Director of Development - #002237
Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC, United States
Director of Development
Primary location: main campus in Cullowhee, NC. Exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).
Position Summary The Director of Development is a direct fundraising position reporting to the Senior Director of Development. This role serves as the main development office contact for the assigned academic unit(s), responsible for the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for prospects and philanthropists. Focus is on major gifts of $25,000 and above, as well as new prospect identification and implementation of assigned fundraising projects to meet the goals of WCU’s comprehensive fundraising campaign. The Director works closely with Division of Advancement staff and provides leadership, management, and strategic direction in line with the University’s development priorities and policies.
What You’ll Do
Establish and maintain a portfolio of 100‑125 current and prospective donors.
Actively qualify prospective donors for integration within the overall prospect portfolio.
Develop, document, and implement comprehensive strategies for assigned major gift prospects, and prepare monthly reports on results.
Serve as the primary development liaison for assigned college(s) and collaborate with Deans on major gift prospect cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Develop targeted relationships with key faculty and staff within the Colleges for cultivation and stewardship efforts.
Integrate alumni engagement opportunities into larger prospect cultivation plans.
Meet or exceed established metrics, including fiscal year fundraising results, monthly target of 12 face‑to‑face visits, and other meaningful contacts with assigned prospects.
Prepare donor proposals and gift agreements as needed.
Create and file digital contact reports through the Raiser's Edge database, following office policy.
Develop and implement plans for new fundraising initiatives.
Attend departmental, campaign, college, and university alumni and development functions as appropriate.
Work evenings and weekends on occasion, staff alumni and other campus events, and travel frequently as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Legal authorization to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
1‑3 years experience in a fundraising environment; other account‑based revenue‑generating experience (e.g., sales, nonprofit management, grant‑writing, investment management) considered.
Preferred Qualifications
3‑5 years experience in higher education fundraising.
Experience with Raiser's Edge NXT relationship management system.
Experience working within a capital campaign environment.
General Information Position Type: Permanent Full‑Time. Hours per week: 40. Months per year: 12. Open Date: 04/02/2026. Open until filled: Yes.
For questions and additional information, please contact Ben Kees at bkees@email.wcu.edu.
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process should call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
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Position Summary The Director of Development is a direct fundraising position reporting to the Senior Director of Development. This role serves as the main development office contact for the assigned academic unit(s), responsible for the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for prospects and philanthropists. Focus is on major gifts of $25,000 and above, as well as new prospect identification and implementation of assigned fundraising projects to meet the goals of WCU’s comprehensive fundraising campaign. The Director works closely with Division of Advancement staff and provides leadership, management, and strategic direction in line with the University’s development priorities and policies.
What You’ll Do
Establish and maintain a portfolio of 100‑125 current and prospective donors.
Actively qualify prospective donors for integration within the overall prospect portfolio.
Develop, document, and implement comprehensive strategies for assigned major gift prospects, and prepare monthly reports on results.
Serve as the primary development liaison for assigned college(s) and collaborate with Deans on major gift prospect cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Develop targeted relationships with key faculty and staff within the Colleges for cultivation and stewardship efforts.
Integrate alumni engagement opportunities into larger prospect cultivation plans.
Meet or exceed established metrics, including fiscal year fundraising results, monthly target of 12 face‑to‑face visits, and other meaningful contacts with assigned prospects.
Prepare donor proposals and gift agreements as needed.
Create and file digital contact reports through the Raiser's Edge database, following office policy.
Develop and implement plans for new fundraising initiatives.
Attend departmental, campaign, college, and university alumni and development functions as appropriate.
Work evenings and weekends on occasion, staff alumni and other campus events, and travel frequently as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Legal authorization to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
1‑3 years experience in a fundraising environment; other account‑based revenue‑generating experience (e.g., sales, nonprofit management, grant‑writing, investment management) considered.
Preferred Qualifications
3‑5 years experience in higher education fundraising.
Experience with Raiser's Edge NXT relationship management system.
Experience working within a capital campaign environment.
General Information Position Type: Permanent Full‑Time. Hours per week: 40. Months per year: 12. Open Date: 04/02/2026. Open until filled: Yes.
For questions and additional information, please contact Ben Kees at bkees@email.wcu.edu.
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process should call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
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