Director of Advancement

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is a national leader in informal science education, utilizing the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s resources to educate the public and promote a better understanding of science.Since its founding in 1949 as the first planetarium on a college campus and the first in the South, millions of North Carolinian students, teachers, and families as well as visitors from around the world have benefitted from Morehead’s science programs.In the 1960s and 1970s, Morehead played a significant role in expanding humankind’s exploration of the cosmos by training 62 NASA astronauts in celestial navigation, including 11 of the 12 who walked on the Moon. Today, Morehead is inspiring the next generation of scientific explorers through top-notch educational and public programming, including fulldome planetarium shows, interactive exhibits, hands-on classes, summer camps, and statewide outreach like the annual North Carolina Science Festival.With a commitment to advancing equitable and inclusive science learning and education through community engagement, an exceptional visitor experience, and efforts to increase workplace belonging, Morehead aspires to achieve its mission of Science for All.

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.

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center (Morehead) is a unit within The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). The mission of Morehead is to serve North Carolina and beyond by bringing together the unique resources of UNC to engage the public for an improved public understanding of science, technology and health.The Director of Advancement will provide overall leadership to Morehead’s advancement team. The specific areas of oversight are: (1) identification, cultivation, solicitation, closure, and recognition of major gifts, including endowment and planned giving; (2) annual giving to support the Morehead’s operating budget, including membership program, annual fund, grants; and (3) grants development. In collaboration with Morehead’s director, development team, Office of University Advancement, and volunteer leadership, the director of advancement will design and implement comprehensive strategies for support of the annual operating budget and periodic comprehensive fundraising campaigns.In addition, the Director of Advancement is charged with leadership of Morehead’s marketing and communications initiatives. Leading the marketing and communications team, the director will be responsible for advancing two specific goals: 1) ensuring that Morehead programming maximizes participation and, when applicable, revenue and 2) building Morehead’s brand reputation with internal and external audiences as a leader in the field of informal science education.

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 Director of Advancement will be an accomplished fundraising professional with demonstrated administrative and managerial experience. Experience in grants, donor relations, project management, and communications is essential. The Director of Advancement will also understand classical marketing and how to apply it in a non-profit setting. – A proven track record of success in fundraising, marketing, and communications. – Ability to articulate Morehead’s mission, vision, and role to a wide range of audiences both verbally and in writing.- Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal skills. Detail-oriented, ability to meet multiple deadlines, excellent organizational skills, and computer skills.- Ability to work independently, meet ambitious goals and interact effectively with alumni, friends, faculty, and staff in a public research university.- Experience creating and implementing a development plan.- Experience working with and inspiring the confidence of multiple constituencies, including advancement staff, volunteers, top-level donors and prospects, and administrative officials.- Ability and willingness to travel as necessary to accomplish goals.

- Degree in communications, marketing, business, the sciences or related field.- At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience.- Experience in a non-profit or higher education environment.- Knowledge of and experience with fundraising in science centers, science museums, zoos or aquariums.- Experience developing non-profit marketing plans.

Not Applicable.

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.