Director of Development

UNC-Chapel Hill•Chapel Hill, NC

About The Position

The Director of Development is responsible for leading the strategic direction and execution of comprehensive fundraising initiatives to support the institution’s mission and long-term goals. This senior-level role develops and implements forward-thinking development strategies, with a particular focus on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major, planned, and annual gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other key stakeholders. The Director manages a portfolio of major donors and prospects, working to identify, qualify, secure high-value gifts that align with institutional priorities, and steward a portfolio of donors with new commitments of $100k+ with an annual revenue goal of $1 million. This position also oversees campaign activities, working collaboratively with the Dean, Boards, and University partners to ensure fundraising efforts are fully aligned with broader strategic initiatives. Acting as a key ambassador for the institution, the Director builds and maintains strong external relationships to effectively communicate institutional priorities and philanthropic opportunities. The role also involves close collaboration with the University Development Office and Prospect Management, Research, and Analytics teams to identify new major gift prospects and ensure effective donor engagement strategies. Additionally, the Director oversees development team efforts to enhance donor experiences and stewardship practices, using the University’s Constituent Relationship Management ( CRM ) system to maintain accurate records, generate reports, and support data-informed fundraising strategies. This role is ideal for a results-driven, relationship-oriented leader who is passionate about advancing institutional excellence through philanthropy.

Requirements

Progressive fundraising experience in higher education or a related field.
Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills to build relationships with diverse constituents.
Strong ability to think critically, make sound judgments, and develop effective strategies.
Exceptional planning, coordination, and project management skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Proven ability to lead, manage, and inspire a development team.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel, as needed, to engage with donors and attend events.

Nice To Haves

Ability to interact effectively in a comprehensive research university setting.
Familiarity with the University’s academic and administrative offices and their functions; knowledge of and ability to tap resources within the University community.

Responsibilities

Lead strategic direction and execution of fundraising initiatives.
Develop and implement forward-thinking development strategies.
Cultivate, solicit, and steward major, planned, and annual gifts.
Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects.
Identify, qualify, and secure high-value gifts.
Steward a portfolio of donors with new commitments of $100k+ with an annual revenue goal of $1 million.
Oversee campaign activities.
Collaborate with the Dean, Boards, and University partners.
Build and maintain strong external relationships.
Collaborate with the University Development Office and Prospect Management, Research, and Analytics teams.
Oversee development team efforts to enhance donor experiences and stewardship practices.
Use the University’s Constituent Relationship Management ( CRM ) system to maintain accurate records, generate reports, and support data-informed fundraising strategies.