Assistant Director of Development for School of Civic Life and Leadership

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

University Development's purpose is to support the mission of the university by raising private resources to enhance financial support for students, faculty, programs, and facilities. University Development provides leadership and centralized services to all development offices throughout the University, serving as a focal point for annual giving, application development and IT support; campaign management; constituent programs; corporate and foundation relations; donor relations; gift planning; gift services; industry relations; marketing/communications; parents giving; principal gifts; prospect management, research and analytics; regional programs; scholarships and student aid; talent management; university events; and volunteer engagement.

Carolina Development is proud of its donor-centered philosophy, pursuing activities that always respect the interests and intentions of the donor as well as the University. The organization's collaborative nature is a critical component to fulfilling our mission of raising private funds to benefit the university.

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* Want to live in Chapel Hill? If so, we have tons of perks to offer you. Discounts and access to many UNC-CH athletics, Performing Arts, Gym memberships and many more on campus and local community opportunities along with a perks program that provides employees with over 800 local deals.
* Want to live outside of Chapel Hill but still in the area? You have a choice of smaller communities, cities, or even suburbs in areas like Raleigh and Durham. Both living experiences offer a multitude of advantages designed to fit your needs and still enjoy the perks offered by UNC-CH.

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We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and transferable skills!

The Assistant Director of Development supports the School of Civic Life and Leadership's (SCiLL) development program by assisting with the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and supporting effective development operations. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Assistant Director contributes to building and managing a sustainable prospect pipeline, advancing donor relationships, and strengthening engagement across annual, leadership, and major giving levels.
In collaboration with the University Development Office ( UDO), prospect research partners, and SCiLL leadership, the Assistant Director supports prospect identification, qualification, and strategy development. The position uses prospect and donor data to inform pipeline development, track donor movement, and identify opportunities for increased engagement and giving. The Assistant Director prepares donor briefings, contact reports, proposals, presentations, and other materials to support strategic donor engagement and fundraising activity involving the Dean and other senior leaders.
The Assistant Director supports a comprehensive stewardship and donor relations program designed to strengthen donor retention and demonstrate the impact of philanthropy. Responsibilities include developing donor communications, impact reports, recognition materials, and other stewardship activities that connect donors to SCiLL's mission, priorities, and beneficiaries.
The position also provides development services and operational support, including maintaining accurate and timely donor records in DAVIE, the University's CRM system; tracking donor activity and fundraising progress; supporting development reporting and budget management; and maintaining development calendars and schedules. The Assistant Director coordinates donor meetings, campus visits, and events, ensuring that all engagement activities are well planned, professionally executed, and followed by appropriate documentation and next steps.
Serving as a key liaison among SCiLL leadership, UDO partners, campus colleagues, donors, alumni, and other external constituents, the Assistant Director must demonstrate strong organizational, analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills. The position requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and work effectively in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

Master's or Bachelor's and 0-2 years' experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain trust-based relationships with donors, alumni, colleagues, volunteers, and other constituents, and to collaborate effectively across teams and organizational levels.
Demonstrated critical thinking, sound judgment, discretion, and a proactive approach to managing projects, resolving issues, tracking deliverables, and communicating progress.
Ability to synthesize complex information and communicate it clearly and concisely to support decision-making and donor engagement.
Working knowledge of the principles and practices of donor stewardship, fundraising, gift management, prospect development, event planning, and development operations, preferably within higher education or a nonprofit environment.
Demonstrated ability to understand donor interests, motivations, and philanthropic priorities and translate that understanding into meaningful engagement and stewardship strategies.
Strong organizational and implementation skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail in a dynamic environment.
Experience working with donor databases or CRM systems and using data, reports, and other information to support fundraising and donor engagement activities.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional donor correspondence, briefings, reports, presentations, and other development materials.

Experience in a higher education setting preferred

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.