Director of Donor Relations

Posting Details
Posting Details
Posting Number S13972P
Working Title Director of Donor Relations
Department Franklin-Deans Dev & Alumni
About the University of Georgia
Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( . The proof is in our more than 235 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 formed School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia's learning environment, advancing new knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output by faculty, students, and staff in more than 80-degree programs across 40+ units.
College/Unit/Department website
Posting Type External
Retirement Plan TRS or ORP
Employment Type Employee
Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time Full Time
Work Schedule
Additional Schedule Information
8am-5pm, M-F; Required Evening and Weekend work as needed for events
Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience
Posting Date 08/06/2025
Open until filled Yes
Closing Date
Proposed Starting Date 09/01/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Location of Vacancy Athens Area
EEO Policy Statement
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 ( ).
USG Core Values Statement
The 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 .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at .
Position Information
Classification Title Development/Fundraising Professional
FLSA Exempt
FTE 1.00
Minimum Qualifications
Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications
Position Summary
The Director of Donor Relations is responsible for developing and leading a comprehensive donor stewardship and recognition program to enhance engagement, foster long-term relationships, and increase philanthropic support. This position works collaboratively with all development and alumni relations staff, senior leadership, and other key stakeholders to ensure donors at all levels are thanked, recognized, and informed about the impact of their giving.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Planning and organizational skills.
• Manage multiple tasks simultaneously, assess priorities, and track details in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated and have the ability to work well independently and collaboratively with a team.
• Demonstrated computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrates a commitment to outstanding customer service; Work well in dealing with a variety of personality types.
• Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and the University of Georgia.
• Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct.

Physical Demands

• Travel in state when necessary.
• Work nights and weekends as needed for events.
• Work in a standard office environment.
• Sit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods of time.
• Lift and/or move up to 25-30 pounds.
• Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb.
• Setup displays and decorations at remote locations.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No 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 policy
Be 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 Policy
Offers 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/Responsibilities
Duties/Responsibilities
Donor relations and stewardship

• Develop customized stewardship plans for major and principal donors with an aim to manage at least 20 concierge stewardship relationship plans for the college.
• Meet with donors to express appreciation and update them on the impact of their gifts, while sustaining long-term relationships to encourage continued and increased support.
• Facilitate and host meetings between donors and beneficiaries (e.g.: students or faculty)
• Partner with development officers to align stewardship engagements with team fundraising strategies.
• Lead communication with all college Heritage Society donors as primary point of contact.

Percentage of time 40 Duties/Responsibilities Donor recognition

• Design, implement, and manage a strategic, multi-tiered stewardship program for all donor segments, including major gifts, planned giving, and annual supporters.
• Coordinate donor recognition activities, including plaques, honor rolls, naming opportunities, college donor wall, and giving societies.
• Manage all giving society stewardship for the college, including Cornerstone and Franklin for Life, as well as provide targeted stewardship for specific funds (ie: Franklin Advantage Scholarship fund)
• Meet with and educate the college departments and schools on stewardship and scholarship best practices and advocate for donor-centered practices across the college.

Percentage of time 25 Duties/Responsibilities Event planning and engagement

• Coordinate and promote Franklin College's signature stewardship event, the Alumni Awards & Donor Celebration with director of alumni relations and the strategic college engagement coordinator.
• Plan and execute all other donor appreciation events, recognition ceremonies, and personalized donor cultivation opportunities as needed.
• Work with the strategic college engagement coordinator to manage donor communications and selection for the Franklin College SkySuite (e.g.: invitations and staffing). Serve as primary point of contact in development with regards to SkySuite.

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities Donor Communication

• Oversee the creation of stewardship communications such as impact reports, acknowledgment letters, donor profiles, and recognition materials.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and meaningful acknowledgment of all gifts with the development and alumni relations coordinator.
• Work with college communications team to produce content that highlights donor impact.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities Evaluation and reporting

• Monitor and evaluate stewardship efforts using data-driven metrics reporting on donor engagement and retention, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement in partnership with the associate director of prospect management.
• Work with Central UGAF Stewardship Office on stewardship alignment with UGAF best practices.
• Work in coordination with the central assistant director of scholarship stewardship regarding gratitude reports and any central visits with students and donors.
• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions in CRM system.

Percentage of time 5 Contact Information
Recruitment Contact
Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name Meredith Metcalf
Recruitment Contact Email
Recruitment Contact Phone
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Applicant Documents Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents