Executive Director of Philanthropy, CALS

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, 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

Job summary

North Carolina State University seeks an Executive Director of Philanthropy for CALS to lead the major gifts program, developing strategy, stewarding donors, and expanding the portfolio of 100k+ gifts with campus partners. You will supervise staff, participate in high-level solicitations, and drive annual fundraising goals.

The role requires senior fundraising experience, strong leadership, and the ability to travel regionally to cultivate relationships and secure commitments for NC State's

Qualifications

• Requires a relevant post-Baccalaureate degree with a minimum of seven (7) years or greater of related professional experience, or a relevant undergraduate degree and a minimum of ten (10) years or greater of relevant experience may be substituted for the advanced degree.

Responsibilities

• Develop fundraising goals for staff and monitor progress.
• Initiate and conduct personal meetings with prospects and donors to meet goals.
• Lead a major gifts program and build a pipeline of 6-figure gifts.

Skills

Relationship building

Donor stewardship

Strategic fundraising

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Post-baccalaureate degree

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Posting Information

• Posting Number: PG194914EP
• Internal Recruitment: No
• Working Title: Executive Director of Philanthropy, CALS
• Anticipated Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday / 40 hours/week
• Job Location: Raleigh, NC
• Department: Agriculture Related Foundation

About the Department

Great land-grant Universities have strong Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences that are important to the success of the University in fulfilling its mission. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is poised to bring its strengths to bear as an externally dynamic college focused on delivering impact and stimulating economic development in North Carolina. Its programs exemplify the 'Think and Do' philosophy of the University, developing the talent that will bring significant recognition to the University.

CALS is one of the largest colleges of its kind in the nation, with nearly 3,400 students pursuing associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees and 1,300 on-campus and 700 off-campus faculty and staff members. Its research engine ranks in the top of land-grant university colleges. Research expenditures total $130 million annually. 43,000 volunteers and advisory leaders engage 2 million face-to-face contacts annually. 28,287 living CALS Alumni make up the pride of the Wolfpack!

NC State Extension is one component of a strategic partnership among NC State University, N.C. A&T State University, and federal, state and local governments. Together we enrich the lives, land and economy of North Carolinians. NC State Extension is the local and statewide outreach provider of North Carolina's preeminent research enterprise - NC State University - delivering research-based agricultural, food and youth programs that create economic, societal and intellectual prosperity for all North Carolinians. Our extensive partnerships with agriculture, business, education, government and industry create a unique culture of collaboration that increases productivity and fuels economic development. Our land-grant roots inspire us to provide practical solutions for the real world. Our world-leading faculty and staff make it a reality. We serve the unique needs of varied clients every day with subject-matter experts at 101 local centers across the state.

The mission of the Office of College Advancement is to enhance, promote and support the academic programs, research and extension efforts of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). Within CALS Advancement are the NC Agricultural Foundation, Inc. and the NC Tobacco Foundation, Inc. non-profit, 501c3 organizations formed as a means of supporting agricultural research, extension and teaching activities in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State University. The CALS Advancement team works in close partnership with the central University Advancement Office and its partner colleges. In 2016, NC State launched the Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign, the most ambitious fundraising effort in the history of the University with a $1.6 billion goal. Priorities include dramatically increasing endowments to benefit students and faculty, enhancing facilities and strengthening support for current operations. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' goal in the campaign is $400 million with an emphasis on scholarships, professorships, research and continued investment in NC State Extension. CALS exceeded its campaign goal 18 months prior to the end of the Campaign.

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.

What we offer:

• 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

The Executive Director reports to the Assistant Dean of Philanthropy, CALS and serves on the leadership team for the division. This position is charged with developing and implementing strategies for securing financial support from a portfolio of donors and prospects including identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts for the university from alumni and friends. The Executive Director prepares and implements strategic plans for the major gift team and is responsible for meeting annual goals based on new prospect discovery and qualifications, in-person meetings, proposals submitted and gifts closed.

The Executive Director is charged with planning, coordinating, and representing university-wide fundraising initiatives and programs by closely partnering with colleges and units, university leadership, and development colleagues across campus. The Executive Director may serve as the direct supervisor, mentor and coach to major gift officers and program specialists, while maintaining their own fundraising portfolio.

