Director of Development for Principal Gift Strategies

UNC-Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill, NC

8d • 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 in Chapel Hill, NC. The Director of Development for Principal Gift Strategies serves as the principal lead for a portfolio of approximately 15-25 high-capacity donors and prospects, overseeing relationships from late-stage cultivation through proposal development, solicitation, gift closure, and long-term stewardship. This role partners closely with development officers during the final stages of principal gift conversations, ensuring adherence to best practices, and supporting the achievement of transformational philanthropic outcomes. Working in collaboration with chief development officers and senior leadership, the Director ensures that principal gift strategies are comprehensive, executable, and aligned with institutional priorities; that gift concepts are thoroughly vetted and viable; and that prospects are appropriately prepared to receive seven-, eight-, or nine-figure proposals. The Director also serves as a continuity and risk-mitigation resource for donor relationships, providing stability, strategic oversight, and assurance throughout the cultivation and solicitation process. In addition, the Director provides supervision and oversight of assigned staff, including hiring, coaching, training, assigning work, and managing performance to ensure a high-functioning principal gifts team.

Requirements

• Seasoned and polished professional who knows and understands the nature and purpose of higher education.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and collaboratively in a comprehensive, research university setting.
• Proven record of accomplishments.
• Ability to work effectively with volunteer leaders.
• Drive to be successful.
• Exceptional organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

• Five to seven years of progressive fundraising and/or communications experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal lead for a portfolio of approximately 15-25 high-capacity donors and prospects, overseeing relationships from late-stage cultivation through proposal development, solicitation, gift closure, and long-term stewardship.
• Partner closely with development officers during the final stages of principal gift conversations, ensuring adherence to best practices, and supporting the achievement of transformational philanthropic outcomes.
• Ensure that principal gift strategies are comprehensive, executable, and aligned with institutional priorities.
• Ensure that gift concepts are thoroughly vetted and viable.
• Ensure that prospects are appropriately prepared to receive seven-, eight-, or nine-figure proposals.
• Serve as a continuity and risk-mitigation resource for donor relationships, providing stability, strategic oversight, and assurance throughout the cultivation and solicitation process.
• Provide supervision and oversight of assigned staff, including hiring, coaching, training, assigning work, and managing performance to ensure a high-functioning principal gifts team.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed