Chapel Hill, NC

The Organization
The University of North Carolina has enjoyed a long-standing place among leaders in higher education since it was chartered in 1789 and opened its doors for students in 1795 as the nation’s first public university. Situated in the beautiful college town of Chapel Hill, N.C., Carolina has earned a reputation as one of the best universities in the world. Carolina prides itself on a strong, diverse student body, academic opportunities not found anywhere else, and a value unmatched by any public university in the nation. 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. The university is in the early stages of planning its next comprehensive campaign and is currently recruiting top national talent to join the team. Carolina Development is seeking applications for the position of Senior Director of Development Communications. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for University Development, the Senior Director will lead a team of professionals in creating the communications strategies that will contribute to successful development work, and, in particular a successful comprehensive campaign. The Senior Director will work directly with development leadership across the university to develop the university’s case for support based on university priorities, develop a campaign communications plan and provide a portfolio of campaign materials for use across campus. The Senior Director will work closely with development leaders in the schools and units to define and craft individualized messages appropriate for each individual constituency. The Senior Director serves as the Development liaison with the Office of Communications and Public Affairs to ensure coordination of messaging and content.

Position Overview
Principal Functions:

• Based on market research, data, and the expressed needs of the Office of University Development and university-wide development operations, formulate and articulate a strategic and integrated development communications strategy and plan and provide ongoing, consistent and coordinated communications support.
• Assess the needs of the upcoming comprehensive campaign and develop and implement the strategic communications plan and deploy the necessary assets to ensure success.
• Serve as spokesperson for the Office of University Development in collaboration with the Office of Communications and Public Affairs. Convene and coordinate with development officers and communicators campus-wide to ensure consistency of communications strategies for University Development.
• Use cutting-edge technology to write and edit or supervise writing and editing of publications, web and multimedia materials, direct mail appeals, advertising, marketing materials and proposals.
• Identify audiences, messaging and calls to action to engage target audiences.
• Develop media and materials that drive targeted audiences to action.
• Ensure campaign activities and materials are presented to appeal to existing and new donors.
• Lead and supervise a collaborative team including writers, e-communicators, graphic designers and manage the relationship between the Office of Development Communications and UNC Creative Services to ensure high quality and consistency of message and appearance through a variety of channels including the alumni magazine, fundraising/major gift proposals, e-communications, solicitation and stewardship communications, web strategy, and event communications.
• Supervise relationships between the Office of University Development and freelance or contractual writers, designers and photographers.
• Carry out other such responsibilities as may be assigned by the Vice Chancellor for University Development.

Education Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree, preferably with a major in Journalism, English, Communications or other related major. Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.

Qualification & Experience Requirements:

• A minimum of seven years of experience in marketing, branding, communications, public relations or related field with a proven track record of success in clearly articulating the case for support to donors, prospects or transferrable skills
• Minimum of three years of supervisory experience of professional staff
• Superior interpersonal/written and oral communication skills
• Knowledge of the techniques for disseminating information to the public through various channels of communication including print, web, email and various existing and new social media channels
• Ability to edit and analyze informational materials prepared by others
• Experience within a comprehensive, research university setting
• A high energy level and the drive to be successful
• An employment history highlighted by increasing levels of responsibility
• Experience working with strategic and integrated communications planning, as well implementation management
• Proven ability to manage and lead effectively, both people and programs, including planning, resource allocation, budget allocation and supervision. Independent judgment and initiative required
• Strong diplomacy skills (able to successfully manage external and internal relationships and effectively liaise with colleagues at all levels) and a customer service oriented attitude
• Demonstrated experience working in a highly collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Demonstrated experience in setting and achieving challenging goals