Associate Director of Philanthropy

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Holidays 12 per year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

And so much more!

Job summary

NC State University in Raleigh, NC, invites applications for Associate Director of Philanthropy within University Development. This role supports the College of Design and works with alumni and donors to secure private philanthropic support.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Philanthropy, you will manage a portfolio and lead fundraising activities. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's degree and at least three years of fundraising experience, with strong written and verbal

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of fundraising experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proven ability to build trust-based relationships in a large organization.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a pipeline and portfolio of donors capable of making significant gifts.
• Meet annual fundraising goals and document activities in a timely manner.
• Develop strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and recognition of donors.
• Coordinate campus visits by donors and participate in donor events.
• Represent College of Design and University Development at events to raise private support.

Skills

Fundraising knowledge

Strong communication

Negotiation

Relationship building

Organizational skills

Self-motivated

Integrity

Computer literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Posting Number: PG195023EP

Internal Recruitment : No

Working Title: Associate Director of 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.

The College of Design is considered among the top programs of its kind in the country, with graduate and undergraduate programs in Architecture, Media Arts, Design and Technology, Design Studies, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, and Landscape Architecture where they teach design thinking in an interdisciplinary environment that makes sense of the world for the benefit of the public and to serve the needs of users. Design touches everything from the tech in our pockets to the parks in our cities. And good design can change lives. At NC State’s College of Design, our students prepare for rewarding careers that make a positive impact — environmentally, socially and economically. Here, we gather creative minds from around the world and task them with bettering our world. Because to a designer, every problem is just waiting for a creative solution.

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 Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

• 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

Reporting to the Executive Director of Philanthropy, Central Major Gifts in University Development, the Associate Director of Philanthropy will serve as a member of the Central Major Gifts team, supporting all areas of the University and specifically, the College of Design, as the assigned portfolio. The position will collaborate closely with NC State advancement staff and volunteers in identifying, qualifying, and developing relationships with alumni and donors to solicit and secure private philanthropic support for the university.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Through strategic identification, qualification, and cultivation, build and manage a pipeline and portfolio of individual prospects with the capacity and inclination to make current use gifts of $25,000-$99,999 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 new portfolio of donors by managing and moving efficiently through the discovery and qualification process.
• Assist the assigned college’s chielf development officer 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 at college(s) and university-wide donor events.

Other Responsibilities

• Regular local travel and some regional/out-of-state travel is required for this position.

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

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

Job Open Date: 11/06/2026

Anticipated Close Date: Open until filled

Position Number: 00061243

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.