Senior Director of Principal Gifts

Posting DetailsPosting DetailsPosting Number S14379P Working Title Senior Director of Principal Gifts Department DAR-Principal Gifts About the University of GeorgiaChartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.About The College/Unit/DepartmentDivision of Development and Alumni RelationsThe Division of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Georgia advances the goals, objectives, and priorities of the university by generating private financial support, building, and maintaining relationships with alumni and donors, and assisting students with career development opportunities.College/Unit/Department website https://give.uga.edu/ and https://dar.uga.edu/ Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information8:00am–5:00pm; Must be willing and able to work evenings and weekends, as necessary.Advertised Salary Commensurate with qualifications and experience Posting Date 11/12/2025 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 01/01/2026 Special Instructions to ApplicantsThis 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.While this position is primarily based in Athens, GA, the hiring unit is open to considering a mobile work arrangement for candidates residing anywhere within the United States of America.Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Policy StatementThe 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@uga.edu).USG Core Values StatementThe University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.Position InformationClassification Title Principal Gifts Officer III FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experiencePreferred QualificationsAdvanced degree preferred or bachelor’s degree and 7 years of related higher education experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience related to sales, marketing, development, business administration, higher education, project management, or relationship managementExperience with comprehensive campaigns is a plusKnowledge of private funding landscape in higher educationAbility to establish the trust of colleagues and build strong relationships with key faculty/staffPosition SummaryThe Senior Director of Principal Gifts reports to the Senior Executive Director of Development and is a key member of the Principal Gifts team within the Office of Development & Alumni Relations (DAR). This role provides strategic leadership in the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of principal gift prospects university-wide. The Senior Director partners with fundraisers and university leadership to develop and implement donor-centric strategies that align institutional priorities with donor passions. The position also supports and mentors fundraisers across campus, helping advance principal gift conversations and providing guidance on proposals, engagement strategies, and stewardship. The role also requires donor-facing work, focusing on a strategic portfolio of prospects and ensuring the division’s fundraising efforts are effective, coordinated, and impactful.Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or CompetenciesStrong people management skills and time management skillsAbility to cultivate and solicit private gifts from high-level prospectsKnowledge of IRS rules and regulations regarding charitable gifts and non-profit organizationsInitiative-taker and highly motivatedCollaborative style combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environmentExcellent writing skills with extreme attention to detail and confident, strong verbal communicationProblem solver who can take initiative and set priorities while being flexibleCollaborative strategist able to effectively manage complex situationsHighly organized and able to manage multiple projectsAnalytical, with adherence to self-guided goals and deadlinesAdept at navigating complex environments with evolving prioritiesAbility to maintain high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to university business and confidential donor and prospect informationSkilled using Microsoft Office products such as Excel, Word, and PowerPointCreative thinker with ability to receive constructive feedback on ideasAbility to respond to donors needs and concerns in a kind and professional wayAbility to work effectively in both leadership and support roles, adapting to team and organizational needsAdditional Division ExpectationsThrough open, honest, and respectful communication, all staff, supervisors, and colleagues of the Division of Development & Alumni Relations are expected to interact with fairness, compassion, and decency. All employees will be held accountable for meeting the expectation of promoting a stable, productive, and healthy work environment.Adherence to CASE standards and commonly accepted industry standards relating to fundraising reporting are expected of all fundraisers. All fundraisers will be held accountable for meeting this expectation.Physical DemandsWork in a standard office environmentTravel in and out of stateWork nights and weekends as necessaryWork using electronic mail, telephone, face-to-face discussions, paper form correspondenceCommunicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listeningOrganize and establish priorities; Remember detail; multi-taskLift and/or move up to 20 poundsWalk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climbIs 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 Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policyBe advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.Background Investigation PolicyOffers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.Duties/ResponsibilitiesDuties/ResponsibilitiesPrincipal Gift FundraisingNote: Fundraising goals are established annuallyEngage in donor-facing development efforts for a strategic, small portfolio of prospects not necessarily limited by territory, primarily in a mentoring/support capacity; portfolio size may fluctuate with team needs.Participate in prospect visits and donor meetings on campus and off-site as appropriate.Collaborate with fundraisers and university leadership to identify, prioritize, and solicit principal gift prospects.Identify donors that have potential for increased giving to a principal gift level.Percentage of time 30 Duties/ResponsibilitiesUniversity-Wide Principal Gift Strategy and Pipeline ManagementMaintain in-depth awareness of strategies, engagements, and next steps for prospects in the university’s principal gift pipeline.Work with fundraisers and the DAR Prospect Management team to ensure prospect strategies and activity are clearly documented and progressing in the giving and alumni database (GAIL) CRM system.Proactively monitor the division’s principal gift pipeline health, flagging areas where action is needed and help troubleshoot stalled progress.Partner with fundraisers across campus to develop and implement donor-centric strategies for principal gift prospects, helping coordinate support from university partners for proposals and donor engagement.Lead prospect strategy sessions, mentor fundraisers, and deliver training workshops on topics such as, but not limited to identifying high-potential prospects, starting blended gift conversations, crafting proposals for key priorities, and leveraging gift vehicles like IRAs and donor-advised funds. Provide direct support for proposals, funding menus, donor presentations, and other materials to advance gift conversations.Identify and recommend events, engagement opportunities, and recognition moments to advance donor conversations.Model and encourage best practices in CRM usage (e.g., logging interactions, tracking progress, entering meeting notes and next steps).Partner with DAR Donor Relations and unit teams to guide effective stewardship strategies; monitor principal gift stewardship for quality and timeliness.Assess development resources and expertise across schools/colleges/units and identify areas for additional support.Collaborate with university leadership and unit development teams to understand institutional fundraising priorities.Help identify current and potential principal gift prospects aligned with those priorities.Work with fundraisers to craft and execute effective, donor-centered fundraising plans for these opportunities.Percentage of time 60 Duties/ResponsibilitiesOperational ResponsibilitiesComplete managerial processes critical to travel, scheduled meetings, and fundraising performance.Complete telephone/correspondence/preparation/follow-up; record meetings, interactions, and plans in GAIL in a thorough and timely manner after the completion of individual meetings and/or trips.Prepare timely, accurate, and relevant proposals, presentations, and other fund-raising materials as needed for solicitation.Develop a strategy or plan for each prospect assigned with a written solicitation strategy in place for each person.Attend university events and development staff meetings as required.Participate in university events and programs, as well as continuing education as needed. Percentage of time 10Contact InformationRecruitment ContactContact DetailsFor questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.Recruitment Contact Name Development & Alumni Relations’ Office of Talent Management Recruitment Contact Email dartalent@uga.edu Recruitment Contact PhonePosting Specific QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).* How did you hear about this job opportunity in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR)?Chronicle of Higher EducationDAR Careers PageHandshakeInsight Into AcademiaInside Higher EdLinkedInUGAJobs (UGA's job board)Other (Please provide name of source)Applicant DocumentsRequired DocumentsResume/CVCover LetterOptional Documents