Director of Development for Strategic Priorities

Appalachian State University • Boone, NC

2d

About The Position

The Director of Development for Strategic Priorities drives major gift success for Appalachian State by leading philanthropic strategy for the university’s highest‑impact initiatives. This role identifies, cultivates, and secures transformational investments that elevate App State’s mission, fuel institutional priorities, and expand the university’s reach and reputation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Three years of experience in fundraising, development, sales, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage productive external relationships
• Willingness to travel frequently for donor engagement and university business
• Availability for evening work as required for events and donor meetings

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a relevant field
• Experience with major and planned gifts in a college or university setting
• Demonstrated success in securing five, six, or seven‑figure philanthropic commitments
• Experience collaborating with academic leadership, faculty, and campus partners
• Knowledge of advancement best practices, donor engagement strategies, and campaign environments
• Ability to manage a dynamic portfolio and prioritize high‑impact prospects
• Strong communication skills for donor meetings, proposals, and strategic presentations
• Experience working with volunteer leaders, advisory groups, or boards
• Familiarity with CRM systems and data‑informed fundraising practices

Responsibilities

• Lead major gift strategy to advance high‑impact university priorities
• Manage a focused portfolio of 60-80 major gift prospects with clear goals and movement
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit donors capable of making transformational philanthropic investments
• Develop compelling proposals and cases for support aligned with institutional needs
• Conduct strategic donor travel regionally and nationally to engage high‑capacity prospects
• Partner with College Deans and academic leaders to surface funding opportunities and shape donor strategies
• Collaborate with Development colleagues to coordinate outreach, share insights, and support enterprise‑wide fundraising goals
• Engage campus units, including administrative areas and Athletics, to align philanthropic opportunities with donor interests
• Plan and execute solicitations for major gifts, including strategy, preparation, and follow‑through
• Steward major donors with meaningful communication, impact reporting, and long‑term engagement
• Use data and CRM tools to track activity, inform decisions, and evaluate progress toward goals
• Support campaign initiatives through coordinated strategy, prospect alignment, and donor engagement
• Represent App State at donor meetings, events, and university functions with professionalism and enthusiasm
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with university, state, and industry standards

What This Job Offers

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