New

Director of Philanthropy

North Carolina State University

Commensurate with Education and Experience

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Nov 04, 2025

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194328EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Director of Philanthropy
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with Education and Experience
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday; 8am - 5pm; some nights and weekends
Job Location	Raleigh, NC
Department	Engineering Foundation
About the Department	Engineering has been a cornerstone of NC State University since the university's founding in 1887. Today, with more than 10,000 students and 300 tenure/tenure-track faculty, the College of Engineering is among the largest and most preeminent engineering programs in the nation. The College of Engineering seeks to actively engage its 78,000 alumni households, the largest alumni body of any academic college at NC State. Through support of the North Carolina legislature, the College is undergoing a period of significant expansion to help meet the needs of the state's booming technology sector. Our students and faculty are focused on meeting the Grand Challenges of the 21st Century through discovery, innovation, education and outreach. Our cutting-edge research and education programs provide the knowledge and workforce to fuel the future of our state, nation and world. In the College of Engineering, we truly Think and Do.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits	As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. What we offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision Flexible Spending Account Retirement Programs Disability Plans Life Insurance Accident Plan Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs 12 Holidays Each Year Tuition and Academic Assistance And so much more! Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties	Reporting to the Senior Director of Philanthropy, the Director of Philanthropy is responsible for identifying, qualifying, soliciting, and stewarding major and leadership gift donors to NC State University. This position will serve as a part of the College of Engineering's growing and ambitious advancement team. The Director will serve as a liaison for the Engineering advancement team and leader(s) for one or more academic departments or programs and represent the full College through regular travel to one or more assigned regions. The Director will also play a key role in developing fundraising strategies for their assigned programs and the College, as we prepare for a future campaign. As appropriate, the Director will staff events and meetings with academic leaders (Department Heads, Dean, etc.), as well as identify and coordinate the management of key volunteers (alumni advisory board, etc.) The Director will be expected to manage a portfolio of discovery and actively managed prospects while also collaborating with fundraising colleagues within the College and across campus. Duties and responsibilities include: Serve as an active team member in the development and implementation of short- and long-term planning for the College of Engineering's advancement team in support of the Dean's goals for year-over-year growth and creating a collaborative culture of philanthropy in the lead up to a new and ambitious fundraising campaign Identification, qualification, cultivation and solicitation of prospects to create and grow a pipeline of 6- and 7-figure donors Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the priorities of the College of Engineering, with a specific focus on making a persuasive oral and written case for support for assigned programs Strategic development and management of a portfolio with approximately 100-150 prospects and donors capable of making gifts of $100,000 or more, including development and execution of strategies in line with fundraising best practices (ie, Plus Delta) Consistently meet or exceed annual goals for outreach contacts, qualifications, visits, proposals submitted, and funds raised Serve as a liaison for the Engineering Advancement team for one or more academic departments or programs. Provide strategic guidance and staffing for assigned academic leaders (ie, Department Head) and develop fundraising strategies and priorities for the unit in preparation for a future campaign. Meet regularly with academic leaders and guide them in developing relationships with the top prospects for their programs. Provide training, materials and assistance for advancement colleagues in the College and across the Division who may be building relationships with alumni and friends of assigned programs. As requested, staff the College's Dean at events or meetings, prepare briefings and manage follow-up Represent the full College through regular travel to one or more assigned regions (both in and out of state) Creation and implementation of comprehensive strategies to leverage networks and maximize fundraising results for assigned academic programs and in assigned geographic regions Identification, coordination and management of key volunteers and award recipients in assigned academic programs (ie, department advisory boards) and geographic regions Collaboration with colleagues to help align donors' philanthropic interests with various priorities within the College and across campus Coordination of engagement and stewardship efforts as needed with appropriate College advancement colleagues Staff committees, workgroups, project teams to represent the College of Engineering Advancement team at the request of the Executive Director Attend a variety of College and university events throughout the year. Regular travel (local and out of state) and occasional night and weekend work is required for this position.
Other Responsibilities	Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of five (5) years or greater of experience, including 3 years of progressive advancement experience
Other Required Qualifications	Proven experience and demonstrated success in major individual gift fundraising, preferably in higher education, with a deep understanding of cultivating and soliciting prospects Knowledge of the principles, practices, and ethics of successful fundraising and comprehensive capital campaigns Proven relationship builder with the ability to form trusting relationships and work collaboratively with faculty, administrators, volunteers, alumni and colleagues Strong organizational and analytical skills, with a high attention to detail and processes Excellent listening, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate clearly in person and in writing Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic team environment Unquestioned integrity Self-motivated and driven with an entrepreneurial approach to problem solving Optimism, perseverance and a positive attitude Computer literacy and competency with electronic donor information systems; including Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite Experience in cold calling and negotiating and closing gifts Ability to travel to assigned regions Ability to work evenings and weekends as required
Preferred Qualifications	Progressive responsibility and experience in institutional advancement Volunteer management experience Experience staffing an academic leader and developing fundraising strategies for an academic program Proficiency in portfolio management and developing and executing prospect strategy per fundraising best practices An understanding of the land grant, research Tier One university environment Master's degree
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	A valid North Carolina Driver's License is required within 60 days of start date. Must be maintained as a condition of employment.
Valid NC Driver's License required	Yes
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	11/03/2025
Anticipated Close Date	Open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants	In addition to your application, please submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for at least three professional references.

Position Details

Position Number	00060855
Position Type	Exempt Professional Staff
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.00
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID	143801 - Engineering Foundation
EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. 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.