Chief Development Officer

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Chief Development Officer to lead fundraising strategies for Carolina Performing Arts. This executive role will enhance partnerships and cultivate relationships with donors and stakeholders while managing comprehensive development and marketing functions. A sign-on bonus of up to $25,000 is available for the successful candidate, reflecting the importance of this position in fostering financial support for the university's mission.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid leave

Tuition & Fee Waiver Program

Discounts on local deals

Qualifications

• 7-10 years in development or marketing.
• Proven record of raising six-figure gifts.
• Strong relationship builder with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategies to increase philanthropic investments.
• Oversee marketing and communications for engagement.
• Coordinate fundraising goals with cross-University initiatives.

Skills

Fundraising

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic communications

Marketing

Education

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree

Bachelor's degree

Job description

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department University Development Office-250100

Career Area Development and Fundraising

Posting Open Date 05/27/2025

Application Deadline 06/10/2025

Open Until Filled No

Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title Chief Development Officer

Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number 01000232

Vacancy ID NF0009109

Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent

FTE 1

Hours per week 40

Position Location North Carolina, US

Hiring Range Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget Restrictions

Proposed Start Date 07/21/2025

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

University Development’s purpose is to support the mission of the university by raising private resources to enhance financial support for students, faculty, programs, and facilities. University Development provides leadership and centralized services to all development offices throughout the University, serving as a focal point for annual giving, application development and IT support; campaign management; constituent programs; corporate and foundation relations; donor relations; gift planning; gift services; industry relations; marketing/communications; parents giving; principal gifts; prospect management, research and analytics; regional programs; scholarships and student aid; talent management; university events; and volunteer engagement.

Carolina Development is proud of its donor-centered philosophy, pursuing activities that always respect the interests and intentions of the donor as well as the University. The organization’s collaborative nature is a critical component to fulfilling our mission of raising private funds to benefit the university.

Location, Location, Location

Want to live in Chapel Hill? If so, we have tons of perks to offer you. Discounts and access to many UNC -CH athletics, Performing Arts, Gym memberships and many more on campus and local community opportunities along with a perks program that provides employees with over 800 local deals.

Want to live outside of Chapel Hill but still in the area? You have a choice of smaller communities, cities, or even suburbs in areas like Raleigh and Durham. Both living experiences offer a multitude of advantages designed to fit your needs and still enjoy the perks offered by UNC -CH.

Tuition & Fee Waiver Program: Check out our Tuition & Fee Waivers Programs https://hr.unc.edu/benefits/educational-assistance/tuition-waivers/

Benefits: Explore the benefits of working at UNC -CH Benefits and Leave – UNC Human Resources

Position Summary

A sign-on bonus of up to $25,000 is available to the successful candidate for this position. The bonus will be paid in a single installment within 60 days of the hire date.

The Director of External Affairs ( DEA ) leads an integrated strategic external affairs vision for Carolina Performing Arts that expands awareness of CPA’s impact and priorities across a broad community of stakeholders, develops audiences who are effectively welcomed into and engaged with our offerings, and maximizes philanthropic and earned revenues. Reporting to and partnering with the Executive & Artistic Director ( EAD ), the DEA is a member of the leadership team and works in close partnership with the other department directors to guide CPA’s strategic direction. They participate in long-range strategic planning and ensure that fundraising, communications, and audience development strategies align with and maximize broad-based support for existing needs and growth plans.

This position is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing comprehensive strategies to increase transformational individual, corporate, and institutional investments in Carolina Performing Arts. The DEA serves as CPA’s chief fundraiser and demonstrates an exceptional ability to cultivate close relationships with stakeholders across diverse mediums: donors, volunteers, patrons, an international arts community, faculty, students, colleagues, and the entire educational community of UNC -Chapel Hill. The role shares responsibility for ensuring coordination with cross-University fundraising in the arts.

In consultation with the EAD and working closely with the Executive Director of Development for Constituent Programs ( EDOD ) in the UNC Office of University Development, this position holds primary responsibility for setting and meeting fundraising goals. The DEA oversees the development team and program, ensuring a sustainable plan to increase fundraising results. This individual is expected to leverage strong major gift experience and innovative strategies to identify new major gift prospects, increase annual giving, and diversify CPA’s donor base. They staff CPA’s International Advisory Board ( IAB ) and curate regional and international trips and experiences for board members and high-capacity donors, providing exclusive access to exceptional artistic opportunities and CPA’s robust global network of artistic partners. The DEA co-creates the vision and advances the stewardship program that consists of acknowledgements, annual impact reporting, and innovative high touch points consistently demonstrated to donors throughout the year.

