Director of Development, School of Nursing

The Director of Development serves as the School of Nursing’s chief development officer and is responsible for establishing and overseeing the development team, as well as securing philanthropic support across all giving levels. Primary emphasis is placed on the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts ($50,000 ) and principal gifts ($1,000,000 ), in order to advance the school’s mission and to support the implementation of its development programs and strategic initiatives. In addition to major and principal gifts, the position is also responsible for providing strategy, leadership, direction, coordination, and management of all aspects of giving for the School of Nursing, including major giving, annual gifts, stewardship, and alumni relations.

About the UGA School of Nursing

In May 2025, the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents authorized the establishment of an independent School of Nursing at the University of Georgia (UGA) to meet the nursing and healthcare demands for the ever-growing population of Georgia. Following a comprehensive planning exercise between USG & UGA, the announcement became public in August of 2025. A nationwide search was launched, and Carolyn K. Clevenger was identified as the first academic leader for UGA’s School of Nursing and began her appointment on January 1, 2026. UGA plans to welcome its first nursing students as early as fall 2027.

Proposed Start Date: 06/01/2026

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Contact Christy Dasher for more information.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree preferred; or bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five (5) of the required eight (8) years of professional experience in higher education fundraising or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in sales, marketing, development, business administration, higher education, project management, or relationship management, with demonstrated success in cultivating and soliciting major gifts.
• Previous work experience in higher education and in a hybrid centralized-decentralized fundraising model involving colleges/schools.
• Demonstrated experience developing fundraising strategies while providing leadership and direction for implementation of a comprehensive development plan.
• Leadership in a major capital campaign.
• Experience in a startup or entrepreneurial venture; proven case of building something up that was either new or underperforming.
• Knowledge and experience using Blackbaud CRM system. Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the University of Georgia.

Duties / Responsibilities

• (50%) Fundraising Leadership and Donor Portfolio Management
• (30%) Administrative Leadership, Collaboration, and Operational Oversight
• (20%) Strategic Fundraising Planning and Proposal Management

Physical Demands

• Travel in and out of state
• Work in a standard office environment
• Sit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods of time
• Work using electronic mail, telephone, face-to-face discussions, and 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

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 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.

USG Core Values

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.

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).