Position Summary:

The Director of Development will be a leader in the Division of Advancement and looked upon to set a tone for professional fundraising at Western Carolina University, is responsible for developing and implementing plans for securing major and deferred gifts of $25,000 or more from donors to increase support for the Honors College, the oldest residential Honors College in the UNC System, and the Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts, an eleven year old college named in honor of former Chancellor David Orr Belcher.

This position will partner with the Deans, department heads, faculty, staff, and volunteer boards for these two colleges for philanthropic support priorities, and will have regular formal strategy meetings with the deans. This position will be responsible for maintaining an active portfolio and for the qualification, cultivation, solicitation and securing/closing of planned and major gifts for these two colleges. Metrics for this position will be based on documented meaningful engagement with qualified prospects, proposals, and secured gifts based on fiscal year (July 1-June 30) fundraising goals. The use of Raiser’s Edge NXT for all documentation of fundraising activity, proposals, and secured gifts is required. Professional development will be tailored annually for this position. This position will integrate alumni engagement opportunities within larger prospect cultivation plans, prepare donor proposals and gift agreements, as necessary, develop and implement plans for new fundraising initiatives.

In addition, the Director of Development will attend departmental, college, and university alumni and development functions as appropriate. Evening and weekend work is essential. The candidate will be expected to travel frequently and be fluent in the various options needed to schedule efficient, safe, and cost effective travel. This position does perform other duties as assigned such as staffing support for volunteer boards, occasional service on search committees, etc. The Director of Development reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Engagement, serves on the development team with other Directors and Assistant Directors for annual giving, major and planned giving officers, works closely with other Advancement leadership including the Executive Director for Advancement Services, Director for Alumni Engagement, and the Western Carolina University Foundation support staff and the WCU Foundation Board of Directors.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of fundraising experience in a non-profit setting that includes successful closure of significant individual and/or corporate/foundation gifts. Experience using fundraising software used by nonprofits. Proven record in securing major and planned gifts above $25,000 and demonstrated knowledge of best practices related to fundraising. Ability to work independently, research and analysis, goal-setting, communication and project management. Ability to work in an environment that encourages consensus building, teamwork, collegial decision-making, and accountability for results is essential. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Willingness to travel and work nights and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

A masters degree and 5 years of experience in higher education development is preferred. Experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT is preferred. Experience in working with academic leaders, university administrators and volunteer boards is also preferred.