Foundation Relations Officer

University of Georgia

retirement plan

United States, Georgia, Athens

Jun 10, 2025

Posting Details

Posting Number	S13689P
Working Title	Foundation Relations Officer
Department	Ecology-Odum School of Ecology
About the University of Georgia	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. 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 formed School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department
College/Unit/Department website
Posting Type	External
Retirement Plan	TRS or ORP
Employment Type	Employee
Benefits Eligibility	Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time	Full Time
Work Schedule
Additional Schedule Information	Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; some night and weekend hours as needed
Advertised Salary	$60,000 - $70,000
Posting Date	06/10/2025
Open until filled	Yes
Closing Date
Proposed Starting Date	09/01/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Location of Vacancy	Athens Area
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).
USG Core Values Statement	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.

Position Information

Classification Title	Development/Fundraising Professional
FLSA	Exempt
FTE	1.0
Minimum Qualifications	Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications
Position Summary	This position is based in the UGA Odum School of Ecology and reports directly to the Director of Development. Its purpose serves to promote and enhance development through foundation relations, grant writing and campus collaboration. This position will independently manage and coordinate various special projects that connect and build meaningful relationships between faculty, students and foundations with the ultimate goal of philanthropic support. This position's chief responsibility is to expand and enhance the development functions of the school through systematic and personalized engagement.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies	Exhibits strong self-initiative; exceptional attention to detail and organization; professionalism; emotional intelligence; and well-developed listening skills. Experience managing multiple programs and events simultaneously. Ability to articulate the university's mission and fundraising needs effectively to external audiences. Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion. Ability to be a part of the larger development efforts of the University of Georgia. Ability to have flexibility to work some nights and weekends. Skill in Word processing; database management; and email skills are important. Speak and listen effectively via telephone and in-person. Operate a motor vehicle for frequent local travel. Remember, organize, and consistently focus on a large amount of detail and come to appropriate conclusions. Consistently manage multiple priorities and adapt to change requests. Lift and carry up to 20 pounds, both assisted and unassisted.
Physical Demands	Lift and carry up to 20 pounds, both assisted and unassisted. Performing other office duties such as sitting at a desk for extended periods of time
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?	Yes
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

Proposal Management:

Identify foundation prospects and analyze their suitability for the Odum School's needs and initiatives. Align funding opportunities with the School's strategic goals and priorities.
Collaborate with faculty to develop compelling grant proposals and funding requests tailored to foundation interests.
With the Odum School Business Office, create accurate and compliant budgets for requests.
Ensure consistent communication and accurate reporting on the impact of foundation contributions, including financial reports, qualitative narratives, and quantitative outcomes.

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities

Foundation Relations:

Develop and implement an engagement plan for the school's foundation partners, including qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Work with campus colleagues to ensure partners receive recognition that matches their gift level and grant requirements.
Coordinate telephone and written correspondence to set up in-person and teleconference meetings with prospects and the Dean, Director of Development, and UGA Development team members.

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities

Development and Event Coordination:

Assist the Odum School Alumni and Corporate Relations Officer to implement opportunities for external partners to engage with the school's fundraising priorities. Events may include speaker engagements, networking opportunities and stakeholder meetings. Provide donor and prospect details to ensure the Dean has positive outcomes and engagement with key constituents.
Serve on the planning committee for Odum School Spring Fling and assist in coordinating development activities, such as memorials, dedications and special occasions.

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities

Relationship Management:

Manage donor and foundation relationships that lead to future philanthropic support. Maintain relationships with key influencers such as staff, family members and advisors.
Provide information on the Odum School relative to constituents' interests. Share upcoming opportunities to attend events, volunteer, meet students and work with faculty in ways that will deepen their engagement with the school.
Maintain interactions, plans and opportunities in the giving & alumni database (GAIL). Submit required development information needed to steward donors centrally and track fundraising performance.
Maintain a broad knowledge of the Odum School and its undergraduate and graduate programs, research and outreach.

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities	Collaboration: Serve as the foundation relations liaison for the school, attending necessary campus meetings and trainings to stay abreast of UGA-wide priorities and activities. Work with Odum School Business Office to complete managerial processes related to travel, reimbursements and invoicing. Collaborate campus-wide to build stronger relationships with supporters and colleagues.
Percentage of time	10