Sr. Director of Development

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Sr. Director of Development to identify, cultivate, and solicit Arts and Sciences principal and major gift prospects.

The role collaborates with the Arts and Sciences Foundation team and reports to senior leadership. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in fundraising, with strong leadership and communication skills, and experience in a university setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of professional-level, direct solicitation/fundraising experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and presentational skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Working knowledge of computer-related office tools and database management.
• High level of discretion, confidentiality, and ethics.

Responsibilities

• Build, manage, and work a principal and major gift portfolio.
• Plan and execute principal and major gift activity with Foundation team.
• Lead fundraising efforts for key priorities.
• Manage special projects as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Presentational skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Database management

Discretion & ethics

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Tools

Computer office tools

Database management systems

Job description

Department:

Arts and Sciences Foundation-300101

Career Area :

Development and Fundraising

Posting Open Date:

10/08/2026

Application Deadline:

10/29/2026

Open Until Filled:

No

Position Type:

Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title:

Sr. Director of Development

Appointment Type:

EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number:

20063355

Vacancy ID:

NF0010102

Full Time/Part Time:

Full-Time Permanent

FTE:

1

Hours per week:

40

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:

Dependent on Experience and/or Qualifications

Proposed Start Date:

11/30/2026

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:

As the largest unit on campus, the College of Arts and Sciences forms the academic core of the Carolina experience. Our mission is to create knowledge and discover innovative solutions to the world's greatest challenges, to educate outstanding undergraduate and graduate students, and to encourage faculty, staff and students to contribute meaningfully to North Carolina, the nation, and the world.

UNC's Arts and Sciences Foundation exists to raise philanthropic support for the highest development priorities of the College of Arts and Sciences. Under the leadership and governance of its Board of Directors, and with support from alumni and friends of the College, the Foundation works to raise and steward expendable and endowment funds that support the College’s research, creative, and teaching mission. Currently, the College benefits from over $1.5B in endowment funds, which includes over $600M in the Arts and Sciences Foundation and more than $1B in the UNC-Chapel-Hill Foundation and the UNC-CH Foundation.

In the Campaign for Carolina, the Foundation team raised over $764 million, exceeding its goal of $750 million. As the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill lays the foundation for its next campaign, the Foundation anticipates an exciting period of growth in the team, resources and activity. The Foundation works collaboratively with University Development and schools and units across campus to maximize philanthropic investment for the greatest benefit to the College and University.

Position Summary:

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

As a member of this valued team, the senior director of development will be responsible for the identification, cultivation and solicitation of Arts and Sciences principal and major gift prospects and donors. The primary focus will be on principal gift prospects. This position will work collaboratively with the Foundation team and will report directly to a senior director and assistant vice president of development at the Arts and Sciences Foundation. The senior director’s responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: (1) building, managing, and working a principal and major gift portfolio; (2)working closely with the Foundation team to plan and execute principal and major gift activity; (3) playing an integral role in the Foundation’s campaign coordination; (4) leading fundraising efforts for key priorities; (5) managing special projects as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Master's or Bachelor's and 0-2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

A minimum of five years of professional-level, direct solicitation/fundraising experience is required. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and presentational skills required. Superior written and verbal communication skills required. Strong leadership skills required. Working knowledge of computer-related office tools and database management required. Strong personal integrity and work ethic. This position requires a high level of discretion, confidentiality, and ethics.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

Six years of development, sales, or related experience is preferred. Candidates with experience in a university or major college setting and with a successful track record in closing major, principal, and planned gifts preferred. Comprehensive campaign experience is also preferred.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

Not Applicable.