Principal Gifts Manager

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Principal Gifts Manager to lead WUNC’s major gifts, planned giving programs and capital campaigns. This senior role will develop strategy, supervise staff, and build strong donor relations to secure vital funds.

You'll design cultivation and stewardship plans, partner with leadership to meet annual goals, and advance public radio service through disciplined philanthropy and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (or foreign degree equivalent).
• Minimum 1 year of professional-level, direct solicitation/fundraising experience is required.
• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, with preference given for fundraising management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead WUNC’s major gifts and planned giving programs and supervise Grants and Major Gifts Officer.
• Develop cultivation and stewardship plans to meet fundraising goals.
• Oversee capital campaigns and ensure new major gift funds are raised annually.
• Align fundraising strategies with the department's goals and public radio mission.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor stewardship

Major gifts

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Foreign degree accepted

Job description

Department:

WUNC-FM-259000

Career Area :

Development and Fundraising

Posting Open Date:

09/24/2026

Application Deadline:

10/15/2026

Open Until Filled:

No

Position Type:

Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title:

Principal Gifts Manager

Appointment Type:

EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number:

01000752

Vacancy ID:

NF0010067

Full Time/Part Time:

Full-Time Permanent

FTE:

1

Hours per week:

40

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:

$95,000 - $120,000

Proposed Start Date:

10/26/2026

Be a Tar Heel!:

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 full-time 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:

WUNC Radio provides quality news, information and entertainment programming to a broad listening audience that includes North Carolina, the United States and the world. WUNC serves North Carolinians from Greensboro to the Outer Banks through a network of ten stations.

Position Summary:

The Principal Gifts Manager will serve as a senior leader and strategic partner responsible for raising major and planned gifts. The Principal Gifts Manager will lead WUNC’s major gifts, planned giving programs, capital campaigns, and supervise WUNC’s Grants and Major Gifts Officer. They will assure that new major gift funds are raised annually by developing and implementing cultivation and stewardship plans to meet WUNC’s fundraising goals.

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 Principal Gifts Manager will be a polished fundraising executive who knows and understands the nature and purpose of public radio. Leading candidates will have:

• Mastery of the basic principles and techniques of successful fundraising as they pertain to the identification, cultivation, closure, and stewardship of individual prospects
• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, with preference given for fundraising management experience

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

• Familiarity with public broadcasting
• Supervisory experience and/or experience mentoring development colleagues in knowledge and understanding of fundraising, and the skill to motivate and engender the confidence of co-workers and volunteers
• An employment history highlighted by increasing levels of responsibility
• A strong drive to be successful
• Integrity and sincerity
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

Not Applicable.