Director of Development for Strategic Priorities

Posting Details

Request to Recruit

Position Title Director of Development for Strategic Priorities Location Boone, NC Faculty Rank Provide Rank Position Number 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 https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/55162 Posting Number 201501814P

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest

Optional Documents