What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Development position at Georgia Highlands College?
About Us
Georgia Highlands College is a multi-campus, state college member of the University System of Georgia. Founded in 1970 as Floyd Junior College, it now serves more than 6,000 students in Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama across its five locations in Rome, Cartersville, Marietta, and Dallas. GHC currently offers over 30 areas of study with associate degree and bachelor's degree options both in the classroom and online.
We are a growing and progressive institution with opportunities for great employees to grow in a fast-paced and challenging work environment that encourages employee wellness and overall success. Our combined efforts at GHC have led to numerous awards, honors, and countless stories of success for students and employees. This includes our most recent honor of being recognized as one of the semifinalists for the 2023 and 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
Job Summary
The Director of Development is a key member of Georgia Highlands College's advancement team, responsible for building relationships, securing philanthropic support, engaging alumni, and coordinating signature fundraising and stewardship events.
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Marketing, the Director develops and implements strategies to connect donors, alumni, community partners, and campus leadership with the college's mission, priorities, and programs. This position works closely with the GHC Foundation Board, academic deans, and department leads to identify opportunities, align philanthropic interests with institutional needs, and foster a culture of giving and engagement that supports student success.
Responsibilities
Is responsible to understand, support, and carry out the college's mission, vision, and values and comply with mandates and regulations of government and accrediting bodies
Donor & Alumni Engagement (45%)
- Manage a portfolio of prospective and current donors, advancing relationships toward major gift commitments
- Build and strengthen alumni relationships through programs, communications, and events that increase engagement and support
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, deans, department leads, and the GHC Foundation Board to connect donor priorities with College initiatives
- Coordinate stewardship activities to ensure donors and alumni feel valued, informed, and connected
Strategic Fundraising Development (35%)
- Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit prospects to build a sustainable pipeline of donors
- Develop comprehensive strategies that leverage networks and maximize fundraising opportunities
- Participate in campaign planning and execution to support institutional initiatives
Event Planning & Volunteer Engagement (20%)
- Plan and execute fundraising, donor recognition, and alumni engagement events that align with the college's mission
- Coordinate with vendors, volunteers, and staff to deliver high-quality, memorable experiences
- Recruit and manage volunteers to assist with events and outreach initiatives
Performs other duties and leads special projects as assigned by the president
Required Qualifications
- Associate degree and 3 years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, or event planning
- Demonstrated success in cultivating and soliciting gifts or sponsorships
- Proficiency in project management, event coordination, and relationship building
-
Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
- Fundraising and alumni engagement experience in higher education or a nonprofit environment
Proposed Salary
Commensurate with experience
Required Documents to Attach
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Transcripts
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Knowledge of fundraising principles, donor stewardship, and alumni engagement best practices
- Event planning expertise, including budgeting, logistics, and promotion
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Ability to build trust, foster relationships, and inspire philanthropic support
- Proficiency with fundraising databases, communications tools, and technology
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Apply Before Date
Open until filled
Contact Information
Conditions of Employment
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Highlands College, as determined by Georgia Highlands College in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check.
Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.
Equal Employment Opportunity
