Philanthropy Officer

Inside Higher Ed; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A distinguished university is seeking a Philanthropy Officer to support fundraising efforts in Chapel Hill. The officer will manage donor relationships and cultivate contributions of at least $5,000, executing strategic fundraising plans. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree and at least one year of direct solicitation experience. Key qualifications include strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively to meet goals. This position may entail travel and work outside standard hours.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of professional-level fundraising experience for direct solicitation roles.
• Experience in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of alumni and supporters of graduate education.
• Build relationships with prospective donors to secure contributions.
• Collaborate on fundraising strategies aligned with the Graduate School’s goals.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Persuasive messaging

Proficiency in databases

Education

Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent

Job description

Graduate School of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provides leadership to envision, shape and support the highest quality education for a diverse community of graduate students whose contributions will have global impact. The Graduate School offers financial support, professional development, diversity programming, academic program support, and advocacy to students, faculty, staff, and graduate programs.

Position Summary

The Graduate School is seeking a dedicated Philanthropy Officer to join our team and support the Chief Development Officer in driving fundraising efforts for the Graduate School. This role involves assisting in the development and execution of a strategic solicitation plan to meet fundraising goals. The Philanthropy Officer will cultivate and maintain relationships with prospective donors through in-person, virtual, and phone meetings, focusing on securing donations and commitments of $5,000 or more, and completing at least 150 face‑to‑face donor visits annually. The officer will develop and execute a leadership annual and major gift fundraising strategy, identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership and major gift prospects, and partner with the University Development Office and other teams to foster long‑term donor relationships and support key fundraising initiatives for university projects and campaigns focused on graduate and professional students.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters of graduate education.
• Build and maintain relationships with prospective donors, securing contributions through personalized engagement.
• Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer to develop fundraising strategies and plans aligned with the Graduate School’s goals and the upcoming comprehensive capital campaign.
• Partner with the University Development Office and other teams to support the university's projects and campaigns focused on graduate and professional students.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

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

Required Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to meet deadlines and articulate persuasive messages effectively in writing and verbal presentations.
• Proficiency in computer databases and word‑processing software.
• Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to interact effectively in a comprehensive research‑university setting; familiarity with the university’s academic and administrative offices and their functions; knowledge of and ability to tap resources within the university community; fundraising experience and/or related and transferable skills.