Associate Director for Donor Relations and Communications

UNC-Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UNC-Chapel Hill seeks an Associate Director for Donor Relations and Communications to lead development communications and donor stewardship. The role translates College priorities into compelling narratives, shaping engagement across digital platforms, and contributing to a major fundraising campaign.

The position oversees a public communications specialist and collaborates with University Development to maximize private support.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of graphic design principles and experience with printing/vendors preferred.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit or advancement/fundraising communications and marketing.
• Experience developing content related to fundraising campaigns, donor engagement and stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute content that advances fundraising and campaign priorities.
• Manage the full-time public communications specialist on the team.
• Write proposals for gifts of $100,000 and up and write news and feature stories.

Skills

Graphic design

WordPress

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

Fundraising communications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Printing vendors

Job description

Associate Director for Donor Relations and Communications

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department

Department Arts and Sciences Foundation-300101

Career Area Development and Fundraising

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 10/23/2026

Application Deadline

Application Deadline 11/06/2026

Open Until Filled No

Position Type

Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title

Working Title Associate Director for Donor Relations and Communications

Appointment Type

Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number

Position Number 00051695

Vacancy ID

Vacancy ID NF0010134

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent

FTE

FTE 1

Hours per week 40

Position Location

Position Location North Carolina, US

Hiring Range

Hiring Range Dependent on Experience and/or Qualifications

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.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Department Contact

Department Contact Name and Title Katy Galbraith, Business Services Coordinator

Department Contact Telephone or Email

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.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References
• Writing/research Sample

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please select the response below that best describes your experience/education for the Public Communications Specialist position.
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate in a related field
  • Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate in an unrelated field and 4 years of related experience
  • Associate's in a related and 2 years of related experience
  • Combination of post-high school education and/or experience in a related field to equal at least 4 years (ex. 1 year towards a related degree and 3 years of related experience)
  • Did not complete high school but have a combination of high school education and related experience to equal 8 years (ex. 1 year of high school and 7 years of related experience)
  • None of the above