Director of Donor Relations and Annual Giving

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. Located in one of the best college towns and best places to live in the U.S., Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

The UNC School of Education , one of the longest-standing professional schools at the nation's first public university, ranks among the top schools of education in the U.S. and offers a full range of degree programs, from undergraduate to doctorate; forward-thinking certificate and licensure programs; and in-person, online, and HyFlex offerings. Faculty members generate knowledge across a number of fields, including human development, educational technology and entrepreneurship, teaching and learning, school counseling, school psychology, administration, educational policy and leadership, and more; they also prepare students to become the most highly effective educators to lead in classrooms, schools, districts and beyond, as well as future scholars and researchers.

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.

The School of Education is an academic unit reporting to the Provost. The School is a major center of research, teaching, and public service within the State of North Carolina, the nation, and the world. The School offers a full range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The mission of the School of Education is to conduct research, and generate basic and applied knowledge about human development, educational technology and entrepreneurship, teaching and learning, school counseling, school psychology, administration, as well as educational policy and leadership; prepare leaders in the profession of education by conducting outstanding research, teaching, and service; and assist in the development of strong and effective public schools in North Carolina. In order to fulfill its mission, the School is organized into three academic divisions: (1) Culture, Curriculum, & Teacher Education ( CCATE), (2) Learning, Development & Psychological Sciences ( LDPS), and (3) Educational Policy, Organization, & Leadership ( EPOL).

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The Director of Donor Relations and Annual Giving is responsible for the planning and implementation of donor programs and projects that strategically engage all constituents of the School of Education, including alumni, donors and external constituent groups. This position is responsible for building and growing the level of engagement with and demonstrating the impact of philanthropic giving to School of Education donors.

Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Development, the Director of Donor Relations and Annual Giving will also serve as the point of contact with Carolina Annual Giving in the University Development Office and manage the School's donor and alumni database and its utilization for targeted fund raising campaigns. They will effectively manage all in-house fundraising activities to include developing strategies and a solicitation program for the Dean's Priorities, Greatest Needs and other annual giving funds, utilizing direct mail, telephone and electronic communication with donors and prospective donors. The Director will supervise the execution of a regular gift acknowledgement and annual stewardship program and craft individualized stewardship plans for high-level donors.

This position is essential to ongoing donor pipeline expansion for the UNC School of Education as well as stewardship of current donors.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.

The position requires exceptional skills in communications and interpersonal relations and enthusiasm for fundraising in a comprehensive research university setting. The position also requires a high level of production and attention to detail.

The strongest candidates will possess:
1) strong writing and editing skills;
2) familiarity with Adobe products;
3) familiarity with CRM softwares such as Blackbaud and Salesforce;
4) willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends;
5) well-developed interpersonal and communication skills; and
6) the ability to work on multiple projects at once.

Please provide a writing sample of a fundraising related or a communication related piece (this could be a stewardship report, annual giving solicitation, etc.)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.