The University of Georgia (UGA), one of the nation’s top public research universities and the birthplace of public higher education in America, seeks a dedicated and highly motivated professional to serve as Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations (VPDAR). This position reports directly to the President of the University of Georgia and also serves as Executive Director of the UGA Foundation

The mission of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations is to build upon the culture of philanthropy that has been established at the University of Georgia over the last decade. Career services for graduates and further engagement of alumni are vital to this effort. The UGA Foundation strengthens the University’s mission of teaching, research and service through fiduciary care of donated assets and financial support of its programmatic priorities. Private giving plays a key role in the University’s ability to offer outstanding programs that enhance the student living and learning experience while also recruiting and retaining top faculty and researchers. Increasing private support will be essential for UGA to continue its ascent among the nation’s best public research institutions.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the leadership skills and experience that will allow him or her to nurture a strong set of relationships; inspire professionals and volunteers toward ambitious goals; and create exciting synergies among the development organization and constituent groups in pursuit of collaborative, strategic outcomes. He or she will bring successful comprehensive campaign fundraising experience, as well as knowledge of effective marketing and media strategies. The successful candidate will work closely with the University of Georgia Foundation and its Trustees to increase private financial support for the University.

Responsibilities:

• Providing dynamic leadership of the DAR team to advance UGA’s fundraising efforts, which are vital to the ongoing success of the institution.
• Overseeing approximately 250 staff members within the Development and Alumni Relations Division, comprised of Development, Alumni Relations, Operations (Finance, Budget, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Advancement Services), DAR Communications, Business Engagement and Innovation, Special Events, Career Center, and the UGA Foundation Investments and Operations Management teams.
• Providing effective strategies to increase support from corporations and foundations, as well as individual donors.
• Increasing engagement and fundraising participation of alumni. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.

Relevant/Preferred Education and Experience:

• Advanced degree.
• Demonstrated track record of success at an institution of higher education.
• Demonstrated track record of success working with foundation(s) and volunteer leaders.
• A leadership role in a comprehensive campaign at a prominent higher education institution.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• An energetic and enthusiastic leader with a successful record as a fundraiser.
• Demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating and securing major gifts and transformative principal gifts from individuals and corporations/foundations.
• Demonstrated excellence in fostering alumni engagement and increasing giving rates.
• An inspirational leader who serves with integrity.
• The ability to work independently and efficiently.
• A strong manager with good fiscal and organizational skills.
• A strong communicator, both in verbal and written form.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders across campus to achieve positive outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to bring “next level” fundraising and fundraising programs/strategies to the University.

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. For seven consecutive years, UGA has been 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 nearly 3,000 full-time instructional faculty and more than 7,600 full-time staff. It operates on a total annual budget of more than $2 billion (including revenues from state appropriations, federal appropriations, internal sources, sponsored programs, auxiliary enterprises, tuition, and private funding). The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students, including over 30,000 undergraduates and more than 10,000 graduate and professional students. Demand for enrollment is at an all-time high, and the academic qualifications of the entering class are superb. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

The University’s deep commitment to its tripartite mission of teaching, research and service is reflected in recent achievements: a record $545.6 million in research and development spending in 2022; selection for the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities’ highest distinction for public service in 2022; and more than 43,000 students participating in experiential learning opportunities since a hands-on requirement was introduced in 2016 (with 7,250 of those experiences supported by scholarships).

Engagement and fundraising are on the rise among UGA’s 350,000 alumni, as well as among many foundations, corporations, parents and friends of the University. Last year, more than 71,000 donors contributed a record $257.4 million to the institution, and UGA’s three-year rolling average for annual giving now exceeds $212 million. More than $100 million has been raised for need-based scholarships in the last six years alone. Support for UGA’s championship-level athletic program also is strong.

With more than $1.9 billion in assets, a large portion of which is endowed, the UGA Foundation provides an average of $93 million annually to the University to advance its mission of teaching, research and public service. UGA offers a culture of academic excellence and opportunity made all the richer by our renowned faculty, diverse community of scholar-citizens, and vibrant student life programs.

Applications: Applicant screening will begin immediately. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by Monday, September 18, 2023; however, screening will continue until the position is filled. The application packet should include a cover letter detailing how the applicant’s credentials and experience meet the needs, responsibilities, and qualifications stated above; a current resume; and contact information for three references (who will not be contacted without further correspondence with the applicant).

To request a descriptive Opportunity Profile for this position, provide a nomination, or seek additional information, please contact Michael Luthi, Director of the UGA Search Group, at 706-542-1837 or [email protected]. Letters of recommendation or a simple nomination should include the name and contact information for the nominee.

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 ([email protected]).