Myers McRae Tapped by University of Georgia
November 8, 2016 – Executive search firm Myers McRae has been retained by the University of Georgia (UGA) to lead its search for a senior associate athletic director for development. Emily Parker Myers, chief executive officer of Myers McRae, and vice president Bobby Hope, are leading the assignment. Ms. Myers is also leading the search for director of development at the College of Veterinary Medicine for UGA.
The incoming senior associate will be responsible for the management of The Georgia Bulldog Club, including annual gifts, major gift programs, developing and implementing capital campaigns, and stewardship programs. This administrator also handles the management of Georgia Athletic Hospitality with the goal of maximizing revenue to the Athletics Association.
The Georgia Bulldog Club is the fundraising arm of the Athletic Association charged with providing student-athlete scholarships, first class facilities and the financial support necessary to operate each of UGA’s 21 varsity sport programs.
The incumbent will supervise an assistant athletic director, director of stewardship and events, executive director of alumni relations, senior director of development, major gifts officer, associate director, development specialist, executive development assistant, part-time associate accountant, and two interns.
Fundraising Expertise
The executive will be in charge of managing the day-to-day operations of the Georgia Bulldog Club to maximize revenues from all sources. He or she will also be analyzing existing annual fund and major gift strategies and creating innovative methods to enhance revenues from donors.
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressive experience in intercollegiate athletic fundraising, including a strong documented record of gifts solicited in the special and major-gifts range. Experience leading a large capital campaign is preferred. Proven skills in developing sophisticated strategies in planning, implementing and administering complex major-gift solicitations are also desired.
Founded in 1785, UGA offers over 140 degree programs in a wide array of disciplines and is organized into 17 schools and colleges. It is ranked tied for 18th overall among all public national universities in the 2017 ‘U.S. News & World Report’ rankings.
Myers McRae is an executive search firm serving colleges, universities, independent schools, and other not-for-profit institutions. Nearly all of its search professionals have a minimum of 20 years of experience in higher education. The majority of the firm’s searches have been for presidents, chancellors, provosts, vice presidents, deans, and other senior academic and administrative leaders.
The firm recently placed the provost and VP for academic affairs for Middle Georgia State University; the provost and VP for academic affairs for Fort Valley State University; and the president for Lake-Sumter State College.
Contributed by Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor, Hunt Scanlon Media
