Director of Stewardship
The Director of Stewardship serves as the senior leader for the stewardship function within Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) and acts as the primary strategic partner to the Senior Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship. The Director of Stewardship:
• provides vision, leadership, and execution for all stewardship and recognition efforts, ensuring donors at every level experience meaningful, personalized, and high-quality stewardship that reflects the impact of their philanthropy.
• with broad autonomy and minimal oversight, is responsible for leading and advancing a comprehensive stewardship program that supports the University’s fundraising priorities, strengthens donor trust, and deepens long-term relationships.
• supervises a team, manages complex initiatives, and collaborates extensively across campus to ensure stewardship efforts are timely, accurate, innovative, and aligned with institutional goals and priorities.
Proposed Start Date: 8/1/2026
Location of Vacancy: Athens Area
Advertised Salary: $88,000+ Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent plus 10 years of professional experience to include 3 years of supervisory experience
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in higher education donor relations
• Ability to establish the trust of colleagues and build strong relationships with key faculty/staff
• Ability to respond to donors’ needs and concerns in a kind and professional way
• Ability to generate creative ideas and solutions for donor stewardship, recognition, and acknowledgements, as well as to maintain positive relationships with donors
Duties/Responsibilities
• (60%) Leadership and Management
• (15%) Team Stewardship and Collaboration
• (15%) Cumulative Giving Societies Leadership
• (10%) Support and Administration
Physical Demands
• Work in a standard office environment
• Work evenings and weekends as necessary
• Travel in and out of state as necessary
• Sit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods of time
• 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; multitask
• Lift and/or move up to 30 pounds
• Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb
About the Office of Donor Engagement and Stewardship
The Office of Donor Engagement and Stewardship turns donors into loyal supporters through an effective stewardship and engagement. We foster deeper relationships by demonstrating appreciation for the impact our donors are making in the lives of our students, faculty, and broader community. Our stewardship plan is critical to fundraising by enriching the experience our donors have with the university and instilling trust. Donors can count on timely acknowledgements, accurate reporting, appropriate recognition, and meaningful events and experiences to remind them that they are an essential part of the UGA family. Our collaborative, university-wide efforts connect donors to our organization proactively and intentionally, securing ongoing support and lifelong engagement.
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. 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 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02 . Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom .
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 ).
Higher Education
Project Management and Administrative
Full-time