Director of Development – B.R.I.T.E.

North Carolina Central University

Durham (NC)

On-site

USD 70,000 - 110,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and Sick Leave

Health Benefits

TSERS Retirement System

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Discounts

Job summary

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, NC, invites applications for the Director of Development - B.R.I.T.E. This is a 40-hour/week, 12‑month, exempt position reporting to Institutional Advancement with BRITE leadership.

The role focuses on major gifts, corporate and foundation partnerships, and strategic fundraising for BRITE’s biomanufacturing programs. You will build a sustainable pipeline, solicit six and seven-figure gifts, and collaborate with university leaders to advance

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in major gifts, corporate relations, foundation relations, development, sales, business development, or a closely related field.
Higher education fundraising experience and biotechnology or STEM fundraising preferred.
Knowledge of moves management, major gift fundraising, donor stewardship, and proposal development.

Responsibilities

Major Gift Development: manage a 100‑125 prospect portfolio and solicit $25,000+ gifts.
Develop corporate and foundation partnerships for sponsorships and research collaborations.
Participate in campaign planning and annual fundraising priorities with BRITE leadership.
Maintain prospect activity in CRM and prepare proposals and briefing materials.
Develop donor stewardship plans and maintain long‑term relationships.

Skills

Moves management

Major gift fundraising

Donor stewardship

Proposal development

CRM systems (Raiser’s Edge NXT)

Campaign fundraising

Corporate engagement

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Raiser’s Edge NXT

Job description

Director of Development - B.R.I.T.E.

Position Information

Position/Classification Title: Development Officer

Working Title: Director of Development - B.R.I.T.E.

Position Number: 612999

FLSA: Exempt

Appointment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Tenure Track: No

FTE: 1 = 40 hours/week, 12 months

If time limited, duration date:

Department Hiring Range: The salary is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate’s educational background, relevant experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise.

EEO-1 Category: Officials & Managers

SOC Code: 13-1131 - Fundraisers

Position Overview

Be an Eagle - Where Purpose Takes Flight! | Are you ready to make an impact? At North Carolina Central University (NCCU), we are more than an institution-we are a community rooted in a legacy of excellence and transformation. A historically Black university located in Durham, North Carolina, also known as 'The City of Medicine', NCCU has been a cornerstone of education since 1910, fostering innovation and progress.

Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and exclusive perks designed to support your work-life balance. At NCCU, your professional growth will be nurtured, and your contributions will help shape the future for our students and the community we serve. Become part of a legacy that drives change and achievement.

An opportunity awaits you at NCCU, where your purpose can take flight.

Visit NCCU.edu.

Employee Benefits

Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave
Community Service Leave
NC State - Health Benefits
NCFlex - Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more
11-12 Paid Holidays
Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)
Optional Supplemental Plans - 401k, 403b, 457b and 457
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Campus Recreation Center Discount
University Bookstore Discount and more.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

The Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE) at North Carolina Central University is a nationally recognized center for biotechnology education, research, workforce development, and industry engagement. BRITE prepares the next generation of scientists and biotechnology professionals through innovative academic programs, cutting-edge research, and experiential learning in partnership with leaders across the life sciences and biomanufacturing industries.

Since its establishment, BRITE has become a cornerstone of North Carolina Central University’s commitment to advancing STEM education, expanding research capacity, and strengthening North Carolina’s biotechnology workforce. Through undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, students gain hands‑on experience in state‑of‑the‑art laboratories while collaborating with faculty engaged in impactful scientific discovery.

Located in the heart of one of the nation’s leading biotechnology hubs, BRITE maintains strong partnerships with biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and research institutions. These collaborations create opportunities for student success, workforce development, innovation, and economic growth throughout North Carolina and beyond.

As BRITE continues to expand its impact, philanthropy plays an increasingly important role in advancing its strategic priorities. Private support enables investments in student scholarships, faculty excellence, research innovation, laboratory enhancements, equipment, industry partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare graduates to lead in an evolving biotechnology landscape.

