Major Gifts Officer | University of North Carolina School of the Arts - Military Veterans

The Director of Development is responsible for developing and enhancing relationships with major gift prospects and donors, discovering their philanthropic passions, and aligning them with the funding priorities of UNCSA (University of North Carolina School of the Arts). The Director of Development will cultivate, solicit, secure, document, and steward major gifts (currently $25,000+) for UNCSA . This includes developing and executing annual and multi-year strategies and plans to engage, cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic relationships that support university priorities. The 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 multiple schools/areas of the campus. In close partnership with the Prospect Development team, the Director of Alumni Engagement, and the Vice Chancellor and Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement, the Director of Development develops strategies and plans for cultivating assigned regional geographic markets, travelling regularly to assigned regions and coordinating opportunities with partners in Advancement and across campus. The Director of Development is responsible for achieving fundraising and activity goals set annually in collaboration with Advancement leadership.

Fundraising:

Contribute in a meaningful and substantial way to the teams success in fundraising overall, specifically through major gift work.

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 UNCSAs 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.

Bachelors Degree, and a minimum of three years of progressive fundraising or related experience, in a related organization such as education or the arts preferred, with a proven track record in soliciting and securing major gifts. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated record of completing assignments.

Preferred

Five+ 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.