What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Development for Student Success position at Inside Higher Ed?
Department
University Development Office-250100
Career Area
Development and Fundraising
Posting Open Date
04/22/2026
Application Deadline
05/05/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Position Type
Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title
Director of Development for Student Success
Appointment Type
EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number
20035903
Vacancy ID
NF0009700
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 restriction
Proposed Start Date
06/08/2026
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.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and transferable skills!
Position Summary
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.
Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development, Scholarship and Student Experience, the Director of Development for Student Success will support the fundraising efforts for the newly unified Division of Student Success and will be an integral leader within the Development team for the Division of Student Success.
The Director will seek to significantly increase private support for the Carolina Journey by creating and executing highly customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans. This role involves leading the development and execution of a strategic major gift solicitation plan to meet the fundraising goals of the unified division. The Director will foster long-term donor relationships, collaborating with the University Development Office, the Division of Student Success leadership, and fellow frontline fundraisers to ensure successful outcomes across the division’s comprehensive mission.
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
The Director will be a polished fundraising professional who understands the nature and purpose of public higher education. Leading candidates will have: A minimum of 3-5 years progressively responsible major gifts or account management experience.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
A high energy individual with a strong work ethic and a history of resolve and successful accomplishment, which includes leading substantive culture change and creating a support structure. The ability to effectively communicate with peers, university leaders, and staff both verbally and in written format is extremely important. Ability to develop trust and strong collaborative working relationships. Ability to interact effectively in a comprehensive organization such as a research university setting. An employment history highlighted by increasing levels of responsibility and a demonstrated ability to exercise sensitivity and good judgment in dealing with staff and the public. Proven history of setting the strategy for and accomplishing business objectives. Ability to not only provide but actively interpret data, using said information to set strategies, and actively forecast results. Proven ability to cultivate, solicit and close major gifts or significant large dollar product sales. Excellent software skills and proficiency in MS Office applications and CRM/Fundraising database software. Preference will be given to candidates with development experience in a complex university setting.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
University Development Office-250100
Career Area
Development and Fundraising
Posting Open Date
04/22/2026
Application Deadline
05/05/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Position Type
Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title
Director of Development for Student Success
Appointment Type
EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number
20035903
Vacancy ID
NF0009700
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 restriction
Proposed Start Date
06/08/2026
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.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and transferable skills!
Position Summary
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.
Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development, Scholarship and Student Experience, the Director of Development for Student Success will support the fundraising efforts for the newly unified Division of Student Success and will be an integral leader within the Development team for the Division of Student Success.
The Director will seek to significantly increase private support for the Carolina Journey by creating and executing highly customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans. This role involves leading the development and execution of a strategic major gift solicitation plan to meet the fundraising goals of the unified division. The Director will foster long-term donor relationships, collaborating with the University Development Office, the Division of Student Success leadership, and fellow frontline fundraisers to ensure successful outcomes across the division’s comprehensive mission.
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
The Director will be a polished fundraising professional who understands the nature and purpose of public higher education. Leading candidates will have: A minimum of 3-5 years progressively responsible major gifts or account management experience.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
A high energy individual with a strong work ethic and a history of resolve and successful accomplishment, which includes leading substantive culture change and creating a support structure. The ability to effectively communicate with peers, university leaders, and staff both verbally and in written format is extremely important. Ability to develop trust and strong collaborative working relationships. Ability to interact effectively in a comprehensive organization such as a research university setting. An employment history highlighted by increasing levels of responsibility and a demonstrated ability to exercise sensitivity and good judgment in dealing with staff and the public. Proven history of setting the strategy for and accomplishing business objectives. Ability to not only provide but actively interpret data, using said information to set strategies, and actively forecast results. Proven ability to cultivate, solicit and close major gifts or significant large dollar product sales. Excellent software skills and proficiency in MS Office applications and CRM/Fundraising database software. Preference will be given to candidates with development experience in a complex university setting.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.