Program Development Director Jobs in Decatur, GA

About Us
Georgia Southern University is the state's largest and most comprehensive center of higher education south of Atlanta. With nearly 150 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, Georgia Southern has been designated a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 "high research" university and serves more than 29,500 students from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico as well as 106 nations.
With three vibrant campuses - the Statesboro Campus, the Armstrong Campus in Savannah and the Liberty Campus in Hinesville - Georgia Southern offers a dynamic environment which encourages learning, discovery and personal growth. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has earned special accreditation from professional and academic associations that set standards in their fields.
Georgia Southern is an influencer and intellectual catalyst in southeast Georgia, a rapidly expanding region that is home to international companies such as Hyundai, Gulfstream and JCB, as well as the Port of Savannah and Georgia Ports Authority. With a focus on hands-on learning, Georgia Southern is supporting the demand for highly skilled workers by providing academic excellence and creative innovation in a supportive student-centered environment that empowers the next generation of leaders to succeed.
Beyond an ideal location, there is a place for you to work in an exciting environment abounding with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Named one of the Best U.S. Colleges by The Wall Street Journal, Georgia Southern is nationally ranked for the caliber of its programs and services. Georgia Southern University has been recognized by Forbes as one of "America's Best-In-State Employers" for 2025.
Location
Armstrong Campus - Savannah, GA
Department Information
Associate Vice President for Development
Job Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, the Director serves as key member of the Office of University Advancement directing and managing the planning and implementation of comprehensive fundraising programs. The Director of Development raises major and planned gifts from private sources in support of the Colleges current operations, endowments, and other approved projects and capital priorities and works in close cooperation with University's Central Advancement office, dean(s), center directors, senior administration, faculty, and staff.
Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead fundraising partner for assigned colleges and university units, collaborating with leadership to advance strategic philanthropic objectives and fundraising priorities
• Develops individual prospects and cultivation plans, working closely with dean(s), department heads, key donors, program and center directors, and faculty as well as appropriate Advancement leadership, prospect research team members, other DODs, and central Advancement staff
• Partner with deans, faculty, advisory boards, volunteer leaders, and other stakeholders to identify funding priorities, develop donor strategies, and strengthen fundraising outcomes
• Build, manage, and advance a portfolio of major gift opportunities, maintaining accountability for pipeline development, opportunity progression, forecasting, and fundraising outcomes
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and community partners through disciplined moves management and relationship-building activities
• Advance and secure philanthropic commitments through individualized fundraising strategies that align donor interests with institutional priorities
• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues, Athletics, and campus partners to coordinate donor engagement, advance shared opportunities, and adhere to established fundraising practices
• Develop proposals, cases for support, and investment opportunities that effectively communicate institutional priorities and philanthropic impact
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of donor engagement, prospect strategy, opportunity activity, and fundraising outcomes within the constituent relationship management system
• Contribute to campaign initiatives, division-wide priorities, and a culture of philanthropy that advances the mission of Georgia Southern University

Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree

Required Experience

• Four (4) or more years of related work experience

Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience

• Higher education fundraising experience
• Experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge & NXT

Proposed Salary
$78,706 - $92,000
This is an exempt position paid on a monthly basis.
Required Documents to Attach

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Two (2) Professional References

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
ABILITIES

• Consistently exhibit engaging customer service
• Ability to support various constituencies served by the University
• Proven proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office, Google, and/or applications as required for specific position
• Ability to promote and incorporate into daily work mission the priorities of College and University
• Ability to present articulate and complex information in clear and compelling manner
• Ability to motivate volunteers and donors
• Ability to foster a productive team environment between Office of Advancement and College
• Ability to provide budget analysis and projections and communicate budgetary details and complex facts

KNOWLEDGE

• Adhere to University policies and procedures to meet Institutional goals and support University's mission for student success
• Broad knowledge of principals of fundraising
• Demonstrated understanding of concepts and attitude of teamwork in a complex organization

SKILLS

• Effective communication (verbal and written), organizational and human relations skills
• Excellent time management skills
  Proven fundraising territory management skills

Apply Before Date
July 13, 2026
Application review may begin on June 22, 2026.
Contact Information
For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources by phone at (912) 478-6947 or by email at hrservice@georgiasouthern.edu .
For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email support@usg.edu .
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 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 on-line 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 on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Conditions of Employment
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Southern University, as determined by Georgia Southern University in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.
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.
Legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of employment without assistance from the University.
Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.
Georgia Southern University is a Tobacco and Smoke-Free Community.
Proof of valid driver's license upon hire and throughout employment
Equal Employment Opportunity
Georgia Southern University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources: (912) 478-6947.
Other Information

• Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation
• Work generally performed in an office environment
• Workweek may occasionally extend beyond 40 hours
• Travel may be required
• Ability to operate University motor vehicle
• Work week may extends to evenings, weekends and/or holidays

Background Check

• Position of Trust + Education & Credit