The Director of External Affairs also provides leadership for marketing and communications to ensure that CPA puts forth a cohesive message, a distinct brand, and a consistent narrative while clearly articulating our mission, vision, programs, and impact. They oversee a comprehensive brand engagement strategy that welcomes and builds loyalty among a wide range of audiences, donors, students, partners, staff, and other stakeholders. Their efforts facilitate strategic relationships that position CPA’s brand regionally, nationally, and internationally. This position guides the marketing and communications team to anticipate and recognize novel storytelling opportunities and solutions, and to deliver appropriate communication strategies to support them.

The DEA directs the creation and implementation of audience development plans based in quantitative and qualitative research, evolving market trends, and contemporary outreach strategies. They are ultimately accountable for setting and achieving annual revenue and sales goals as well as engagement targets and pipeline-building metrics.

The Director of External Affairs is a seasoned relationship steward, a gifted impact storyteller, and a coalition-building leader who can motivate a large and diverse team of professionals to devise successful capital, annual fundraising, marketing, communications, and audience development programs. The DEA oversees daily administration of all operations across the development and marketing/communications functions.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in the field(s) of development, communications, marketing, or comparable experience in a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and implement strategy, including envisioning and articulating future direction.
• Demonstrated experience recognizing, integrating, and leveraging interdependent relationships between marketing, communications, and development functions.
• Broad knowledge of fundraising best practices, nuanced external relationship development and management, strategy development and implementation, strategic communications, and multi-stakeholder coordination.
• Demonstrated record of success raising six- and seven-figure gifts, as well as corporate and foundation fundraising.
• Highly developed and effective storytelling skills in all mediums including written, verbal, presentation, and visual communications.
• A history of collaborating with diverse groups to develop impactful, mutually beneficial partnerships and achieve ambitious results.
• A strong relationship builder who engenders confidence and trust with executives, peers, prospects, donors, and board members.
• High energy and passion for CPA’s mission. Proven ability to connect one’s own work and goals to the broader mission and values of an organization.
• Frequent travel, and evening and weekend work required.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Values and encourages diversity in all aspects of the work. Demonstrated experience and passion for leading a department and collaborating with colleagues with a diversity of skillset and experience. A track record of inspiring and offering a sense of direction to staff across all departments and levels.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

• Ability to develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising program working independently and collaboratively, preferably with a background in and passion for fundraising for the arts or arts related endeavors.
• Demonstrated leadership experience related to communications, marketing, and/or media relations as part of broader efforts to advance an organization’s mission and goals among internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to interact effectively in a comprehensive environment such as a research university setting and to exhibit the highest standards of professionalism and performance as evidenced by collaborative teamwork, initiative, critical thinking, good judgment, consistency of output, and timeliness of follow-through.
• Ability to respond positively to change as evidenced by adapting approaches, goals, and methods to achieve solutions and results in dynamic situations; helping others cope with the ongoing demands of change and finding the benefits; and recovering quickly from setbacks to find alternative ways to reach goals or targets.
  
  

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions

Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/301242

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title

Department Contact Telephone or Email

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.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Business Development and Sales

• Industries

  Higher Education

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill by 2x

Get notified about new Chief Development Officer jobs in North Carolina, United States.

Cary, NC $300,000.00-$400,000.00 7 hours ago

Greensboro--Winston-Salem--High Point Area $100,000.00-$150,000.00 1 hour ago

AI Development Manager and Solution Architect

Director of Business Development - Life Sciences Construction

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area 11 hours ago

Charlotte, NC $100,000.00-$130,000.00 23 hours ago

Raleigh, NC $130,000.00-$165,000.00 2 hours ago

North Carolina, United States 21 hours ago

Raleigh, NC $75,000.00-$85,000.00 1 day ago

Charlotte, NC $130,000.00-$165,000.00 2 hours ago

Director of Conservation, Education and Science (CES)

Director of Football Athletic Training Services

Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development

Ready to take your business to the next level? 100% Plus for our Brokers!

Wilmington, NC $50,000.00-$150,000.00 1 hour ago

Greensboro, NC $50,000.00-$150,000.00 1 hour ago

Morganton, NC $83,500.00-$155,000.00 1 hour ago

Gastonia, NC $50,000.00-$150,000.00 1 hour ago

Jacksonville, NC $50,000.00-$100,000.00 1 hour ago

High Point, NC $83,500.00-$155,000.00 1 hour ago

North Carolina, United States 7 hours ago

Ready to take your business to the next level?

High Point, NC $50,000.00-$150,000.00 1 hour ago

Concord, NC $83,500.00-$155,000.00 1 hour ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.