Associate Director of Principal Gifts Strategy

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.

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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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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 Associate Director of Principal Gifts Strategy plays a critical role in advancing principal gift opportunities at the point of highest leverage when a donor is well cultivated and the institution is ready to define, shape, and secure a transformational gift.

This role partners closely with principal gift officers, senior leadership, and faculty to develop compelling gift visions, translate those visions into actionable plans, and guide their communication and execution. The position focuses on the design, articulation, and advancement of principal gift opportunities, ensuring they are clear, credible, and aligned with both donor interests and institutional priorities. The position also contributes to building and executing strategies that extend the Vice Chancellor's relationships and influence among prospects to facilitate current and future principal gift conversations.

This is not a frontline fundraising or portfolio management role. It is a late-stage strategy and execution role focused on increasing the likelihood, size, and success of principal gifts.

This role is engaged when the following conditions are met:

* Gift potential of $5 million or greater
* Prospect is in late-stage cultivation
* Donor capacity and philanthropic intent are clearly established
* Need exists to define/refine vision, build a structured proposal, and/or align stakeholders

This position is supervised by the executive director of principal gifts.

Master's or Bachelor's and 0-2 years' experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

3-5+ years in advancement or related field. Ability to translate ideas into fundable gift opportunities. Strong collaboration and project management skills.

Advanced degree preferred. In-depth understanding of fundraising principles and strategies. Experience with principal gift proposals. Fundraising campaign experience. Higher education experience. CRM familiarity. Ability to maintain confidentiality and use professional discretion.

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.