Essential duties and responsibilities of the Executive Director include, but are not limited to the following:

Major Gifts Strategy, Pipeline Development, and Donor Portfolio Management

• Serve as a member of the College's advancement leadership team and lead/execute projects related to the major gifts program.
• Grow the major gifts program and building a pipeline of individual major gift donors ($100,000+) through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship cycles
• Actively manage a personal portfolio of current and potential major gift donors.
• In partnership with the Assistant Dean, leads the strategy to identify, qualify, prioritize, cultivate, solicit, all donors and prospects assigned to the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.
• Prioritize and implement complex donor strategies involving multiple units and leadership.

Fundraising Goals, Solicitations, and Donor Engagement

• Develop fundraising and program goals for staff in collaboration with Assistant Dean; monitoring progress against goals.
• Initiate and conduct personal meetings with prospects and donors throughout the year and leading / participating in solicitations with university leaders and development colleagues to meet and achieve individual and institutional goals.
• Foster and reinforce a non-territorial, sophisticated approach to donor-centric philanthropy that encourages flexibility and responsiveness throughout University Advancement.

Staff Leadership, Coaching, and Advancement Team Coordination

• Lead and manage staff in a fiscally sound manner by ensuring that the appropriate systems, staffing and procedures are in place to support fundraising goals.
• Serve as a resource, role model, and coach to development staff on matters of prospect strategy and solicitation; regularly share new approaches and techniques.
• Ensure that all interested parties (team members) are well informed and engaged in efforts focused on specific prospects.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as required or assigned by the Assistant Dean for Philanthropy.
• Attend a variety of events throughout the year.
• Regular travel around the region and to other areas of the country.
• Occasional night and weekend work is required.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Requires a relevant post-Baccalaureate degree with a minimum of seven (7) years or greater of related professional experience, or a relevant undergraduate degree and a minimum of ten (10) years or greater of relevant experience may be substituted for the advanced degree.
• Experience closing 6-and 7-figure gifts.
• Experience managing staff.

Other Required Qualifications

• Proven leadership skills that nurture an accountable, goal-oriented and values-based environment.
• The ability to work collaboratively and effectively as a part of a team.
• Demonstrated success in personally cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major and principal gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations with a sound knowledge of principles, practices and ethics of charitable giving.
• The ability to contribute to the tone of a department driven by values based on professionalism, productivity, responsiveness, a strong work ethic, responsibility, collaboration, open communication, mutual respect and achievement.
• The ability to serve as a critical and trusted partner displaying evidence of high integrity, honesty and trustworthiness.
• Flexibility and the demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, complex, academic environment, juggling numerous projects and satisfying multiple constituencies simultaneously.
• A strong track record of working effectively with volunteers, faculty and administrators, engaging them in the life of the institution and assisting them in improving their effectiveness in all aspects of fundraising.
• The ability to prioritize work and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strategic plans, implement programs and manage and implement change.
• The ability to leverage resources in CALS Advancement Special Events and College Communications teams to support development objectives.
• Excellent listening, oral and written communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to effectively articulate the case for support.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise a high degree of sound judgement and diplomacy, and a commitment to confidentiality are essential.
• An understanding of technology and its applications in development.
• Willingness/ability to travel frequently and participate in occasional evening and weekend activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 10 years of demonstrated experience in front line fundraising or related professional experience, with a track record of success in securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals and proven experience working with 6-and 7-figure gifts or related professional experience, including the ability to evaluate, qualify and move prospects through the cultivation/solicitation cycle.
• Fundraising experience in a university setting or relevant industry experience.
• Experience in working through a capital campaign.
• Experience managing and motivating advancement professionals.
• An understanding of the land grant, research Tier One university environment.
• Familiarity with NC State University.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

• Valid NC driver's license or the ability to obtain within 60 days of start.

Valid NC Driver's License required: Yes

Commercial Driver's License required: No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

• Job Open Date: 10/01/2026
• Anticipated Close Date: Open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Position Details

• Position Number: 00108855
• Position Type: EPS/SAAO
• Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week): 1.00
• Appointment: 12 Month Recurring
• Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
• Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Mandatory - Medical Emergencies
• Department ID: 110199 - Agriculture Related Foundation

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.