Associate Director of Principal Gifts Strategy

UNC-Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill, NC

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station. The Associate Director of Principal Gifts Strategy plays a critical role in advancing principal gift opportunities at the point of highest leverage when a donor is well cultivated and the institution is ready to define, shape, and secure a transformational gift. This role partners closely with principal gift officers, senior leadership, and faculty to develop compelling gift visions, translate those visions into actionable plans, and guide their communication and execution. The position focuses on the design, articulation, and advancement of principal gift opportunities, ensuring they are clear, credible, and aligned with both donor interests and institutional priorities. The position also contributes to building and executing strategies that extend the Vice Chancellor’s relationships and influence among prospects to facilitate current and future principal gift conversations. This is not a frontline fundraising or portfolio management role. It is a late-stage strategy and execution role focused on increasing the likelihood, size, and success of principal gifts. This role is engaged when the following conditions are met: Gift potential of $5 million or greater Prospect is in late-stage cultivation Donor capacity and philanthropic intent are clearly established Need exists to define/refine vision, build a structured proposal, and/or align stakeholders This position is supervised by the executive director of principal gifts.

Requirements

• 3-5+ years in advancement or related field.
• Ability to translate ideas into fundable gift opportunities.
• Strong collaboration and project management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred.
• In-depth understanding of fundraising principles and strategies.
• Experience with principal gift proposals.
• Fundraising campaign experience.
• Higher education experience.
• CRM familiarity.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use professional discretion.

Responsibilities

• Partner closely with principal gift officers, senior leadership, and faculty to develop compelling gift visions.
• Translate gift visions into actionable plans.
• Guide the communication and execution of gift visions.
• Focus on the design, articulation, and advancement of principal gift opportunities, ensuring they are clear, credible, and aligned with both donor interests and institutional priorities.
• Contribute to building and executing strategies that extend the Vice Chancellor’s relationships and influence among prospects to facilitate current and future principal gift conversations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior