Director of Development for Student Success

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Director of Development for Student Success. This frontline role manages a portfolio of major gifts, cultivates relationships and stewards donors capable of giving $100,000 or more to support the Division of Student Success.

The role requires strategic planning, strong communication and collaboration with campus partners to advance fundraising priorities and build an active, data-driven pipeline for substantial philanthropic investments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with related experience.
• Minimum 1 year of professional fundraising/direct solicitation experience.
• Experience in major gifts is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gifts of $100,000+.
• Manage a portfolio of 100 major gift prospects and donors with personalized plans.
• Develop engagement strategies to build relationships and secure philanthropic commitments.
• Maintain an active pipeline and meet donor engagement and solicitation goals.

Skills

Major gifts

Portfolio management

Donor engagement

Data-driven planning

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM / Fundraising database software

MS Office

Job description

Posting Information

Department: University Development Office-250100

Career Area: Development and Fundraising

Posting Open Date: 09/08/2026

Application Deadline: 11/13/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title: Director of Development for Student Success

Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number: 20035903

Vacancy ID: NF0010012

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: 10/26/2026

Position Information

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 fulltime 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.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and transferable skills!

Position Summary

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that includes a partially remote work location, consistent with UNC System Office policy. UNC -Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Director of Development for Student Success will serve as a frontline major gift fundraiser for the Division of Student Success. The Director will be responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individuals capable of making gifts of $100,000 or more in support of the division’s priorities.

The Director will manage a portfolio of 100 major gift prospects and donors and develop highly personalized engagement and solicitation strategies designed to build meaningful relationships with Carolina and inspire significant philanthropic investment. The Director will be responsible for developing and maintaining an active pipeline of major gift opportunities and meeting established goals for donor engagement, solicitations, and philanthropic commitments.

Working closely with the Senior Director of Development, Division of Student Success leadership, the University Development Office, and development colleagues across campus, the Director will connect donors’ interests and philanthropic goals with opportunities across the Division of Student Success. Fundraising priorities may span the full Carolina student experience, including scholarships and financial aid, student well-being, career development, experiential learning, belonging and engagement, and other programs that help students access, thrive at, and successfully transition from Carolina.

As a member of the Division of Student Success Development team, the Director will contribute to a collaborative, donor-centered fundraising operation and help advance ambitious philanthropic goals for the division. The successful candidate will be an entrepreneurial and relationship-driven fundraiser who can build trust with donors, translate complex institutional priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities, and move relationships thoughtfully from initial engagement through significant investment and long-term stewardship.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with related experience. For positions with responsibility for direct solicitation of gifts and funds, a minimum of 1 year of professional-level, direct solicitation/fundraising experience is required.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

The Director will be a polished fundraising professional who understands the nature and purpose of public higher education.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Leading candidates will have: A minimum of 3-5 years progressively responsible major gifts or account management experience. A high energy individual with a strong work ethic and a history of resolve and successful accomplishment, which includes leading substantive culture change and creating a support structure. The ability to effectively communicate with peers, university leaders, and staff both verbally and in written format is extremely important. Ability to develop trust and strong collaborative working relationships. Ability to interact effectively in a comprehensive organization such as a research university setting. An employment history highlighted by increasing levels of responsibility and a demonstrated ability to exercise sensitivity and good judgment in dealing with staff and the public. Proven history of setting the strategy for and accomplishing business objectives. Ability to not only provide but actively interpret data, using said information to set strategies, and actively forecast results. Proven ability to cultivate, solicit and close major gifts or significant large dollar product sales. Excellent software skills and proficiency in MS Office applications and CRM /Fundraising database software. Preference will be given to candidates with development experience in a complex university setting.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions

Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/325117

Posting 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.