University of North Carolina School of Arts

Classification Title Major Gifts Officer

Working Title Associate Director of Development

Position Type EPS

Position Number 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

Repost: Previous applicants need not apply you are still under consideration.

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 between $10,000-50,000 – 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 the campus’ two academic programs. 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 gift work in the range of $10-50K that reflects best practices in donor-centered major gift practices.
• Manage a portfolio of 60-75 leadership annual and 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.
• 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 and upcoming comprehensive campaign.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s 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 Qualifications

• 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.

Terms of Employment E2 16.00 12 Month

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and solicit relationships leading to major gifts.
• Experience managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
• Track record of requesting and securing visits and following up with consistency and efficiency at a fast pace.
• 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 Number

Open Date 05/15/2025

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Salary Range $62,000 - $70,000

Recruitment Range, if applicable

Special Instructions to Applicants

This is an EHRA non-faculty position. PLEASE NOTE: A criminal background check will be conducted on candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment. 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 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. Other materials may be requested at a later time. Applications will be treated confidentially until the final stages of the search process. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants are welcome to apply without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, National Guard, or veteran status.

EEO Contact Information

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

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