Director of Development

Director of DevelopmentJob ID: 300515Location: Georgia College & State UniversityFull/Part Time: Full TimeRegular/Temporary: RegularJob Summary: Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement, the Director of Development is responsible for planning and executing a comprehensive, goal‑oriented fundraising program for assigned colleges or units. This position works in close partnership with the Vice President and the Dean or Director of the respective area to develop and implement an annual operating plan that defines strategic fundraising priorities, establishes measurable goals, and drives successful outcomes through effective collaboration with advancement staff.Fundraising & Prospect ManagementDevelops, implements, and manages a comprehensive major gifts fundraising program focused on cultivating and soliciting significant contributions from alumni, parents, corporations, foundations, and friends of the university.Creates and executes a strategic annual fundraising plan with specific dollar goals, identified top prospects, moves management timelines, and accountability metrics.Partners with the Prospect Research team to identify, qualify, and segment a robust major donor prospect pool and directs strategic outreach to support successful solicitation.Collaborates and supports Alumni Engagement efforts including event participation, recognition activities, and providing information about alumni. Coordinates individual unit alumni outreach and recognition efforts with GCSU Alumni Engagement.Designs and executes long‑ and short‑term cultivation and stewardship strategies that meaningfully engage donors at all stages of the gift cycle.Manages a personal portfolio of major gift prospects, maintaining consistent personal contact through visits, correspondence, and events to advance relationships toward solicitation.Coordinates State and Foundation resources to ensure funds are utilized effectively and in alignment with donor intent as outlined in gift and endowment agreements.Collaborates with the broader advancement team on prospect management, corporate and foundation proposals, and planned giving solicitations.Participates in faculty and academic leadership engagement to align philanthropic opportunities with institutional priorities.Travels regularly, locally, regionally, and nationally to cultivate and solicit major donors and prospects in support of the assigned college or unit.Volunteer & Board EngagementGuides and manages volunteer advisory and fundraising boards associated with assigned areas, ensuring board members are actively engaged in stewardship, cultivation, and solicitation activities.Develops agendas, prepares materials, and provides strategic direction to maximize volunteer board effectiveness.Stewardship & Donor RelationsParticipates in and leads stewardship activities designed to recognize, engage, and retain existing donors, including organizing development events, donor recognition programs, and impact reporting.Contributes to the development of donor communications including newsletters, giving website content, case statements, and gift proposals.OtherPerforms other duties as assigned in support of the College's fundraising and advancement objectives.Required QualificationsEducational Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.Other Required Qualifications: Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly.Required Experience:Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, or advancement, preferably within higher education or a complex non‑profit environment.Demonstrated track record of personally soliciting and closing major gifts.Experience managing a portfolio of major gift prospects through all stages of the gift cycle.Proficiency with constituent relationship management (CRM) systems such as Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar platforms.Preferred QualificationsPreferred Educational Qualifications: Master's degree or advanced degree in a related field.Preferred Experience:5+ years of major gifts fundraising experience in a higher education setting.Experience working with college deans, academic leadership, and/or faculty to advance fundraising priorities.Familiarity with planned giving concepts and vehicles.Experience managing or mentoring junior development staff or volunteers.CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) credential or active pursuit of same.Proposed Salary: This position is a pay grade 11. The available salary range is $68,519.00 to $85,000.00. Starting salary within this range is based on relevant years of experience.For more information about GCSU compensation practices, visit DocumentsCover LetterResume / CVKnowledge, Skills, & AbilitiesAbilitiesAbility to work independently and exercise sound judgment while functioning as part of a collaborative, team‑oriented advancement operation.Ability to engage comfortably and credibly with senior academic and institutional leadership, high‑net‑worth donors, and community stakeholders.Ability to handle sensitive donor and institutional information with the highest level of discretion and confidentiality.Ability to travel extensively, including evenings and weekends as required by donor schedules and university events.Ability to inspire confidence and trust in donors, volunteers, and colleagues through consistent follow‑through and professionalism.KnowledgeThorough knowledge of major gifts fundraising principles, moves management methodology, and the full gift cycle.Knowledge of planned giving vehicles (bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts) and their role in a comprehensive development program.Understanding of higher education advancement structures, including the relationship between institutional foundations, academic units, and central advancement operations.Familiarity with CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) standards and ethical guidelines.Working knowledge of gift processing, fund accounting, and endowment stewardship principles.Understanding of FERPA and other applicable privacy regulations in a higher education context.SkillsExceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling gift proposals, case statements, and donor correspondence.Strong relationship‑building skills with the ability to connect authentically with donors, volunteers, and academic partners.Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.Analytical skills to assess prospect capacity, evaluate portfolio performance, and report on fundraising progress against goals.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and advancement CRM platforms.Skill in preparing and delivering persuasive presentations to individuals and groups.Equal Employment OpportunityEqual opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status (“protected status”). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.#J-18808-Ljbffr