Development

Position Summary

The Director of Development is responsible for advancing the fundraising goals of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, a unit within the Public Service and Outreach Division (PSO), by developing and executing strategic fundraising plans and initiatives, cultivating meaningful relationships with prospects and donors, and securing major gifts. The Director reports to the Senior Director of Development for Public Service and Outreach.

• Build and manage a portfolio of major giving prospects, focusing on soliciting major gifts, presenting proposals, and conducting face-to-face meetings with donors and prospects monthly.
• Provide individualized stewardship for donors, including regular updates, personalized communications, tours, and responsive inquiry handling.
• Communicate updates in a timely manner with PSO unit leadership, UGA and PSO administration, and the Senior Director of Development for PSO.
• Supervise the Development & Stewardship Associate and oversee a comprehensive private giving program addressing tributes, sponsor ships, capital campaigns, annual appeals, planned giving marketing, recognition efforts, and stewardship.
• 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, and collaborate with departments across the supported PSO unit to maintain a strong understanding of needs and strategic priorities.
• Research gift prospects using internal and online data resources, prepare briefing materials, write reports on donor visits, record all donor engagement actions and reports in the development division database, and complete follow-up after each visit.
• Attend 1:1 monthly meetings with the director of the supported PSO unit and the Senior Director of Development, monthly PSO development team meetings, quarterly Research Prospect Management meetings, and assigned central development meetings.
• Attend donor events (occasional evenings/weekends required) to maximize engagement and support the development division.
• Work collaboratively and strategically with the central development staff, division colleagues, and other development associates located in schools, colleges, and units across campus.
• Provide regular reports to the Board of Advisors and attend regular Board meetings to update and engage Board members.

• 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.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and
  
  Competencies:
  • 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 successfully 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, professionalism, emotional intelligence, and well-developed listening and organizational skills.
  • Exemplary communication skills, including written, verbal, and presentation abilities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, and database management software.
  • Maintains a high level of sensitivity to donor relationships and upholds respect for donor intent.
  • Adheres to all legal and ethical standards in fundraising, ensuring compliance and integrity in all development activities.

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

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
).

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

Recruitment Contact:
Matthew Bishop
Email: mlibishop