Associate Director of Development

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Campus discounts

Job summary

The Ackland Art Museum at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks an Associate Director of Development to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership annual giving and major gifts, building a strategic plan for private support including planned gifts and corporate/foundation gifts.

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the role focuses on pipeline growth, donor engagement, staffing board groups, and coordinating fundraising events, with frequent travel, evenings, and

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree with 0–2 years of related education/experience.
• Strong oral and written communication; excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Three-to-five years in major gift development in higher education or arts is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership annual giving and major gift prospects.
• Create a strategic development plan for private support including planned gifts, major gifts, leadership annual giving, and corporate/foundation gifts.
• Maintain an active pipeline of qualified prospects and donors; engage donors, volunteers, faculty and administrators.
• Staff board and affinity groups; plan fundraising and stewardship events related to leadership giving and major gifts.
• Represent the central development organization as needed; travel, evenings, and some weekends required.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Judgment

Education

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Posting Information

• Department Ackland Art Museum-520500
• Career Area Development and Fundraising
• Posting Open Date 09/15/2026
• Application Deadline 10/06/2026
• Open Until Filled No
• Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
• Working Title Associate Director of Development
• Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
• Position Number 20030471
• Vacancy ID NF0010040
• Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
• FTE 1
• Hours per week 40
• Position Location North Carolina, US
• Proposed Start Date 11/01/2026

Position Information

Be a Tar Heel!

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

The Ackland Art Museum is one of the leading public university art museums in the country. With nearly 30 employees, dozens of volunteers, and a budget of approximately $4M per year, the Ackland maintains a collection of over 20,000 works of art. It produces four major exhibitions and many smaller installations annually. The museum receives nearly 60,000 visitors, always free of charge, who come from all 100 North Carolina counties, across the nation, and internationally each year. The Ackland serves UNC students, faculty, and the public through its special exhibitions, programs, and activities based on its permanent collection. The staff of the Ackland works with approximately 150 faculty and graduate instructors each year to provide opportunities for them to meet their teaching and research goals by bringing their classes to the museum (approximately 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students). The Ackland provides approximately 20 internships annually for both graduate and undergraduate students. It welcomes and trains a corps of 30 docents to work with K-12 schools and the public.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer and acting as the number two development officer, the Associate Director of Development at the Ackland Art Museum will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors at the leadership annual giving and major gift level, and create a strategic comprehensive development plan for private support through planned gifts, major gifts, leadership annual giving and corporate and foundation gifts. Focusing on pipeline growth and prospect management, this position will maintain an active pipeline of qualified prospects and donors, engaging and motivating donors, volunteers, faculty, and administrators as appropriate. He/she will assist with staffing board and affinity groups and help plan fundraising and stewardship events, particularly as they relate to leadership annual giving and major gift prospects and donors. The Associate Director of Development will also participate as a member of the University’s central development organization by attending appropriate campus-wide development meetings and will occasionally represent the CDO at these and other meetings as appropriate. The Associate Director of Development will serve as a critical partner in expanding development efforts at the Ackland, including corporation and foundation support, stewardship efforts, donor identification, strategy development, and planning for a building expansion. Overall, the Associate Director of Development will foster collaborative pan-University development efforts between the Museum and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Frequent travel, evening and some weekend work are required.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Master’s or Bachelor’s and 0-2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Strong verbal and written communications skills. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and judgment. Ability to interact effectively in a comprehensive environment such as a research university setting with donors, faculty, staff and volunteers. Exhibit the highest standards of professionalism and performance as evidenced by integrity, initiative, collaborative teamwork, critical thinking, accuracy, consistency, timeliness and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Three-to-five years of experience in major gift development or closely related field. Successful track record in comprehensive campaign fundraising in higher education or the arts.

Special Instructions

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/325427

Posting Contact Information

• Department Contact Name and Title David Elkins, Director of Business Operations
• 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.