Director of Development for Principal Gift Operations

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.

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.

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We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and transferable skills!

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 Development for Principal Gift Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for the University Development Office's Principal Gifts Program, which oversees engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of the university's most capable donors typically those with the capacity to make gifts of $5 million or more. This role is central to delivering a white-glove donor and leadership experience, ensuring that every interaction, event, communication, and briefing involving the university's most influential donors and senior leaders is executed with precision, discretion, and polish.
The Director oversees a portfolio of high-stakes functions, including donor hospitality, campus visits, principal gift stewardship, executive-level gift acknowledgements and impact reporting, proposal development coordination, and strategic data dashboards. This position establishes and upholds operational standards that ensure seamless coordination across donor relations, communications, prospect development, university events, and executive offices, setting the institutional benchmark for excellence at every touchpoint.
As a strategic partner to the Chancellor, Provost, Vice Chancellor, deans, and other senior leaders, the Director supervises the development of executive-ready briefings, dashboards, and data tools, collaborating closely with Business Intelligence and Prospect Development to ensure accuracy, clarity, and real-time reliability. The role also serves as the operational hub for principal gift proposals and stewardship, ensuring alignment with donor strategy, institutional priorities, and the highest standards of narrative, design, and presentation.
The Director leads the strategy and execution of concierge-level donor experiences, including VIP events, campus visits, and personalized stewardship, ensuring timely and accurate fulfillment of all recognition commitments. Initially supervising one full-time team member and one temporary team member, the Director will build and scale a team to support the long-term strategic vision for principal gift operations, setting a consistent standard of excellence and professionalism across the university's most critical donor interactions.

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.

In-depth understanding of fundraising principles and strategies. White-glove service orientation: Demonstrated ability to consistently deliver high-touch, anticipatory support to both donors and senior leaders. Operational excellence: Commitment to superior execution, with systems and habits that prevent errors, elevate presentation quality, and reinforce institutional credibility. Demonstrated skills around process improvement. Executive presence: Ability to interact confidently and discreetly with senior leaders, high-net-worth individuals, and influential stakeholders. Attention to detail at scale: Precision in managing complex workflows, events, and communications without sacrificing quality.

Fundraising experience: Seven or more years. Experience in a research university or similarly complex institution: A minimum of four years of fundraising. Knowledge of principal gifts practices and procedures. Superior communications skills. Strong command of language with the ability to speak and write with diplomacy and nuance. Effective diplomacy. This position requires comfort and effectiveness in providing leadership through influence rather than formal authority, including guiding and coordinating individuals who may hold more senior titles or report outside the incumbent's direct line of supervision.

Please attach a writing sample reflective of your ability to communicate effectively at the executive level.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.