Regional Director of Development

University of Georgia•Athens, GA

50d

About The Position

The Regional Director of Development is critical to University of Georgia's efforts to identify and cultivate private support across all schools, colleges, and units on campus. The position supports key efforts to raise private funds that support student career preparation, scholarships, faculty support, research, innovation, public service and outreach, facility renovations as well as unrestricted money. As a fundraiser, the Regional Director of Development will focus on current and deferred major gifts by establishing annually established goals for donor prospects. This position will have overall responsibility for meeting fundraising goals and will serve as the liaison between private donors and all school, college, and unit directors. This position will report to the Senior Regional Director of Development in the Office of Development.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience
Proven record of accomplishment of success in fundraising or similar role
Ability to cultivate and solicit private gifts from high-level prospects
Knowledge of private funding landscape in higher education
Self-starter and highly motivated
Collaborative style combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment.
Excellent writing skills with extreme attention to detail and confident, strong verbal communication
Problem solver who can take initiative and set priorities while being flexible.
Team-oriented strategist able to effectively manage complex situations
Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects
Analytical, with adherence to self-guided goals and deadlines
Adept at navigating complex environments with evolving priorities
Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to university business and confidential donor and prospect information.
Skilled using Microsoft Office products such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Creative thinker with ability to receive constructive feedback on ideas
Ability to respond to donors needs and concerns in a kind and professional way

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of professional experience related to sales, marketing, development, business administration, higher education, project management, or relationship management.
Major gift fundraising in Higher Education ($50k and up).

Responsibilities

Oversee and conduct monthly scheduled, face-to-face meetings with prospective donors, alumni, and UGA constituents in multiple assigned regions to discover, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects ($50K+). Territories will be assigned to the Regional Director based on institutional priority, wealth ratings, and alumni density.
Cultivate donor relationships, attend strategic meetings, and represent UGA at high- level events such as emeritus trustee gatherings, athletics special events, and other institutional engagements.
Serve as a connection for donors and all school, college, and unit directors when appropriate.
Design and implement fundraising strategies to secure principal gifts ($1M+) and major gifts ($50K+) in support of UGA's strategic priorities.
Lead major gift solicitations and steward principal donors.
Expand UGA's philanthropic reach in top markets.
Manage travel logistics, meeting preparation and follow-up, and documentation of fundraising activity.
Record donor interactions and plans in the Giving and Alumni Link database (GAIL) in a timely and thorough manner.
Prepare proposals, presentations, and fundraising materials for solicitations.
Develop written solicitation strategies for each assigned prospect.
Lead special team projects, including football donor engagement, Sky Suite planning, and other projects as needed.
Participate in quarterly regional team strategy sessions with internal stakeholders such as RPM and regional team leadership.
Work with development and alumni colleagues across campus to maximize giving potential for Schools, Colleges, and Units.
Coordinate regional team fundraising plans with internal stakeholders including the Alumni Association.
Support scheduling and meeting requests from unit fundraisers.
Attend division meetings, strategy sessions, and professional development activities.
Mentor junior staff and contribute to team development as appropriate.
Complete special projects and initiatives as assigned.
Staff university-related events and cultivate prospects outside the assigned portfolio.
Engage in professional development to expand skills and institutional knowledge.