NC State University | Director of Development, Central Major Gifts for Charlotte, NC and Mecklenburg County

  • Full-time

Company Description

North Carolina State University (NC State) was founded in 1887 as a land-grant institution with the purpose of creating economic, societal and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina. Today it is the largest university in the state with more than 34,000 high-performing students, 8,000 pre-eminent faculty and staff and 205,000 living alumni. NC State is known for its leadership in research, education and service and as a research extensive university, is recognized for its strengths in science, engineering and technology. The University consistently ranks among the top public national universities and one of the best values in higher education.

The mission of University Development within the Division of University Advancement at NC State is to raise philanthropic support for university goals and priorities that benefit our students, faculty, this campus and ultimately, the state of North Carolina. The department includes the offices of Annual Giving, Central Major Gifts, Corporate and Foundation Relations and Gift Planning.

In 2016, NC State launched the Think & Do the Extraordinary Campaign, the most ambitious fundraising effort in the history of the university with a $1.6 billion goal. Priorities include dramatically increasing endowment to benefit students and faculty, enhancing facilities and strengthening support for current operations.

Job Description

Reporting to the Executive Director of Central Major Gifts, the Director of Development will plan and implement a comprehensive regional major gift program in the Charlotte metro and greater Mecklenburg County area. The Director is responsible for identifying, qualifying, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors to NC State University and is expected to live and work in the Charlotte, NC metro region. This position will serve as a part of University Development’s team and will work to support all areas of the University in conjunction with the Think & Do the Extraordinary Campaign. As appropriate, the Director will also identify and coordinate the management of key volunteers in assigned regions. The Director will be expected to manage a portfolio of prospects while also collaborating with fundraising colleagues across campus.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Identification, qualification, cultivation and solicitation of prospects to create and grow a pipeline of major gift ($50,000 and above) donors.
  • Conduct at least 150 personal meetings with prospects and donors annually and participate in 18-24 solicitations annually.
  • Strategic development and management of a portfolio with approximately 125 -175 prospects and donors capable of making gifts of $50,000 or more;
  • Creation and implementation of comprehensive strategies to leverage networks and maximize fundraising results in assigned geographic regions. 
  • Identification, coordination and management of key volunteers in assigned geographic regions. 
  • Collaboration with colleagues to help align donors’ philanthropic interests with various priorities across campus. 
  • Coordination of stewardship efforts as needed with appropriate University Advancement and other campus colleagues
  • Perform other duties as required or assigned. Attend a variety of events throughout the year. Regular travel and occasional night and weekend work is required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • Post-baccalaureate credentials or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least three or more years of experience in major gift fundraising or a closely related field (such as sales or wealth management) are required.
  • This position is located in Charlotte, NC. Candidates must be willing to either move to or currently located in the Charlotte, NC metro region.

Essential Skills, Requirements and Preferred Qualifications

  • Ability to work well with faculty, administrators, volunteers, and colleagues as part of a team in a large, complex research university 
  • Ability to work independently and remotely, while maintaining consistent and transparent communication with a team and leadership
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong organizational and analytical skills, with a high attention to detail 
  • Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment 
  • Experience in cold calling, negotiating, and closing business deals
  • Self-motivated and self-starting
  • Good listener
  • Optimism, perseverance and a positive attitude
  • Ability to travel around the region and to other areas of the countryAbility to work evenings and weekends as required
  • Computer literacy
  • Three or more years of experience in fundraising or closely related field
  • Volunteer management experience 
  • Prior experience in a comprehensive capital campaign
  • Knowledge of principles, practices and ethics of fundraising
  • Experience in higher education fundraising 
  • An understanding of the land-grant, research Tier One university environment
  • Familiarity with NC State University and the Charlotte metro community

Additional Information

NC State has retained Capital Development Services to assist with professional recruitment.  Candidates must provide a cover letter, resume, and list of three references.  All materials will be kept confidential.  Additional inquiries may be directed to Jen Tozier at Capital Development Services, 336-747-0133 x 208.