What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Development position at Inside Higher Ed?
Department
SOP-External Affairs-450150
Career Area
Development and Fundraising
Posting Open Date
11/24/2025
Application Deadline
01/06/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Position Type
Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title
Director of Development
Appointment Type
EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number
20018903
Vacancy ID
NF0009415
Full Time/Part Time
Full-Time Permanent
Fte
1
Hours Per Week
40
Position Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
Dependent upon qualifications and experience.
Proposed Start Date
02/02/2026
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
The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (www.pharmacy.unc.edu) is one of six health science schools (Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Social Work, Public Health, Medicine) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is one of the oldest health science academic programs at Chapel Hill. The School teaches approximately 600 PharmD students and 145 graduate students. The School has built a reputation for its continued pursuit of excellence, rigorous education and training programs, cutting-edge multidisciplinary research, progressive pharmacy practices, efficient business operations, and its outstanding faculty, staff, and students. The School was named the number one School of Pharmacy in the U.S. by the U.S. News and World Report. The School has experienced unprecedented growth and success and continues to strategically position itself for sustained impact, as articulated in the School’s Strategic Plan (https://pharmacy.unc.edu/about/oe/strategic-plan/).
Our Vision is to be the global leader in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Our Mission is to prepare leaders and innovators to solve the world’s most pressing health care challenges. We are Advancing Medicine for Life through innovation and collaboration in pharmacy practice, education, research, and public service.
Position Summary
The Director of Development is responsible for leading the strategic direction and execution of comprehensive fundraising initiatives to support the institution’s mission and long-term goals. This senior-level role develops and implements forward-thinking development strategies, with a particular focus on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major, planned, and annual gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other key stakeholders.
The Director manages a portfolio of major donors and prospects, working to identify, qualify, secure high-value gifts that align with institutional priorities, and steward a portfolio of donors with new commitments of $100k with an annual revenue goal of $1 million. This position also oversees campaign activities, working collaboratively with the Dean, Boards, and University partners to ensure fundraising efforts are fully aligned with broader strategic initiatives.
Acting as a key ambassador for the institution, the Director builds and maintains strong external relationships to effectively communicate institutional priorities and philanthropic opportunities. The role also involves close collaboration with the University Development Office and Prospect Management, Research, and Analytics teams to identify new major gift prospects and ensure effective donor engagement strategies.
Additionally, the Director oversees development team efforts to enhance donor experiences and stewardship practices, using the University’s Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) system to maintain accurate records, generate reports, and support data-informed fundraising strategies.
This role is ideal for a results-driven, relationship-oriented leader who is passionate about advancing institutional excellence through philanthropy.
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
Progressive fundraising experience in higher education or a related field. Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills to build relationships with diverse constituents. Strong ability to think critically, make sound judgments, and develop effective strategies. Exceptional planning, coordination, and project management skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Proven ability to lead, manage, and inspire a development team. Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel, as needed, to engage with donors and attend events.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
Ability to interact effectively in a comprehensive research university setting. Familiarity with the University’s academic and administrative offices and their functions; knowledge of and ability to tap resources within the University community.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
SOP-External Affairs-450150
Career Area
Development and Fundraising
Posting Open Date
11/24/2025
Application Deadline
01/06/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Position Type
Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title
Director of Development
Appointment Type
EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number
20018903
Vacancy ID
NF0009415
Full Time/Part Time
Full-Time Permanent
Fte
1
Hours Per Week
40
Position Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
Dependent upon qualifications and experience.
Proposed Start Date
02/02/2026
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
The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (www.pharmacy.unc.edu) is one of six health science schools (Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Social Work, Public Health, Medicine) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is one of the oldest health science academic programs at Chapel Hill. The School teaches approximately 600 PharmD students and 145 graduate students. The School has built a reputation for its continued pursuit of excellence, rigorous education and training programs, cutting-edge multidisciplinary research, progressive pharmacy practices, efficient business operations, and its outstanding faculty, staff, and students. The School was named the number one School of Pharmacy in the U.S. by the U.S. News and World Report. The School has experienced unprecedented growth and success and continues to strategically position itself for sustained impact, as articulated in the School’s Strategic Plan (https://pharmacy.unc.edu/about/oe/strategic-plan/).
Our Vision is to be the global leader in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Our Mission is to prepare leaders and innovators to solve the world’s most pressing health care challenges. We are Advancing Medicine for Life through innovation and collaboration in pharmacy practice, education, research, and public service.
Position Summary
The Director of Development is responsible for leading the strategic direction and execution of comprehensive fundraising initiatives to support the institution’s mission and long-term goals. This senior-level role develops and implements forward-thinking development strategies, with a particular focus on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major, planned, and annual gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other key stakeholders.
The Director manages a portfolio of major donors and prospects, working to identify, qualify, secure high-value gifts that align with institutional priorities, and steward a portfolio of donors with new commitments of $100k with an annual revenue goal of $1 million. This position also oversees campaign activities, working collaboratively with the Dean, Boards, and University partners to ensure fundraising efforts are fully aligned with broader strategic initiatives.
Acting as a key ambassador for the institution, the Director builds and maintains strong external relationships to effectively communicate institutional priorities and philanthropic opportunities. The role also involves close collaboration with the University Development Office and Prospect Management, Research, and Analytics teams to identify new major gift prospects and ensure effective donor engagement strategies.
Additionally, the Director oversees development team efforts to enhance donor experiences and stewardship practices, using the University’s Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) system to maintain accurate records, generate reports, and support data-informed fundraising strategies.
This role is ideal for a results-driven, relationship-oriented leader who is passionate about advancing institutional excellence through philanthropy.
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
Progressive fundraising experience in higher education or a related field. Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills to build relationships with diverse constituents. Strong ability to think critically, make sound judgments, and develop effective strategies. Exceptional planning, coordination, and project management skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Proven ability to lead, manage, and inspire a development team. Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel, as needed, to engage with donors and attend events.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
Ability to interact effectively in a comprehensive research university setting. Familiarity with the University’s academic and administrative offices and their functions; knowledge of and ability to tap resources within the University community.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Salary : $100,000