Executive Brief

Associate Director of Development, Student Engagement & Well-Being
Georgia Tech Institute for Technology

The Organization: Georgia Tech

The Georgia Institute for Technology (Georgia Tech)

Georgia Tech is a top-ranked public research university situated in the heart of Atlanta, a diverse and vibrant city with numerous economic and cultural strengths. The Institute serves more than 50,000 students through top-ranked undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs in engineering, computing, science, business, design, and liberal arts. Georgia Tech’s faculty attracted approximately $1.37 billion in research awards in the most recent fiscal year, supporting work across critical fields including biomedical technology, artificial intelligence, energy, sustainability, semiconductors, neuroscience, and national security. Georgia Tech ranks among the nation's top 20 universities for research and development spending and remains No. 1 among U.S. institutions without a medical school.

Georgia Tech - At a Glance:

Mission & Values:

Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything they do:

Students are our top priority.
We strive for excellence.
We thrive on diversity.
We celebrate collaboration.
We champion innovation.
We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.
We nurture the wellbeing of our community.
We act ethically.
We are responsible stewards.

Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.

Academic Excellence:

Georgia Tech is ranked No. 3 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs. All of Georgia Tech's undergraduate engineering programs rank in the top 6, and all of the University's graduate engineering programs rank in the top 10. (Source: U.S. News & World Report)
Scheller College of Business ranks No. 19 among all Undergraduate Business Programs — with several programs featured in the top 10. Analytics (No. 3), quantitative analysis (No. 5), and management information systems (No. 2) are among the standout areas. Scheller College of Business also ranks No. 10 for their Part-Time MBA (Source: U.S. News & World Report).
Computer Science ranks No. 5 by U.S. News & World Report's Undergraduate Program Rankings, No. 6 by U.S. News & World Report's Graduate School Rankings, No. 17 by Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and No. 28 in The Guardian's QS World University Rankings.
In the category of Statistics and Operational Research, Georgia Tech ranks No. 9 in The Guardian's QS World University Rankings. Georgia Tech's graduate urban planning program is ranked No. 6 in the U.S. and No. 2 in Big City Programs by Planetizen.

Georgia Tech Office of Development (DEV)

The Office of Development is committed to securing the philanthropic resources that are transforming Georgia Tech. We engage alumni, friends, families, corporations, and foundations in the life of the Institute and encourage financial investment in Tech's future.

The fundraising team at Georgia Tech currently consists of 100+ professionals who are focused on securing transformative philanthropy (major and principal gifts) to support the strategic priorities of the Institute and its colleges, schools, and programs including Athletics.

Learn about the groups that make up the Office of Development:

College & School Representatives

From endowed chairs and professorships to undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships, and facilities, donors can support the college, school, or academic program of their choice.

Corporate Engagement

Building partnerships with the corporate community is a top priority for Georgia Tech. Working together, the group grows philanthropy and helps companies connect to Tech through research, recruitment, and diversity initiatives.

Foundation Relations

Support from foundations provides vital resources for Georgia Tech strategic initiatives, making it possible for the Institute to advance knowledge across all disciplines.

Gift Planning

Gift planning begins with a donor's desire to make a gift. Whether the choice is a bequest provision in a will or revocable trust, or a life-income gift, the gift planning team assists with all gifts.

Intercollegiate Athletics

Athletic excellence has long been a source of pride and passion at Georgia Tech. The university wants to become one of the elite athletics programs in the nation with the best combination of athletics and academics.

International Development

Georgia Tech's vision of leadership in the 21st century is a global one. Moving international efforts to the next level cannot happen without private philanthropy.

Parent Giving

Parents play a vital role in the life of Georgia Tech. Through advocacy, volunteering, and philanthropy, they have a unique opportunity to become stakeholders in every Yellow Jacket's future.

Regional Development

Regional development representatives travel extensively, connecting with alumni and friends and sharing opportunities for supporting Georgia Tech through private philanthropy.

Reunion Giving

Each year, milestone reunion classes celebrate through combined philanthropic giving that advances Georgia Tech and enhances opportunities for students – today and for generations to come.

For the calendar year 2025, the DEV team’s efforts resulted in over $417.6 million in new gifts and commitments. This monumental success fuels momentum for Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech, the most ambitious philanthropic effort in the Institute’s history, which now totals $1.83 billion and counting. Calendar Year 2025 places Georgia Tech on pace to achieve its $2 billion campaign goal by the end of 2027. To learn more about Transforming Tomorrow and the other thematic priorities of the campaign, click here.

“Georgia Tech’s brand has never been stronger. People close to campus and those across the nation are seeing Georgia Tech as a problem-solver in a changing world. We simply can’t thank our friends, alumni, volunteers, and staff enough for the great work that’s being done on so many levels.” – Jim Hall, Vice President for Development.

Georgia Tech has achieved the most successful fundraising year in its history. Click here to learn more.

Georgia Tech Office of Development (DEV) - Leadership Spotlight:

Jim Hall – Vice President of Development

Jim Hall
Vice President of Development

Jim Hall serves as Vice President for Development at Georgia Tech. He has been with the Institute since 1998 and served as Senior Associate Vice President for Major Gifts and Next Generation Philanthropy, overseeing fundraising efforts across Georgia Tech’s colleges, schools, units, and international programs. A top fundraiser for the Institute, Hall previously served as Associate Vice President for Development (Athletics) and Executive Associate Athletics Director with the Georgia Tech Athletic Association, where under his leadership the Alexander-Tharpe Fund reached record levels of giving. Athletics Initiative 2020, a three-year campaign to raise $125 million, exceeded its goal by more than 40%.

