Assistant Director of Development

UNC-Chapel Hill•Chapel Hill, NC

About The Position

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Assistant Director of Development will be an integral member of the Library Development team in the University Libraries. The Assistant Director of Development will be responsible for developing and executing a leadership annual and major gift fundraising strategy to support the mission of the University Libraries. In this role, the Assistant Director of Development will work collaboratively to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership and major gift prospects. The Assistant Director of Development will assist in the development and execution of a strategic solicitation plan to meet fundraising goals. This position will cultivate and maintain relationships with prospective donors through in-person, virtual, and phone meetings, with a focus on securing donations and commitments of $5,000 or more, and completing at least 150 face-to-face donor visits annually. Key responsibilities for this role include managing a portfolio of alumni, faculty, staff, and library supporters. The role emphasizes relationship-building and securing contributions through ongoing, personalized engagement. The Assistant Director of Development will also collaborate with the University Development Office and other teams to foster long-term donor relationships and support key fundraising initiatives for university projects and campaigns. Additionally, the position involves partnering with the Chief Development Officer to develop fundraising strategies and plans in alignment with the Library’s goals and the comprehensive capital campaign at Carolina.

Requirements

Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to travel and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required.
High energy, creativity, and a results-driven approach.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Proven ability to set and achieve goals in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
Proficiency in fundraising databases and standard office software.

Nice To Haves

Professional fundraising experience in annual giving, major gifts, gift planning, donor relations, foundation relations, and industry engagement, or other transferable roles
Experience with the donor giving cycle: identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Demonstrated success in building donor pipelines and frontline solicitation.
Experience working in a comprehensive research university or similar complex institution.
Proficiency with Constituent Relationship Management ( CRM ) systems or fundraising databases.

Responsibilities

Developing and executing a leadership annual and major gift fundraising strategy.
Identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding leadership and major gift prospects.
Assisting in the development and execution of a strategic solicitation plan to meet fundraising goals.
Cultivating and maintaining relationships with prospective donors through in-person, virtual, and phone meetings.
Securing donations and commitments of $5,000 or more.
Completing at least 150 face-to-face donor visits annually.
Managing a portfolio of alumni, faculty, staff, and library supporters.
Collaborating with the University Development Office and other teams to foster long-term donor relationships.
Supporting key fundraising initiatives for university projects and campaigns.
Partnering with the Chief Development Officer to develop fundraising strategies and plans.