Senior Director of Principal Gifts

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number

S14379P

Working Title

Senior Director of Principal Gifts

Department

DAR-Principal Gifts

About the University of Georgia

Chartered 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 / Department

Division of Development and Alumni Relations

The 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 Information

8 : 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 Applicants

• This 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 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 ( hrweb@uga.edu ).

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 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 Information

Classification Title

Principal Gifts Officer III

FLSA

Exempt

FTE

1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

Position Summary

The 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 Competencies

Additional Division Expectations :

Physical Demands

Is 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 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

Principal Gift Fundraising

Note : Fundraising goals are established annually

Percentage of time

30

Duties / Responsibilities

University-Wide Principal Gift Strategy and Pipeline Management

Percentage of time

60

Duties / Responsibilities

Operational Responsibilities

Complete managerial processes critical to travel, scheduled meetings, and fundraising performance.

Percentage of time

10