Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship

North Carolina State University; North Carolina; On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Retirement Programs

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

Job summary

North Carolina State University seeks an Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship to lead strategic donor engagement for the College of Veterinary Medicine and the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Foundation.

You will design and execute donor relations plans, coordinate events, and develop impactful stewardship communications to deepen relationships and philanthropic support for NC State’s veterinary initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
• Preferred: 5–7 years of nonprofit development or higher education advancement experience.
• Strong donor communications and reporting skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute donor relations and stewardship plans aligned with college and foundation priorities.
• Collaborate with leadership to craft messaging, reporting, and engagement initiatives.
• Plan and execute in‑person and virtual donor events on campus and regionally.
• Coordinate donor meetings and support identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Create and distribute stewardship reports and donor communications to articulate impact.
• Serve as a resource to the CVM philanthropy team and university stewardship office.
• Contribute to broader strategic planning for donor and volunteer engagement.
• Oversee signature recognition programs, including the Walk of Honor and Gallop of Honor.

Skills

Leadership & Collaboration

Impact Storytelling

Event Management

Data & Analytics

Strategic Stewardship

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Posting Details

Job Posting Information

Posting Number PG195038SP

Internal Recruitment No

Working Title Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship

Anticipated Hiring Range $60,000 - $65,000

Work Schedule 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday (5 days a week in office)

Job Location Raleigh, NC

Department College Of Veterinary Medicine

About The Department

Created in 1978 to attract funding for the College’s teaching, learning, research, and extension in the field of veterinary medicine, the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Foundation, Inc. operates exclusively for educational and scientific purposes. By providing financial assistance that helps promote educational activities and maintain a prominent faculty, the Foundation encourages varied research and facilitates cooperative activities with other disciplines and institutions.

Wolfpack Perks And Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well‑being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical , Dental , and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership , and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

Are you a compelling storyteller with a passion for donor impact? The NC State College of Veterinary Medicine is looking for a dynamic professional to elevate the stewardship program.

The Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship is responsible for developing and implementing both short- and long-term strategies to advance innovative and comprehensive donor engagement for supporters of the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine and the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Foundation.

This role partners closely with the Assistant Dean of Philanthropy and advancement leadership to design, execute, and continuously strengthen stewardship, recognition, and engagement initiatives that deepen relationships and enhance philanthropic impact.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic donor relations and stewardship plans that align with college and foundation priorities and support long‑term donor retention and growth.
• Collaborate with advancement leadership to craft compelling language and messaging, stewardship communications, impact reporting, and broader engagement initiatives.
• Plan and execute in‑person and virtual donor events both on campus and regionally, in partnership with the development team, ensuring a high‑quality, mission‑aligned donor experience.
• Coordinate donor meetings on and off campus, supporting donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
• Manage the creation, production, and distribution of stewardship reports and donor communications that clearly articulate the impact of philanthropic support.
• Serve as a key resource to the CVM philanthropy team and university stewardship office to ensure coordinated and consistent donor engagement practices.
• Collaborate in broader strategic planning efforts to strengthen donor and volunteer engagement across the college.
• Oversee and enhance signature recognition programs, including the Walk of Honor and Gallop of Honor, ensuring effective program management and continued relevance.

Other Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience/Education

Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience & Strategic Stewardship: Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development or higher education advancement, with a proven track record of designing, implementing, and scaling innovative donor engagement and stewardship strategies.
• Communication & Impact Storytelling: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with expertise in developing donor-centered messaging, impact reporting, and digital engagement materials to foster long-term donor relationships.
• Event & Project Management: Demonstrated ability to lead complex, signature donor events and experiential engagement initiatives from concept to execution, managing multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Data & Technical Proficiency: Expert proficiency in CRM systems and advancement databases, including the ability to manage donor data, interpret metrics, and utilize digital marketing platforms to drive engagement and reporting.
• Leadership & Stakeholder Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills with experience collaborating with senior leadership, faculty, and external stakeholders, including supervisory or project leadership experience within a complex organizational structure.

Required License Or Certification

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required

No

Commercial Driver's License Required?

No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date 06/01/2026

Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.) 09/09/2026

Notice to Applicants: Please note that the work history on your resume must also be included in your application.

Special Instructions: Along with your completed application, please include a resume, cover letter, and contact information for at least three professional references.

Repost. This position is being reposted, previous applicants do not need to reapply.

Position Details

Position Number 00112096

Position Type SHRA

Position Classification Band Title University Program Specialist

Position Classification Band Level Journey

Position Classification Salary Range $ 36,381 - $ 91,526

Salary Grade Equivalency NC12

Alternate Option If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0

Appointment Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Time Limited Position No

Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)

Department Id 190101 - College Of Veterinary Medicine

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail] .

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.