Working collaboratively with the Division of Institutional Advancement, BRITE seeks to build a sustainable culture of philanthropy that supports the institute’s mission and positions it for continued growth and national prominence.

Primary Purpose of Position

The BRITE Development Officer serves as the primary advancement professional dedicated to the Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE). Working collaboratively with the Division of Institutional Advancement and BRITE leadership, the position is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies that secure major, principal, corporate, foundation, and planned gifts in support of BRITE’s strategic priorities.

The Development Officer identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards alumni, corporations, foundations, industry partners, and individual philanthropists while building a sustainable pipeline of major gift prospects. The position collaborates closely with faculty, university leadership, and Institutional Advancement colleagues to advance BRITE’s mission through philanthropic investment.

Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Development within the Division of Institutional Advancement with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Executive Director of BRITE. The position follows all Institutional Advancement fundraising policies, procedures, campaign strategies, prospect management standards, and gift acceptance guidelines.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge in the following areas: Moves management Prospect strategy Major gift fundraising Donor stewardship Proposal development CRM systems (Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred) Campaign fundraising Corporate engagement Planned giving awareness Excellent communication skills Ability to work with deans, faculty, executives, and volunteers.

Success in this position will be demonstrated through: Achievement of annual fundraising goals. Growth of the major gift pipeline. Increased engagement of alumni and industry partners. Successful solicitation of major and principal gifts. Effective collaboration across Institutional Advancement and BRITE leadership. Accurate documentation of prospect activity. Excellent donor stewardship.

Minimum Education/Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in major gifts, corporate relations, foundation relations, development, sales, business development, or a closely related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred

Higher education fundraising Biotechnology or STEM fundraising Corporate partnerships Campaign experience.

Licenses or Certification required by Statute or Regulation

None

Pre-Employment Requirement

Pre-Employment Requirements: You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD 214 form or those seeking National Guard Preference must attach as NG23A form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal background checks, and education/license verification prior to employment. North Carolina Central 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Consistent with the policy of the State of North Carolina, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) reaffirms that it has been, and will continue to be, the policy of this University to be an equal opportunity employer. North Carolina Central University is committed to providing educational opportunities and prohibits discrimination against students, applicants, employees, or visitors based on race, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, or veteran status. Any individual alleging discrimination based on sexual orientation cannot grieve beyond the University’s internal grievance process. In keeping with this policy, and to further the principle of equal opportunity, all other personnel matters such as recruitment, selection, hiring, promotion, compensation, performance appraisal, disciplinary actions, benefits, transfers, separations, reduction in force, grievance procedures, company-sponsored training, education, tuition assistance, and social and recreational programs will also continue to be administered in accordance with this policy.

Work Location

Fully On-site (dedicated office at Duty Station)

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

Major Gift Development (40%) Manage a portfolio of 100-125 qualified major gift prospects. Develop and execute individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies. Complete annual performance metrics for meaningful donor engagement. Solicit gifts of $25,000+ with an emphasis on six- and seven-figure commitments. Collaborate with university leadership on principal gift strategies.
Corporate and Foundation Partnerships (25%) Develop partnerships with biotechnology, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and life sciences companies. Collaborate with Corporate & Foundation Relations on institutional proposals. Engage industry leaders in sponsorships, research partnerships, workforce development initiatives, and philanthropic investments.
Strategic Planning Participate in campaign planning. Develop annual fundraising plans. Assist in identifying funding priorities with BRITE leadership. Collaborate on naming opportunities.
Advancement Operations (10%) Maintain prospect activity in CRM. Prepare proposals and briefing materials. Ensure compliance with fundraising policies. Travel as required.
Donor Stewardship (15%) Develop stewardship plans. Coordinate donor recognition. Provide impact reports. Maintain long-term relationships.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number: EPA03544P

Open Date: 07/28/2026

Priority Applicant Consideration Date:

Close Date: 08/11/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Date Position Available:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applicant Documents