Primary Function of Organizational Unit

North Carolina State University (NC State) was founded in 1887 with the purpose of creating economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina. Today it is the largest university in North Carolina with more than 34,000 high-performing students, 8,000 pre-eminent faculty and staff, and 205,000 alumni. NC State is known for its leadership in research, education and service and as a research extensive university, is recognized for its strengths in science, engineering, and technology. The University consistently ranks among the top public national universities and one of the best values in higher education.

The mission of University Development within the Division of University Advancement at NC State is to raise philanthropic support for university goals and priorities that benefit our students, faculty, this campus, and ultimately, the state of North Carolina. The department includes the offices of Annual Giving, Central Major Gifts, Corporate and Foundation Relations, and Gift Planning.

In 2016, NC State launched the Think & Do the Extraordinary Campaign, the most ambitious fundraising effort in the history of the university with a $1.6 billion goal. Priorities include dramatically increasing endowment to benefit students and faculty, enhancing facilities, and strengthening support for current operations.

Essential Job Duties

The Assistant Director is responsible for both strategic development of annual giving’s donor retention efforts and renewal efforts. In this role, the Assistant Director works with the Annual Giving team to manage and implement fundraising and stewardship strategies, which focus on retaining donors annually, increasing giving and steward; strategizes and implements new and existing fundraising campaigns; and monitors trends in fundraising and approaches to retain and steward donors to NC State.

The Assistant Director will coordinate and make direct asks to ensure the renewal of annual giving donors. They will develop and execute plans for philanthropic education; increased gift participation, retention and re-acquisition; and increased overall giving among priority audiences. Multi-channel solicitations, programming, events, volunteer activity, communications, and stewardship will build a foundation for lifelong giving and increased constituent gift participation, and help ensure a successful transition from student donor to alumni donor.

The Assistant Director reports to the Executive Director of Annual Giving and works closely with the Annual Giving staff.

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Leading effort to track and maximize donor retention rate above best practice levels
• Making direct asks to ensure the renewal of annual giving donors.
• Responsible for the general management of Annual Giving donor retention including driving strategy for designing, planning, and executing programs, marketing communications, brand management and the donor experience required to achieve goals.
• Developing and maintaining a comprehensive donor retention and renewal plan for all donors.
• Developing and executing segmentation strategies; analyzing results to determine modification or creation of future strategies to drive donor retention.
• Working closely with Annual Giving, Advancement Services, and campus colleagues to create campus partnerships, coordinate projects, and develop creative approaches to reaching donor and retention goals.
• Utilizing surveys and test marketing to determine best practices for generating, retaining, and increasing gifts

Other Work/Responsibilities

Perform other duties as required or assigned. Attend a variety of events throughout the year. Occasional travel and occasional night and weekend work is required.

Minimum Education/Experience

Post-baccalaureate credentials with a minimum of three years or greater of related professional experience, or a relevant Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and at least five years or greater of experience in annual giving / development or relevant work experience are required.

Departmental Required Skills

• Broad knowledge of annual giving and engagement best practices and trends
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, complex, team-oriented environment
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills with a strong attention to detail and deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong problem solving, research, and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently, to be creative, and exercise initiative
• Strong relationship-building skills; able to interface effectively with students, peers, faculty, administrators, and external constituents
• Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office environment
• Experience with database management (preferably Advance)
• High energy level and strong drive to be successful
• Unquestioned integrity in dealing with confidential information
• Open and accessible interpersonal style; good listener
• Optimistic, persistent and positive attitude

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education

• Proven experience with annual giving in higher education
• Five or more years of professional experience in fundraising, student affairs, marketing, advertising, public relations, communications or a related field.
• Knowledge of principles, practices and ethics of fundraising
• Prior experience in a comprehensive capital campaign
• An understanding of the land grant, research Tier One university environment
• Familiarity with NC State University and the Triangle

Special Instructions

In addition to your application, please include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.

AA/EOE

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or [email protected]. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process, please call 919-515-3148.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. If highest degree is from an institution outside of the U.S., final candidates are required to have their degree equivalency verified at www.wes.org or equivalent service. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.