Assistant Director of Special Projects, Engagement & Stewardship

University of North Carolina Charlotte; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina Charlotte in Charlotte, NC is seeking an Assistant Director of Special Projects, Engagement & Stewardship. The role leads donor stewardship, engagement initiatives, and reporting across Development and University Advancement to advance philanthropic priorities.

Reporting to senior leadership, the position coordinates with development officers, athletics, and communications to provide timely, meaningful engagement that reflects donor intent and strengthens connections

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Three or more years of relevant professional experience in university advancement, fundraising, sales, project management, or a related field.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse portfolio of donor stewardship, recognition, and engagement projects.
• Coordinate donor visits and engagement activities with internal partners.
• Develop donor communications and impact reports.
• Maintain information about naming commitments and available opportunities; promote donor-centered engagement.
• Support the For the Love of Charlotte capital campaign and other fundraising initiatives by ensuring consistent stewardship.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Relationship building

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM systems

Project management software

Google Workspace

Adobe Creative Cloud

Canva

Job description

Assistant Director of Special Projects, Engagement & Stewardship

• Position Number: 003803
• Vacancy Open to: All Candidates
• Working Title: Assistant Director of Special Projects, Engagement & Stewardship
• Position Designation: EHRA Non-Faculty
• Employment Type: Permanent - Full-time
• Months per Year: 12
• Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Monday - Friday with occasional evening and weekend hours required, as necessary.
• Hours per week: 40
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Division: University Advancement
• Department: Development (Adm)
• Work Location: Foundation
• Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000
• Posting Open Date: 11/06/2026
• Posting Close Date: 11/20/2026
• Open Until Filled: No

Primary Purpose of Department

The Office of University Development's primary purpose is to build philanthropic relationships that engage alumni, donors, students, faculty, and the community in supporting the University's mission. These efforts include working closely with donors, governing boards, alumni, friends, community members, foundations, and corporations to increase private giving to the University. The Office of University Development is within the division of University Advancement.

Primary Purpose of Position

Reporting to the Senior Director of Special Projects and Campaign, the Assistant Director of Special Projects - Engagement & Stewardship leads the planning, coordination, and execution of donor stewardship, recognition, and engagement initiatives that advance university fundraising priorities.

The position ensures that major and principal gift donors receive thoughtful, timely, and meaningful engagement that demonstrates the impact of their philanthropy and strengthens their connection to UNC Charlotte.

Working across University Advancement and in support of University Development and Athletics, the Assistant Director translates donor commitments and institutional priorities into coordinated stewardship experiences, impact reporting, recognition projects, and ongoing engagement strategies. The position plays an important role in supporting the For the Love of Charlotte capital campaign and other strategic fundraising initiatives by promoting a consistent, donor-centered experience from gift commitment through implementation and long-term stewardship.

Summary of Position Responsibilities

The Assistant Director of Special Projects - Engagement & Stewardship manages a diverse portfolio of projects supporting individual donor relationships, stewardship, recognition, and engagement across UNC Charlotte. The position works closely with development officers, advancement leadership, and university and athletic partners to fulfill donor commitments, coordinate engagement opportunities, and strengthen the University's stewardship practices.

Responsibilities include managing donor recognition and stewardship projects; monitoring gift-related commitments; coordinating donor visits and engagement activities; developing donor communications and impact reports; maintaining information about existing naming commitments and available naming opportunities; and improving processes that promote consistency, accountability, and efficiency.

The Assistant Director exercises sound judgment and discretion in managing projects independently and collaborating across teams. The position requires strong project management, communication, and organizational skills, along with a commitment to delivering a high-quality donor experience.

The Assistant Director serves as a collaborative partner to colleagues across Advancement and the University, exercising sound judgment and discretion to move projects from planning through execution. The position requires a strong understanding of university priorities, philanthropic relationships, and the importance of delivering a high-quality donor experience.

Minimum Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree required
• Three or more years of relevant professional experience in university advancement, fundraising, sales, project management, or a related field.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience in higher education advancement, nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, or philanthropic stewardship.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, donor engagement practices, gift stewardship, and the importance of honoring donor intent and philanthropic commitments.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple projects with varying timelines, priorities, and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to develop project plans, monitor deliverables, and ensure timely completion.
• Experience working with graphic designers, communications teams, and marketing partners.
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to build effective internal and external relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to anticipating needs, identifying challenges, and implementing solutions.
• Computer literacy and experience with CRM systems, project management software, and reporting tools.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace; familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, and other communications tools is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple teams.
• Commitment to a collegial, donor-centered approach.
• Adaptability, initiative, perseverance, and a positive, solutions-oriented attitude.

Necessary Certifications/Licenses

• N/A

Preferred Certifications/Licenses

• N/A

Special Notes to Applicants

• The finalist will be subject to a Criminal Background Check and/or a Motor Vehicle Report.
• The Search Committee will not contact references without first verifying permission with the finalist.
• Please ensure your resume reflects the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences to support your answers to the supplemental questions.
• UNC Charlotte Benefits Information: https://hr.charlotte.edu/benefits/benefits-overview/