Hall secured multiple seven-figure commitments in support of Tech Athletics and academic priorities across the Institute. In 2010, he was named University Division Fundraiser of the Year by the National Association of Athletic Development Directors, and he served as Georgia Tech’s Interim Vice President for Development in 2022. Prior to joining Georgia Tech, Hall led intercollegiate athletics fundraising and the letter winners association (I-Club) at Indiana State. He previously worked in development at the University of Oklahoma, where he helped launch the Sooner Club. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma.

Hall assumes the role as Georgia Tech continues Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech, the Institute’s more than $2 billion comprehensive campaign to support students, advance research and innovation, enhance campus and community, and expand Georgia Tech’s global impact.

Emily Wong – Senior Director of Development, Student Experience

Emily Wong
Senior Director of Development, Student Experience

Emily Wong leads integrated fundraising efforts across Student Engagement and Well-Being (SEWB), the Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success (OUESS), and the Georgia Tech Libraries. She manages major and principal gift relationships and collaborates with campus partners to advance the full student experience, from academic enrichment and research opportunities to well-being, belonging, and student life.

Emily holds a history degree from Emory University with a focus on British history. She earned Honorary Ambassador recognition from the Georgia Tech Student Ambassadors and a leadership award from the Office of Development.

Emily serves as the advisor to the Georgia Tech chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta and co-teaches GT 1000. She has nearly 20 years of experience in development and alumni and parent engagement, and she regularly speaks on development strategy, parent giving, and engagement best practices. She has held prior roles at her alma mater, Emory University, and at a PK–8 independent school in Atlanta.

The Opportunity: Associate Director of Development, Student Engagement & Well-Being

Georgia Tech - Associate DoD, Student Engagement & Well-Being - Job Description (PDF Download)

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Development, Student Engagement & Well-Being, serves as a front-line development officer responsible for assisting with the planning and implementation of a coordinated program of fundraising activities. Working under the guidance and support of a seasoned development director who serves as team leader and supervisor, this role utilizes professional relationship-building skills to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors, 75% of which are parents, and prospective donors capable of making gifts of $25,000 or more. The Associate Director will support special events designed to engage and cultivate major gift donors and prospects, and will identify stewardship opportunities to enhance donor engagement.

In addition, the Associate Director will lead the Parents Fund, which is the unrestricted annual fund within Student Life that supports student activities and student leadership. The current parents fund raises approximately $300,000 annually.

The Associate Director works closely with Student Engagement and Well-Being staff and leadership, as well as student leaders within student organizations. This role provides an opportunity to broaden knowledge of fundraising approaches and is expected to contribute to team results while building long-term, meaningful donor relationships. The Associate Director typically solicits gifts ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. The Associate Director is accountable for raising $500,000-750,000 per year, through managing a prospect pool and the parent fund.

This position will interact on a regular basis with alumni, parents, corporate and foundation representatives, staff, and volunteers. The Associate Director of Development will advise and counsel unit leadership, deans, development officers, and faculty.

The Role and Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

Assist with the design and/or implementation of comprehensive fundraising plans for assigned college, school, program, region, or constituency.
Use professional relationship building skills to develop and implement plans and strategies for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors and prospective donors. Close major gifts and commitments, both personally and in coordination with supervisors, with a typical gift range of $25,000 to $250,000, and an average annual fundraising accountability up to $750,000.
Establish and maintain a high degree of collaboration with other development officers and staff, as well as deans, school chairs, faculty, and other Institute academic and executive officers.
Submit timely contact reports, prospect plans, and solicitations into tracking system.
Participate in the preparation of written development materials including case statements, proposals, impact reports, and fundraising initiative/campaign related literature for assigned college, school, and/or program(s).
Support special events and/or staff advisory board meetings to involve and cultivate major gift donors and prospective donors.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Broad knowledge of fundraising approaches and strategies.
Knowledge of fundraising approaches.
Strong interpersonal skills, ethical standards, and good judgement.
Excellent skills in building long-term relationships.
Persuasive written and verbal communication skills.
Skills in prioritizing.
Use of office-related computer applications is required.
Ability and willingness to travel as an essential part of the position.
Participation in evening and weekend activities is required.
Focus on securing major gifts and grants from alumni, other individuals, corporations, and foundations.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Two to three years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising and/or relevant experience in sales and marketing, or other related fields.

Preferred Qualifications

Two plus years of proven development experience and results in soliciting and closing annual gifts and/or major gifts, and/or experience in a Development Services role in a higher education setting and a campaign environment.

Applications & Nominations

The Georgia Institute for Technology has partnered with Boyden Executive Search. For more information about this opportunity or to submit a cover letter and resume, please email:

Lisa Vuona
Managing Partner, Boston
lvuona@boyden.com
LinkedIn

Lisa Vuona has decades of experience in executive search and human resource management, primarily in the non-profit, healthcare and education sectors. She is distinguished by her track record and network, and by her approach, which combines the strategic power of data with a finely tuned ability to understand the client’s organization and identify high-caliber leaders who fit the culture.

Sara Swisher-Anderson
Principal
sswisher@boyden.com
LinkedIn

Sara Swisher-Anderson is an accomplished executive search professional and human capital expert with more than 15 years’ experience and a strong track record of successful searches. Specializing in the non-profit and higher education sectors, she partners with leadership teams to develop strategies and recruit transformative leaders capable of driving organizational growth and resilience.

Don’t check off all the boxes or meet every single requirement? We have learned that potential candidates hesitate when applying for a job unless they meet every single requirement. Boyden Boston is dedicated to inclusivity and valuing diversity and equity in the workplace. If this opportunity excites you, but your background may not be a perfect match, we still encourage you to apply.