Director of Development

Position Details

Classification Information

Position Classification Title Development Professional, Director FLSA Exempt Position Class 80465

Position Overview

Join the Ramily!

Join the Ramily!

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is a distinguished institution that combines academic excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to fostering student success. We are proud to be North Carolina's only university to earn the distinguished designation of Opportunity College by the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education and the American Council on Education (ACE). WSSU is dedicated to preparing students for leadership roles through rigorous programs in health sciences, business, education, and the humanities. Known for its supportive environment, the university fosters a close-knit community that nurtures both professional and academic excellence.

Situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina-known as the city of Arts and innovation, WSSU provides students with opportunities to engage in a dynamic mix of professional, social, and cultural experiences. Winston-Salem is home to thriving arts, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering both students and faculty unique collaboration opportunities and professional development pathways.

With its beautiful campus, strong sense of community, and dedication to fostering personal and professional growth, Winston-Salem State University is an ideal place to teach, work, and learn.

Find information about our current benefits and retirement options, our holiday schedule, and other discounts and perks at the links below:

UNC System Employee Benefits Central

UNC System Retirement Benefits

WSSU Holiday Schedule

WSSU Discounts and Perks

Position Summary

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Winston-Salem State University's Office of Advancement has four (4) openings for a Director of Development assigned to one of WSSU's colleges. This job posting will remain live until all four vacancies are filled.

The Director of Development (DoD) is a leader on the development team within the Division of University Advancement. A successful DoD will be a proactive and collaborative member of this dynamic team and a champion for the university's highest funding priorities as we continue to plan for our next campaign.

The Director of Development is responsible for leading fundraising efforts within an assigned college at Winston-Salem State University. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, this position works collaboratively with faculty, staff, alumni, and university leadership to design and execute strategies to secure philanthropic support for scholarships, academic programs, research, faculty initiatives, and capital needs.

The Director manages a personal portfolio of prospects, cultivates and solicits major gifts, and stewards donors to strengthen lifelong relationships with the university. This role requires an entrepreneurial approach, strong communication skills, and the ability to align donor interests with the strategic priorities of the college and WSSU.

The DoD is responsible for raising at least $1,500,000 in new commitments annually and increasing this amount over time as the school's major and principal gift pipeline develops.

Job Duties:

Major Gift Fundraising and Stewardship

• This position is responsible for identifying, qualifying, visiting, cultivating, soliciting, closing, and stewarding donors to raise major gifts within a designated academic unit.
• Responsible for meeting aggressive fundraising metrics, which are established annually, with minimal supervision.
• Works closely with Advancement colleagues, university leaders, and faculty and staff to develop and execute strategies to secure major gifts and philanthropic support for assigned institutional priorities, special initiatives, and campaign themes within your assigned school.
• Manages the Dean's Board of Advisors to advance your academic unit's development goals and priorities.
• Create and execute strategic advancement plans for major gift prospects as defined with capacity for gifts of $25,000+.
• Plan and execute trips to engage prospective donors one-on-one, when possible, building schedules around campus leaders within your academic unit.
• Manage communication of information, including briefings, development agendas, and reporting to assigned faculty leaders. Collaborate with leadership, faculty, and development professionals to develop persuasive fundraising proposals, case statements, gift announcements, and collateral materials.

Strategic Planning and Program Implementation

• Establish and maintain professional relationships with faculty, leadership, internal colleagues, key stakeholders, alumni, and community leaders to identify and engage potential donors.
• Build annual and long-term goals for philanthropy in assigned areas.
• Develop, evaluate, and refine plans and timetables for departmental or theme assignments; assist in planning and/or directing cultivation events or programs.
• Assist administrators and faculty in the identification and prioritization of institutional and departmental funding needs; keep abreast of departmental programs.

Portfolio Development and Management

• Successfully maintain and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects.
• Follow procedures in coordination with the Advancement Services to ensure effective collecting, recording, accounting, acknowledgement, and follow-up on all private gifts to assigned areas.
• Monitor fundraising progress, develop contact reports, enter data into tracking databases, and operate within a standardized metric program.
• Work successfully with colleagues across the institution to collaborate on prospects with multiple interests.
• Follow best fundraising and operational practices for the WSSU Office of University Advancement.

Minimum Requirements

• Education:

• Bachelor's degree required from an accredited institution; advanced degree preferred.

• Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive fundraising, development, or related nonprofit experience.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

• Proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts ($25,000+).

• Experience managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors

• Experience working in higher education or complex nonprofit organizations preferred.

• Skills & Competencies:

• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse constituents, including alumni, donors, faculty, and community leaders.

• Track record of requesting and securing visits and following up with consistency and efficiency at a fast pace.

• Ability to distill complex ideas into easily understandable concepts and communicate those ideas effectively.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare donor proposals, reports, and presentations.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, set goals, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency with donor databases/CRM systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Understanding of fundraising best practices, gift planning vehicles, and donor stewardship.

• Personal Attributes:

• Self-starter with a high degree of initiative, curiosity, and independence.

• Strategic thinker with a collaborative mindset.

• Strong integrity, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.

• Willingness to travel regionally and nationally, and to work occasional evenings and weekends for donor engagement.

Position Information

Position Number 117009 Working Position Title Director of Development Building and Room No.

Blair Hall, Suite 311

Appointment Type Permanent Full-Time If Time Limited. No Appointment Length. 12

Requirements and Preferences

Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies Not Mandatory Normal Work Schedule

8:00 am to 5:00 pm work schedule, to included some evenings and weekends

Department Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree required from an accredited institution and minimum of five (5) years of progressive fundraising, development, or related nonprofit experience.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

• Proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts ($25,000+).

• Experience managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

Education:

• An advanced degree is preferred.

Experience:

• Experience working in higher education or complex nonprofit organizations preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse constituents, including alumni, donors, faculty, and community leaders.
• Track record of requesting and securing visits and following up with consistency and efficiency at a fast pace.
• Ability to distill complex ideas into easily understandable concepts and communicate those ideas effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare donor proposals, reports, and presentations.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities, set goals, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with donor databases/CRM systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Understanding of fundraising best practices, gift planning vehicles, and donor stewardship.

Personal Attributes:

• Self-starter with a high degree of initiative, curiosity, and independence.
• Strategic thinker with a collaborative mindset.
• Strong integrity, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.
• Willingness to travel regionally and nationally, and to work occasional evenings and weekends for donor engagement.

Required License or Certification Valid US Driver's License No Commercial Driver's License Required No Physical Required No List any other medical/drug tests required

Posting Details

Posting Details

Internal Posting Only No Time Limited Position No Appointment Length Salary $85,000-$95,000 Open Date 12/08/2025 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions Summary

Our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated, or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for Which they may be qualified.

Please Note:

• A criminal background check will be conducted on the candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment.
• If it is determined that no applicants meet the minimum competency, education, and experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
• Salary will be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
• Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered.
• Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position.
• Your application for the position will not be completed until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position.
• If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at OHR@wssu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336-750-2834.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

• Public Job Posting

• Internal Job Posting

• Agency Referral

• Advertisement/Publication

• Personal Referral

• Website

• Other

• Describe how you have worked with volunteers, colleagues, and/or academic departments to create successful fundraising initiatives.

(Open Ended Question)

Applicant Document

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• References List

Optional Documents

• Letter of Recommendation 1