Assistant Director of Foundation Relations
Athens
Friday, 29 May 2026
This position reports to the Senior Director of Foundation Relations. The Assistant Director of Foundation Relations is integral to the University of Georgia’s efforts to identify and cultivate private support across all schools, colleges, and units on campus. The Assistant Director of Foundation Relations is responsible for the development of relationships with private foundations. They identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward foundation donors. In addition, this person works collaboratively with UGA faculty, staff, and development colleagues to write, edit, review, and prepare proposals or grant applications for final submission to private grantmakers. This role is distinct from those focused on securing funds from individuals or government grantmaking agencies. The Assistant Director also develops and maintains relationships with foundation representatives through an assigned portfolio of centrally managed foundation donors and prospects. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies Self-starter and highly motivated. Collaborative style combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment. Ability to establish the trust of colleagues and build strong relationships. 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 involving numerous and sometimes competing constituencies. Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects. Analytical, with adherence to self-guided goals and deadlines. Adept at navigating complex environments with evolving priorities. Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to university business and confidential donor and prospect information. 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 Sit and work in a standard office environment or vehicle for extended periods of time Hold a valid driver’s license Driving as needed to perform job duties Travel in and out of state as necessary Work evenings 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 30 pounds Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website. Background Investigation Policy Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website. Duties/ Responsibilities Duties/ Responsibilities Foundation Prospect Identification and Relationship Management Actively manage and work to engage 25-35 foundation prospects, with a focus on those likely to yield gifts from $25 k to $100 k. Identify and/or monitor funding opportunities from foundations/private grantmakers. Identify and research new foundation prospects; map out strategy for an approach, including possibilities for leveraging existing relationships. Reach out to foundations/private grantmakers to share information about university initiatives and gather information about funding opportunities; cultivate relationships with relevant personnel Cultivate internal knowledge and relationships. Proactively work to learn about faculty research and programs or initiatives in the various schools/colleges/units. Stay apprised of institutional priorities and look for alignment with the priorities of current or potential foundation partners. Share funding opportunities with faculty and development colleagues Counsel and guide faculty, administrators, and unit development directors regarding the funding potential for projects and programs in need of private support. Percentage of time 35 Duties/ Responsibilities Proposal Development and Grant Submission Seek funding for university priorities by managing or supporting the development of proposals/grant applications, including the planning, writing, revision, and submission. Collaborate with faculty, university leaders and administrators, development staff, and/or UGA’s Research professionals in the development of proposals/grant applications. This often includes developing project budgets and working with various business offices across campus. Serve as liaison between internal stakeholders (applicants) and grantmakers throughout submission process Manage submission processes that can be complex and often involve multiple stakeholders (internal and external) Ensure submissions meet specific requirements of each funder and are submitted on deadline. Percentage of time 35 Duties/ Responsibilities Award Management and Stewardship Collaborate with appropriate personnel at the UGA Foundation to navigate processes and policies for receiving funds; manage interactions between internal stakeholders, UGA Foundation, and funder Work with campus partners to ensure that required reports on the use of funds are accurate and on time Work with campus partners to identify stewardship opportunities and communicate the impact of funding from private grantmakers. Serve as primary liaison to the Industry and Foundation Partnerships team on matters of stewardship and external publicity. Percentage of time 25 Duties/ Responsibilities Administrative Processing, Coordination, and Professional Development Document all prospect contacts and interactions in the development database. Communicate with the Foundation Relations team regularly on projects and initiatives that might be of shared interest, sharing funding needs, and potential strategies for pursuing support. Attend development staff meetings as required. Participate in university events and programs, as well as continuing education as needed. Pursue professional development opportunities aligned with the work and mission of the Foundation Relations team. Percentage of time 5 Contact Information Recruitment Contact Contact Details For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below. Recruitment Contact Name Development & Alumni Relations’ Office of Talent Management Recruitment Contact Email dartalent@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone Posting Specific Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk ( - ). - How did you hear about this job opportunity in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR)? Chronicle of Higher Education DAR Careers Page Handshake Insight Into Academia Inside Higher Ed LinkedIn UGA - Jobs (UGA's job board) Other (Please provide name of source) Applicant Documents Required Documents Resume/ CV Cover Letter Optional Documents