Associate Director of Development

Posting Details

Position Information

Classification Title Major Gifts Officer Working Title Associate Director of Development Position Type EPS Position Number 008102 and 008304 Full/Part Time Full-time School/Department Information

The Office of Advancement directly supports UNCSA's mission and strategic priorities by building meaningful relationships with a variety of constituents and developing opportunities at all levels of alumni, volunteer, and philanthropic engagement. The Office of Advancement works closely with the UNCSA Foundation, which provides oversight of philanthropic gifts to UNCSA, including gift processing and records management. This is an exciting, fast-paced team made up of talented colleagues who are passionate about their work, strive for excellence, support and care about each other, and work collaboratively to advance the priorities of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Primary Description of Work

A new position for UNCSA, the Associate Director of Development will develop and enhance relationships with gift prospects and donors, discovering their philanthropic passions and aligning them with the funding priorities of UNCSA. Using skills and best practices in major gift fundraising, the Associate Director of Development will cultivate, solicit, secure, document, and steward gifts of $10,000+. This represents a blend of high-level leadership annual gifts and lower-level major gifts. The Associate Director of Development will develop and execute annual and multi-year strategies and plans to engage, cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic relationships that support university priorities. The Associate Director of Development works closely and collaboratively with other Advancement and Foundation team members and University partners to understand and promote University initiatives and priorities and serves as primary advancement liaison for two conservatories. The Associate Director of Development is responsible for achieving fundraising and activity goals set annually in collaboration with Advancement leadership.

Work Schedule and hours

Standard work schedule is 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday

Regular participation in events during evenings and weekends and occasional travel in and outside of the state are expected in this role.

Description of Responsibilities and Duties

Fundraising:

• Contribute in a meaningful and substantial way to the team's success in fundraising overall, specifically through major gift work in the range of $10,000+ that reflects best practices in donor-centered major gift practices.
• Manage a portfolio of 60-75 major gift prospects and donors; cultivate relationships with existing and new prospects.
• Engage campus partners and advancement / foundation colleagues to plan and implement excellent donor strategies at all points throughout the donor continuum.
• Document work accurately, consistently, and in a timely manner, following policies, processes, and best practices.
• Through regular professional development, stay current with industry best practices and incorporate them into daily work.
• Achieve annual goals for fundraising, visits, proposals, and qualifications.

Liaison role:

• Develop positive, productive working relationships with assigned deans/academic partners.
• Maintain thorough and up-to-date knowledge about assigned areas and communicate high priority strategic opportunities to Advancement team members.
• Create prospect/donor engagement and cultivation opportunities and develop new leads in these areas.
• In close partnership with Advancement leadership, support the development of key philanthropic priorities that align with and support UNCSA's strategic plan.

Regional market development:

• In partnership with Prospect Development, Director of Alumni Engagement, and Advancement leadership, develop strategies for increasing connections within assigned geographic territories.
• Travel regularly to assigned regions, connecting with alumni and friends, and cultivating opportunities for supporting UNCSA through private philanthropy.
• Engage campus partners in travel opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree, and a minimum of 2 years of progressive Advancement or related experience in a related organization such as education or arts preferred. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and a drive / passion for becoming a major gifts officer.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three+ years demonstrated success in a paid fundraising position managing a portfolio and working directly with donors.
• Experience working in a university advancement setting.
• Background in the arts is not required but is a plus.

Terms of Employment P1 PrsnlLv EHRA 17.33 12 Month Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to distill complex ideas into easily understandable concepts and communicate those ideas effectively.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Ability to work effectively and strategically with minimal supervision and skillfully lead/manage complex priorities and projects to ensure successful outcomes.
• Excellent organizational skills and practices.

Special Conditions for Eligibility

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number Open Date 06/04/2026 Close Date 06/18/2026 Open Until Filled No Salary Range Recruitment Range, if applicable $62,000 - $70,000 Special Instructions to Applicants

This is an Exempt Professional Staff (EPS) position. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered. Failure to complete the application process as required by state regulations will result in your application being rejected for the vacancy, and you will not be considered for the position. The UNCSA participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Final candidates are subject to criminal background checks.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on race, religion, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, or disability.

EEO Contact Information

Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: suttonar@uncsa.edu

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

Optional Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter