Major Gift Officer, Parent Giving

Based in the Office of Parent Giving, the Major Gift Officer will raise gifts ($25K and higher) from current parents to support the University of Georgia. This position focuses on donors throughout the country and will help the Senior Director institute a strong culture of parent giving and engagement within the University. This major gift officer will work collaboratively with a wide variety of people and have an established record of accomplishment in building meaningful relationships coupled with the ability to inspire others.

Advertised Salary

$68,000+ | Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of professional experience related to sales, marketing, development, business administration, higher education, project management, or relationship management
• University of non-profit fundraising experience preferred
• Major Gift fundraising in higher education ($25K and higher)

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies 

• Ability to cultivate and solicit private gifts from high-level prospects
• 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
• Ability to establish the trust of colleagues and build strong relationships with key faculty/staff.
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects.
• Adept at navigating complex environments with evolving priorities.
• Ability to maintain 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
• Through 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

Duties / Responsibilities

• (60%) Develop and manage a portfolio of parent prospects to raise major gifts to benefit the University of Georgia. Monthly metrics, in-state and national travel probability of several overnight trips per month.
• (30%) Complete all necessary preparation, contacts, and follow-up for each prospect and donor visit.
• (5%) Perform additional duties as assigned on alumni weekend, football Saturdays, and other special events which frequently fall on nights and weekends.
• (5%) Attend monthly Parent Giving prospect strategy staff meetings, University Development staff meetings, and selected University Development & Alumni Relations division trainings.

About the Office of Parent Giving

Students aren’t the only Bulldogs. Many parents want their own relationship with the University of Georgia, and we are committed to building a philanthropic community of parents. Parents who are dedicated to creating a premier learning experience for UGA students. We know parents want to make a difference. The Parents Leadership Council is the largest venture fund supporter, has awarded grants to student programs all over campus, and has many families who have created their own endowments. We invest in these families’ UGA experience. We know their son’s major. We know their daughter’s sorority. We are personable, supportive, and welcoming. And we remain focused on building a better world by finding financial support for those who will change it, our students. https://dar.uga.edu/parent-giving/ 

About the Division of Development & 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. https://dar.uga.edu/

About the University of Georgia

The University of Georgia (UGA), a land-grant and sea-grant university with statewide commitments and responsibilities is the state’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of 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 was founded in 1785 by the Georgia General Assembly as the first state-chartered University in the country. UGA employs approximately 1,800 full-time instructional faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 39,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 9,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 17 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens. https://www.uga.edu/ 

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).