Sr. Director of Development

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a Senior Director of Development to lead principal and major gift fundraising. This role focuses on cultivating and soliciting high-level donors, partnering with the Arts and Sciences Foundation, and advancing campaign priorities.

The successful candidate will build a robust portfolio, collaborate with university partners, and guide strategic fundraising efforts to strengthen the College of Arts and Sciences’ impact and

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of professional-level, direct solicitation/fundraising experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and presentational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and discretion in handling confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Build, manage, and grow a principal and major gift portfolio.
• Plan and execute principal and major gift activity with Foundation team.
• Play an integral role in campaign coordination.
• Lead fundraising efforts for key priorities.
• Manage special projects as assigned.

Skills

Fundraising

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Leadership

Tech literacy

Integrity

Discretion

Education

Master's or Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM/database management

Microsoft Office

Job description

Posting Information

• 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

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 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:

• building, managing, and working a principal and major gift portfolio;
• working closely with the Foundation team to plan and execute principal and major gift activity;
• playing an integral role in the Foundation's campaign coordination;
• leading fundraising efforts for key priorities;
• 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.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/326635

Posting Contact Information

• Department Contact Name and Title : Katy Galbraith, Business Services Coordinator
• Department Contact Telephone or Email : [e-mail]
• Office of Human Resources 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.