Executive Director of Development for Strategic Initiatives (Innovation)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States

Updated: 17 days ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 09 Apr 2024

Posting Information
Posting Information


Department University Development Office-250100
Career Area Development and Fundraising
Posting Open Date 03/27/2024
Application Deadline 04/09/2024
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Executive Director of Development for Strategic Initiatives (Innovation)
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 20057023
Vacancy ID NF0007998
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.
Proposed Start Date 05/27/2024

Position Information


Be a Tar Heel!
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.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
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.
Location, Location, Location 
 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.
Tuition & Fee Waiver Program: Check out our Tuition & Fee Waivers Programs https://hr.unc.edu/benefits/educational-assistance/tuition-waivers/
Benefits: Explore the benefits of working at UNC-CH Benefits and Leave – UNC Human Resources
Position Summary
The University Development Office is seeking an Executive Director of Development for Strategic Initiatives, who would be responsible for developing and executing fundraising strategy for a specific strategic initiative. The person holding this position will be the fundraising subject matter expert for initiative. As the subject matter expert, the executive director will marshal the resources of the academic unit(s), partner(s) and the University Development Office to develop private philanthropic support for the initiative. 
This position will also be a key strategic partner for the lead academic officer(s) for the initiative (typically a dean, provost or similar role), the vice chancellor for development, the principal gifts team and the corporate and foundation relations team. The executive director will be expected to identify appropriate funding opportunities and potential donors from the Carolina alumni base, corporate and foundation partners and beyond who would be interested in those opportunities. In addition to developing strategy, this position is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations on behalf of the partner(s) associated with a specific initiative. The position will initiate, strengthen and manage strategic relationships with corporate and foundation philanthropic partners and individual donors, closing major and principal gifts and grants of $100,000 and above. This position will plan and implement a program of identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major corporate, foundation, and individual prospects.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with related experience. For positions with responsibility for direct solicitation of gifts and funds, a minimum of 1 year of professional-level, direct solicitation/fundraising experience is required.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree required with related experience. Minimum of five years of experience in higher education fundraising.
Mastery of the principles and techniques of successful fundraising as they pertain to the identification, cultivation, and stewardship of corporate, foundation and individual donors with demonstrated ability to close major gifts of $100,000 or greater. Must demonstrate superior people skills. Experience in writing successful proposals and meeting goals. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to interact effectively in a comprehensive, research university setting. Ability to work effectively with faculty, administrators, and volunteers. Willingness to do extensive travel. A strong drive to be successful. A high energy level; Integrity/sincerity.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Fundraising experience for strategic or multidisciplinary initiatives.
Appropriate subject matter expertise that matches to one or more university strategic priorities.
Demonstrated ability to close gifts of $1 million or greater.
Success working with both individual donors and corporate, foundation and other institutional donors. 
*Prior experience staffing academic administrators in development setting
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
To express interest in the position, please submit your confidential application materials comprised of resume and letter of interest to [email protected]
Pearl Street Collective , the search firm with purpose, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Adele Mezher, Maeve Clifford, and Dianne Moody are leading the search. Pearl Street is a national, women-owned executive search firm that believes when you connect people to their purpose, organizations thrive.
For two consecutive years, Women of Color in Fundraising & Philanthropy (WOC) has named Pearl Street one of the Top Search Firms for Women of Color. Follow Pearl Street .
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/277345

Posting Contact Information


Department Contact Name and Title
Department Contact Telephone or Email
Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to [email protected]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
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.

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