Chief Development Strategist – Major Gifts Lead

NC Central University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid holidays

TSERS retirement

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Campus recreation center discount

University bookstore discount

Job summary

North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC seeks an Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development to provide senior strategic leadership for fundraising priorities and donor engagement that advance the university’s mission.

The role manages a portfolio of 70–90 prospects, leads 5–7 Directors of Development, and cultivates and solicits gifts typically in excess of $25,000 while ensuring strong donor stewardship.

Qualifications

• Strategic leadership and goal setting for fundraising programs.
• Build and lead high-performing donor teams.
• Proven success in major and principal gift fundraising.
• Excellent interpersonal and written/oral communication.
• Extensive knowledge of annual, planned, capital, and foundation giving.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Minimum 8 years in development with leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the advancement team in fundraising strategies for major gifts.
• Set measurable goals aligned with university priorities.
• Strengthen major and principal gifts pipeline.
• Provide guidance to development staff for coordinated fundraising.
• Monitor performance and adjust strategies as needed.
• Oversee travel and donor engagement planning.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Team leadership

Major gift fundraising

Communication skills

Fundraising knowledge

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC seeks an Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development to provide senior strategic leadership for fundraising priorities and donor engagement that advance the university’s mission.

The role manages a portfolio of 70–90 prospects, leads 5–7 Directors of Development, and cultivates and solicits gifts typically in excess of $25,000 while ensuring strong donor stewardship.