Associate Director for Philanthropy

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Retirement Programs

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Job summary

North Carolina State University seeks an Associate Director for Philanthropy to lead major gift fundraising for university priorities. You will identify, cultivate and solicit donors, managing relationships with alumni, friends and foundations across colleges and units.

The role requires strategic engagement, exceptional communication, and collaboration with campus partners to advance philanthropic funding and donor stewardship. Travel and occasional events are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of relevant fundraising experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; outstanding interpersonal abilities.
• Knowledge of principles, practices and ethics of fundraising.
• Proven experience with cold calling, negotiating and closing gifts.
• Ability to build trust-based, respectful relationships in a large, complex organization.

Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify and cultivate prospects to build a portfolio of donors and groups capable of making substantial gifts to NC State.
• Meet fundraising targets; document activities and progress in the donor management system.
• Develop strategies for cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and recognition with college/unit leadership.
• Coordinate campus donor visits, participate in donor recognition, and foster partnerships across departments.

Skills

Prospect identification

Donor relations

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Posting Information

Posting Number: PG195026EP

Internal Recruitment: No

Working Title: Associate Director for Philanthropy

Anticipated Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience and education

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8a - 5p and other hours as needed to fulfill the duties of this position; flexible work arrangement available.

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Department: University Development

About the Department

North Carolina State University was founded in 1887 with the purpose of creating economic, societal and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina. Today, NC State is the largest university in North Carolina, with more than 40,500 high-performing students, more than 10,000 preeminent faculty and staff and more than 310,000 dedicated alumni. NC State is a Research One (R1) university known for its leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We're also at the forefront of teaching and discovery in agriculture, business, design, education, humanities and social sciences, natural resources, textiles and veterinary medicine. NC State is consistently named as one of the best values in higher education, and many of our programs are ranked at the top of their respective disciplines. We take a great deal of pride in our collaborative, supportive and collegial team culture. All staff are provided opportunities for training and professional development, with an eye to personalized career growth.

The mission of University Advancement at NC State is to amplify the university's local and global impact by nurturing lifelong relationships, championing philanthropy and strengthening the Wolfpack community. The division is composed of six teams - Advancement Services; Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving; Finance, Administration and Talent Management; Principal Gifts Program; University Development; and University Special Events and Experiences - that build relationships across the university and beyond to ensure a best-in-class experience for alumni, friends and donors.

University Development raises philanthropic support for university goals and priorities that benefit NC State's students, faculty, campus and, ultimately, the state of North Carolina by working closely and strategically with teams throughout University Advancement and within the university's colleges, units and programs. The department includes the offices of Central Major Gifts, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Development Communications and Stewardship, Gift Planning and Prospect Development.

North Carolina depends on its educators, and their leadership deserves serious, sustained investment. Since 2000, the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership at NC State has treated teacher professional learning as a statewide priority. We place teachers inside the industries and communities shaping their regions and surround them with a statewide network of peers who keep learning together long after their program ends. Teachers bring that experience home, and students see career pathways close to where they live. Philanthropic support fuels immersive professional learning and statewide networks that elevate education across North Carolina, an investment with long-term impact for our state and its continued vitality. As our advancement officer, you'll help donors and partners see themselves in that story and grow the investment behind it.

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 Propositionand 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

Duties and responsibilities:

• Through strategic identification, qualification and cultivation, build and manage a pipeline and portfolio of individual, corporate and foundation prospects with the capacity and inclination to make current-use gifts of $25,000-$99,999 or more to the university and assigned college(s)/unit(s).
• Consistently meet individual discovery, contact and fundraising goals, including monthly meetings and participation in annual solicitations; document all development activities in a timely manner.
• Focus on creating a productive portfolio of donors by managing and moving efficiently through the discovery and qualification process.
• Assist the assigned college/unit's leadership in developing and implementing strategies for cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and recognition, ensuring that prospects are advanced through the pipeline in a thoughtful and deliberate manner.
• Coordinate and host campus visits by donors, and participate in donor recognition.
• Develop strategic relationships among faculty, alumni, friends and campus colleagues that result in effective partnerships and increased philanthropic funding.
• Represent college(s) at universitywide donor events.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as required or assigned.
• Attend a variety of events throughout the year.
• Regular travel and occasional night and weekend work are required.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of three (3) years or greater of relevant experience.

Other Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and ethics of fundraising
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; outstanding interpersonal skills
• Proven experience with cold calling, negotiating, and closing business deals / gifts
• Ability to build trust-based, respectful and effective relationships in a large, complex organization
• Commitment to a collegial and collaborative team approach to fundraising
• Strong organizational skills with a high attention to detail; ability to manage multiple and competing priorities
• Self-motivated and self-starting
• Unquestioned integrity
• Optimism, perseverance, and a positive attitude
• Computer literacy and competency

Preferred Qualifications

• Personal belief in mission, goals, and objectives of public higher education
• Experience in higher education institutional advancement
• An understanding of the land grant, research Tier One university environment
• Grant writing experience.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

• A valid North Carolina Driver's License is required within 60 days of start date. Must be maintained as a condition of employment.
• Valid NC Driver's License required: Yes
• Commercial Driver's License required: No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date: 11/09/2026

Anticipated Close Date: Open until filled

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Position Details

• Position Number: 00103242
• Position Type: Exempt Professional Staff
• Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week): 1.0
• Appointment: 12 Month Recurring
• Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
• Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
• Department ID: 082001 - University Development

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.