Chapel Hill, NC

The Organization

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s University Development Office provides leadership and centralized development services to the 30+ other development shops across campus, serving as a focal point for principal/major gifts, gift planning, annual giving efforts, prospect management, corporate and foundation relations, stewardship, and communications.

Position Overview

Position Summary:
The Director of Development Planning and Strategic Projects will manage and coordinate fundraising initiatives and special projects under the direction of the Vice Chancellor for Development. The position requires strategic skills to help create and implement fundraising initiatives and the highest level of
customer service expertise. This position will have a high level of interaction with deans, senior academic administrators, department heads, faculty, and staff. This position will also be responsible for building strong and productive relationships with key development and campaign volunteers and alumni. This position will work independently, using independent judgment, discretion, and decision making.

Principal Functions:

• Functions as a principal deputy to the Vice Chancellor for Development in executing fundraising projects and special initiatives that advance the University’s strategic development goals and objectives. This work is accomplished in close collaboration with University Senior Officers, Department Heads, Faculty, and Staff, and the incumbent is expected to exercise significant independent judgment and discretion on behalf of the Vice Chancellor.
• Serve as a principal liaison between the Vice Chancellor and a wide variety of University and community stakeholders, donors, and supporters. This includes attending meetings, conferences, and events as the Vice Chancellor’s representative and conveying his positions and decisions on a wide range of development and fundraising-related topics.
• Work closely with the Vice Chancellor, senior members of the Development Division, and various University communicators to develop and/or revise high-level communications, speeches, publications, and reports involving complex and highly visible subject matter. This includes selecting subject matter content, performing research, conducting interviews, and ensuring the accuracy of all final communications products.
• Under limited oversight and direction, perform other high-level administrative duties, tasks, and projects as assigned.

Education Requirement: An advanced degree is strongly preferred, a bachelor’s degree and substantial prior experience in a role directly comparable to this position will be considered.

Qualification and Experience:
A minimum of 5 to 7 years of higher education administration and/or professional advancement/fundraising background is required. The successful candidate will have specific experience in strategy, planning, and project management as well as a working knowledge of fundraising
and development operations. Highly collaborative, with outstanding diplomatic, analytical and organizational skills. Critical thinking capability and attentiveness to detail. The ability to work strategically, collaboratively, and independently. Demonstrated ability to exercise leadership and work as a team member. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate others. Ability to handle multiple priorities, adapt quickly to changing priorities, identify and address issues in a proactivemanner. Excellent verbal/written communications.