["Director of Development for Strategic Priorities","Director of Development for Strategic Priorities"]

Collaborate with Development colleagues to coordinate outreach, share insights, and support enterprise-wide fundraising goals. Appalachian State by leading philanthropic strategy for the university's highest-impact.

Posting Details

Request to Recruit

Position Title
Director of Development for Strategic Priorities

Location
Boone, NC

Faculty Rank

Provide Rank

PositionNumber
000981

Department
University Advancement-VC - 500000

Position Summary Information

Primary Purpose

The Director of Development for Strategic Priorities drives major gift success for
Appalachian State by leading philanthropic strategy for the university's highest-impact
initiatives. This role identifies, cultivates, and secures transformational investments that
elevate App State's mission, fuel institutional priorities, and expand the university's
reach and reputation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Three years of experience in fundraising, development, sales, or a closely related
  field
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage productive external relationships
• Willingness to travel frequently for donor engagement and university business
• Availability for evening work as required for events and donor meetings

License/Certification Required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field
• Experience with major and planned gifts in a college or university setting
• Demonstrated success in securing five, six, or seven-figure philanthropic commitments
• Experience collaborating with academic leadership, faculty, and campus partners
• Knowledge of advancement best practices, donor engagement strategies, and campaign environments
• Ability to manage a dynamic portfolio and prioritize high-impact prospects
• Strong communication skills for donor meetings, proposals, and strategic presentations
• Experience working with volunteer leaders, advisory groups, or boards
• Familiarity with CRM systems and data-informed fundraising practices

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead major gift strategy to advance high-impact university priorities
• Manage a focused portfolio of 60-80 major gift prospects with clear goals and
  movement
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit donors capable of making transformational
  philanthropic investments
• Develop compelling proposals and cases for support aligned with institutional needs
• Conduct strategic donor travel regionally and nationally to engage high-capacity
  prospects
• Partner with College Deans and academic leaders to surface funding opportunities
  and shape donor strategies
• Collaborate with Development colleagues to coordinate outreach, share insights,
  and support enterprise-wide fundraising goals
• Engage campus units, including administrative areas and Athletics, to align
  philanthropic opportunities with donor interests
• Plan and execute solicitations for major gifts, including strategy, preparation, and
  follow-through
• Steward major donors with meaningful communication, impact reporting, and
  long-term engagement
• Use data and CRM tools to track activity, inform decisions, and evaluate progress
  toward goals
• Support campaign initiatives through coordinated strategy, prospect alignment, and
  donor engagement
• Represent App State at donor meetings, events, and university functions with
  professionalism and enthusiasm
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with university, state, and industry standards

Type of Position
Full Time Position

Staff/Non-Faculty
Staff/Non-Faculty

VISA Sponsorship?
VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S.

Appointment Type
1.0

Work Schedule/Hours
40

Number of Hours Per Week
12

Number of Months Per Year
12

Mandatory Staff
No

Suggested Salary Range
$88,000 - $125,000

Physical Demands of Position

Posting Details Information

Posting Date
07/16/2026

Closing Date
08/30/2026

Open Until Filled
No

Evaluation of Applications Begins
07/20/2026

Proposed Date of Hire

Special Instructions to Applicants

For consideration, please attach the following:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Include three (3) references with contact information in the body of the application.

Search Chair Name
Katie Pate

Search Chair Email
patek@appstate.edu

Quick Link


Posting Number
201501814P