Associate Director for Donor Relations and Communications

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exclusive discounts

Comprehensive benefits

Training opportunities

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks an Associate Director for Donor Relations and Communications to lead a strategic donor communications program for the College of Arts and Sciences Foundation. You will craft compelling narratives and manage donor engagement across digital and print channels.

You will supervise a public communications specialist, develop proposals for gifts of $100,000 and up, and collaborate across campus to advance fundraising priorities and measure impact

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Experience in donor communications in higher education preferred.
• Familiarity with fundraising campaigns and donor engagement.

Responsibilities

• Write targeted proposals for gifts of $100,000+ and craft news and feature stories.
• Translate campaign priorities into compelling narratives across channels.
• Lead the public communications specialist and manage content across platforms.
• Collaborate with campus partners to support fundraising goals and donor stewardship.

Skills

Donor communications

Content creation

Editing

Storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

WordPress

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Posting Information

• Department: Arts and Sciences Foundation-300101
• Career Area: Development and Fundraising
• Posting Open Date: 10/23/2026
• Application Deadline: 11/06/2026
• Open Until Filled: No
• Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
• Working Title: Associate Director for Donor Relations and Communications
• Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty
• Position Number: 00051695
• Vacancy ID: NF0010134
• Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent
• FTE: 1
• Hours per week: 40
• Position Location: North Carolina, US
• Hiring Range: Dependent on Experience and/or Qualifications
• Proposed Start Date: 11/16/2026

Position Information

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

As the largest unit on campus, the College of Arts and Sciences forms the academic core of the Carolina experience. Our mission is to create knowledge and discover innovative solutions to the world's greatest challenges, to educate outstanding undergraduate and graduate students, and to encourage faculty, staff and students to contribute meaningfully to North Carolina, the nation, and the world. UNC's Arts and Sciences Foundation exists to raise philanthropic support for the highest development priorities of the College of Arts and Sciences. Under the leadership and governance of its Board of Directors, and with support from alumni and friends of the College, the Foundation works to grow and steward the College's $1.3 billion endowment. In the recent Campaign for Carolina, the Foundation team raised over $764 million, exceeding its goal of $750 million. The Foundation works collaboratively with University Development and almost every other School and Unit to maximize donor giving to the greater University benefit. Every gift to the College of Arts and Sciences and the University of North Carolina makes a positive impact. The Arts and Sciences Foundation's mission is to enhance the College by meeting the needs of its academic departments, units, and centers; promoting teaching, research, and service; and supporting the continued development of knowledge and learning.

Position Summary

By conceiving and producing fundraising and stewardship materials used with individual major donors well as with mass audiences, this position contributes to a communications effort that is instrumental to the College's fundraising success. The position plays an important role in the University's upcoming comprehensive fundraising campaign by translating College campaign priorities into compelling narratives and engagement opportunities and contributing to the delivery of integrated communications across digital platforms and channels. Key duties include developing and executing content that advances fundraising and campaign priorities in support of the College of Arts and Sciences; managing the full time public communications specialist on the team; collecting, interpreting and disseminating information about the College's priorities and the College's more than 1,000 donor established funds; communicating accurately, clearly, efficiently and effectively the importance of private support for the College; ; writing targeted proposals for gifts of $100,000 and up; and writing news and feature stories and other materials for publication. Special emphasis is placed on communicating the campaign priorities for the College in the next pan-university campaign and showing the impact of previously committed gifts.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Knowledge of graphic design principles and experience working with printing and design vendors is preferred, as well as possession of demonstrable skills in programs including Microsoft Office, WordPress and Adobe Creative Suite. Preference will be given to candidates with direct experience in development communications in higher education, especially within a fundraising campaign.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Experience in higher education, nonprofit or advancement/fundraising communications and marketing.
• Experience developing content related to fundraising campaigns, donor engagement and/or stewardship.
• Familiarity with digital publishing platforms and content management systems.
• Knowledge of graphic design principles and experience working with printing and design vendors is preferred, as well as possession of demonstrable skills in programs including Microsoft Office, WordPress and Adobe Creative Suite.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions

Using the Writing/Research Sample Document, please provide one or two communication samples. Samples developed for donor or prospect audiences are strongly preferred. Candidates without direct donor communication samples may submit materials created for other audiences that showcase audience-centered writing, relationship building, and strategic communications skills.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327259

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title: Katy Galbraith, Business Services Coordinator

Department Contact Telephone or Email: [e-mail]

Office of Human Resources Contact Information: If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail] Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.