Description

Major Gift Officer, Parent Giving

This position is based in the Office of Parent Giving within the Development & Alumni Relations Division and reports to the Associate Director of Parent Giving. Its purpose is to raise major gifts from current parents to support the University of Georgia. This position focuses on parent donors within Georgia and throughout the country and will help the Director and Associate Director institute a strong culture of parent giving and engagement within the University.

The ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of people and an established record of accomplishment in building meaningful relationships coupled with the ability to inspire others are critical components of the position. The Major Gift Officer for Parent Giving must be passionate about fundraising as well as building strong, engaged communities of donors.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

• University or non-profit experience.
• At least 5 years of professional experience related to sales, marketing, development, business administration, higher education, project management, or relationship management.
• Major gift fundraising in Higher Education ($50k and higher).
• Ability to establish the trust of colleagues and build strong relationships with key faculty/staff.
• Ability to maintain high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to university business and confidential donor and prospect information. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or 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.
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects.
• Adept at navigating complex environments with evolving priorities.
• 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.

Additional Division Expectations

• 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.

Physical Demands

• Work in a standard office environment
• Travel in and out of state, some trips overnight
• Work nights and weekends as necessary
• Work using electronic mail, telephone, face-to-face discussions, paper form correspondence
• Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening
• Organize and establish priorities; Remember detail; multi-task
• Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
• Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb

Duties/Responsibilities

(65%)

• Develop and manage a portfolio of parent prospects to raise major gifts to benefit the University of Georgia.
• Targeted visits with prospects and donors are to be identified and accomplished each calendar month. These visits will be qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship visits primarily in Atlanta and the state of Georgia, with some exceptions. This may include overnight trips on an as-needed basis.
• Complete all necessary preparation, contacts, and follow-up for each prospect and donor visit.
• Document visits with a written contact report in GAIL, the alumni/donor database, within a week of the visit.
• Prepare timely, accurate, relevant, clear, concise, and compelling proposals to secure major gifts in support of UGA’s strategic plan and priorities.

(25%) 

• Work collaboratively with academic units and development officers across campus to partner on parent major gifts to benefit the university and its many areas.
• Assist in planning and executing summer Parent Leadership Council (PLC) information sessions and gatherings in targeted territories.

(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 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 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.

About the Office of Parent Giving

Students are not 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.

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.

Requirements

This position is based in the Office of Parent Giving within the Development & Alumni Relations Division and reports to the Associate Director of Parent Giving. Its purpose is to raise major gifts from current parents to support the University of Georgia. This position focuses on parent donors within Georgia and throughout the country and will help the Director and Associate Director institute a strong culture of parent giving and engagement within the University.

The ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of people and an established record of accomplishment in building meaningful relationships coupled with the ability to inspire others are critical components of the position. The Major Gift Officer for Parent Giving must be passionate about fundraising as well as building strong, engaged communities of donors.