Development Strategist

The UNITED Way of Northeast Georgia makes positive, sustained, and measurable change through: identifying regional needs; collecting, sharing, and removing barriers to local resources; and building nonprofit capacity. United Way of Northeast Georgia’s office is in Athens, GA and serves a 12-county region including: Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Franklin, Greene, Hart, Jackson, Madison, Morgan, Oconee, and Oglethorpe counties. Position Title: Development Strategist Position Type: Full Time, salaried Supervision: This position reports to the President/CEO Position Summary The Development Strategist is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support United Way of Northeast Georgia’s mission across a 12-county region. This role focuses on expanding revenue streams, strengthening donor relationships, and aligning philanthropic investments with community impact priorities, including Early Childhood Success (ages 0–5), Workforce Development (ages 16–24), Basic Needs, 211 programming and the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) initiative. This position requires a strategic thinker who can translate community needs into compelling funding opportunities and build partnerships that drive sustainable impact. Key Responsibilities Fundraising Strategy & Execution Develop and implement a multi-year, diversified fundraising strategy, including individual giving, corporate partnerships, grants, and major giftsSet and achieve annual revenue goals aligned with organizational prioritiesIdentify and pursue new funding opportunities to expand impact across all 12 counties Donor Engagement & Relationship Management Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and foundationsDesign and implement donor engagement strategies that deepen commitment and increase giving over timeManage a portfolio of major donors and prospects ALICE Initiative Fund Development Lead fundraising efforts specific to ALICE-focused initiativesEducate donors and stakeholders about ALICE households and their needsDevelop targeted campaigns and messaging that resonate with ALICE-related funding priorities in collaboration with Director of Marketing and Community Engagement Grant Development & Management Identify, write, and manage grant proposals and reportsCollaborate with program staff to align funding requests with measurable outcomesTrack and report on grant performance and compliance Campaign Leadership Support and enhance annual campaigns, workplace giving, and special fundraising initiativesPartner with corporate and community leaders to drive campaign participationInnovate new campaign approaches to expand reach and revenue Community & Stakeholder Engagement Represent United Way in the community, building relationships with key stakeholders across the regionCollaborate with local businesses, government entities, and nonprofit partnersServe as a visible ambassador for the organization’s mission and impact Data & Performance Management Monitor fundraising metrics and analyze performance to inform strategyMaintain accurate donor records and reporting systemsUse data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for growth Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experienceExtensive experience in fund and relationship developmentProven success in securing major gifts, grants, and corporate partnershipsManagement skills preferred Skills & Competencies Strategic thinking with the ability to execute and deliver resultsStrong relationship-building and communication skillsExcellent writing and storytelling abilitiesKnowledge of regional philanthropy and community engagement preferredAbility to manage multiple priorities across a geographically diverse region Key Attributes Passion for community impact and United Way’s mission Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive approach to fundraisingHigh level of integrity and professionalismCollaborative and adaptable team player Impact Areas Supported Early Childhood Success (Ages 0–5): Ensuring children enter school ready to learnWorkforce Development (Ages 16–24): Supporting youth on pathways to employment and self-sufficiencyBasic Needs: Addressing immediate challenges such as housing, food, and healthALICE Initiative: Advancing financial stability for working households facing economic hardship Position requires flexible schedule to attend occasional events that may occur in the early mornings, evenings and/or weekends. Candidate will be asked to use personal car for business and must possess valid driver’s license. UWNEGA will reimburse for mileage at the prevailing federal mileage rate. Salary Range: $55,000-$65,000 Benefits Provided By UWNEGA Include Health InsuranceDental InsuranceVision Insurance403(b) with 3% company match15 paid holidays each yearGenerous vacation benefits United Way of Northeast Georgia is an equal opportunity employer. Send cover letter and resume to hr@unitedwaynega.org. Position will remain open until filled.