Senior Director of Philanthropy
Job Description
Posting Number
PG194310EPInternal Recruitment
NoWorking Title
Senior Director of PhilanthropyAnticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with Education and Experience.Work Schedule
Mon - Fri 8-5 plus weekend, evenings, and overnight travelJob Location
Raleigh, NCDepartment
University DevelopmentAbout the Department
North Carolina State University (NC State) was founded in 1887 with the purpose of creating economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina. Today it is the largest university in North Carolina with more than 34,000 high-performing students, 8,000 pre-eminent faculty and staff and over 310,000 alumni. NC State is known for its leadership in research, education, and service and as a research extensive university, is recognized for its strengths in science, engineering, and technology. The University consistently ranks among the top public national universities and one of the best values in higher education.
University Advancement amplifies NC State’s local and global impact by nurturing lifelong relationships, championing philanthropy and strengthening the Wolfpack community. Led by Vice Chancellor Brian Sischo, UA fulfills its mission through the operations of four main units: University Development, which seeks and obtains philanthropic support; Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, which builds and fosters relationships and a culture of philanthropy with alumni and other constituencies; University Communications and Marketing, NC State’s dedicated communications agency; and Advancement Services, which provides information management and other key support functions to all University Advancement units.
The mission of University Development within the Division of University Advancement at NC State is to raise philanthropic support for university goals and priorities that benefit our students, faculty, this campus and ultimately, the state of North Carolina. The department includes the offices of Central Major Gifts, Corporate and Foundation Relations and Gift Planning.
The mission of University Development within the Division of University Advancement at NC State is to raise philanthropic support for university goals and priorities that benefit our students, faculty, this campus and ultimately, the state of North Carolina. The department includes the offices of Central Major Gifts, Corporate and Foundation Relations and Gift Planning.
The College of Design is considered among the top programs of its kind in the country, with graduate and undergraduate programs in Architecture, Media Arts, Design and Technology, Design Studies, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, and Landscape Architecture where they teach design thinking in an interdisciplinary environment that makes sense of the world for the benefit of the public and to serve the needs of users.
Design touches everything from the tech in our pockets to the parks in our cities. And good design can change lives. At NC State’s College of Design, our students prepare for rewarding careers that make a positive impact — environmentally, socially and economically. Here, we gather creative minds from around the world and task them with bettering our world. Because to a designer, every problem is just waiting for a creative solution.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being.
What we offer:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Flexible Spending Account
- Retirement Programs
- Disability Plans
- Life Insurance
- Accident Plan
- Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
- 12 Holidays Each Year
- Tuition and Academic Assistance
- And so much more!
Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The Senior Director of Philanthropy will be a proven fundraising leader who will play a pivotal role in building philanthropic success for the College of Design while contributing to broader university development initiatives. As a senior member of the University Development team, this individual will be responsible for growing major gifts of $100k+, strengthening donor relationships, and preparing the college/university for future campaign efforts.
Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Development with a dotted line report to the Dean of the College, the Senior Director of Philanthropy is a senior member of the University Development team and will play a key role in implementing and realizing aggressive fundraising goals that will be set collaboratively, alongside the Assistant Vice Chancellor and Dean.
This position requires a results-oriented fundraiser with strong leadership skills, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to developing a donor-centric culture. With a strong focus on portfolio management and pipeline development, the Senior Director will drive fundraising efforts while providing strategic direction and guidance to the college’s development support team as required.
Other Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Include:
- Contribute to the growth of the major gifts program by building a pipeline of individual 6- and 7-figure donors through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship cycles
- Serve as a trusted thought partner to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Development and the Dean, collaborating in shaping fundraising priorities and strategies that support college-specific goals.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the priorities of the college/unit, with a specific focus making a persuasive oral and written case for support for assigned areas
- Serve as a resource, role model and mentor to development staff on matters of prospect strategy and solicitation; regularly share new approaches and techniques
- Assist the Dean in working with the college’s Advisory Board to enhance development efforts.
- As requested, staff the College’s Dean at events or meetings, prepare Advancement related briefings and manage follow-up for prospective donors
- Collaborate with colleagues to help align donors’ philanthropic interests with various priorities within the assigned college/unit and across campus
- Coordination of engagement and stewardship efforts as needed with appropriate assigned college/unit advancement colleagues
- Model and reinforce a sophisticated, non-territorial approach to donor-centric philanthropy that encourages teamwork, flexibility and responsiveness
- At the request of University Development leadership, staff committees, workgroups, project teams to represent the College or University Advancement.
- Perform other duties as required or assigned. Attend a variety of college and university events throughout the year. Regular travel (local and out of state) and occasional night and weekend work is required for this position.
Minimum Education and Experience
- Requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of five (5) years or greater of progressive advancement experience.
Other Required Qualifications
- Relevant success in a leadership role; demonstrated managerial accomplishments with visionary and administrative components
- Expert knowledge of the principles, practices, and ethics of fundraising
- Demonstrated success in securing major gifts from individuals, foundations and/or corporations
- Ability to take institutional priorities and translate them into development opportunities
- Ability to establish and build effective working relationships with key stakeholders and partners across an organization
- Commitment to a collegial and collaborative team approach to fundraising
- Strong organizational skills with a high attention to detail; ability to manage multiple and competing priorities
- Excellent listening, oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
- Computer literacy and competency with electronic donor information systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree
- Volunteer management experience
- Experience in higher education fundraising
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
- A valid drivers license is required for travel. NC drivers license required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.
Valid NC Driver's License required
YesCommercial Driver's License required
NoJob Open Date
10/21/2025Anticipated Close Date
Open until filledSpecial Instructions to Applicants
In addition to your application please submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for at least three professional references.
Position Number
00004210Position Type
Exempt Professional StaffFull Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.00Appointment
12 Month RecurringMandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse WeatherMandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Non Mandatory - Emergency EventDepartment ID
082001 - University DevelopmentEEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University 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.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University 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.
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