Director of Development -

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA). The Director of Development is a direct fundraising position that reports to the Senior Director of Development. This position serves as the principal development office contact for the an assigned academic unit and is responsible for the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for an assigned group of prospects, including individuals and corporations/foundations, with a focus on major gift activity for gifts at $25,000 and above; the identification and qualification of new prospects; and the management and implementation of assigned fundraising projects and achieving the goals of WCU's comprehensive fundraising campaign. In collaboration and coordination with the Division of Advancement staff, this position is responsible for providing leadership, management, and strategic direction for assigned prospects and projects in line with the University's comprehensive fundraising campaign and overall University development priorities and policies. Under the direction of the Senior Director of Development, this position will assist in providing overall development leadership and counsel to the Dean(s) and faculty/staff leaders of the assigned college(s) as they develop and execute unit- specific fundraising plans. The director will undertake other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Vice Chancellor for Advancement. The Director of Development will be an accomplished fundraising professional who has a demonstrated knowledge of the nature and purpose of public higher education and who has: extensive, successful experience in fundraising at progressively higher levels; strong interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills reflected in an ability to work effectively and collegially with senior management personnel, professional colleagues, and prospects in a team- oriented environment; a high energy level and commitment to professional growth and responsibilities, unquestioned integrity and fiscal accountability, and ability to plan and achieve long and short-term fundraising goals with database documentation of fundraising activity; and exceptional written and oral communication skills. In addition to portfolio management, the DOD will plan and execute the annual development plan for the college. Developed in collaboration with the Dean, the development plan addresses key engagement and philanthropic goals which advance the mission and vision of the College. The DOD will engage support from the Division of advancement and University Communications and Marketing to ensure the full execution of the plan. A working knowledge of the fundamentals of planned giving and annual giving is preferred. The Director of Development will conduct themselves in a professional and appropriate manner at all times. Additionally, the Director of Development may be called upon to provide assistance to the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Assistant Vice Chancellor and other staff members of Western Carolina University.

What You'll Do:

Establish and maintain a portfolio of 100-125 current and prospective donors. Actively qualify prospective donors for integration within the overall prospect portfolio. Develop, document, and implement comprehensive strategies for assigned major gift prospects, and create monthly reports to support the evaluation of results and the refinement of ongoing prospect and donor development strategies. Serve as the primary development office liaison for assigned college(s) and work with the Dean(s) on efforts to identify and cultivate major gift prospects and to develop and execute purposeful solicitation strategies to secure support for priority initiatives and needs. Develop targeted relationships with key faculty and staff within the Colleges as part of prospect cultivation and donor stewardship efforts. Integrate alumni engagement opportunities within larger prospect cultivation plans. Meet and/or exceed established metrics including overall fiscal year fundraising results for both Colleges, the monthly target of 12 face-to-face visits, and other categories of meaningful contacts with assigned prospects. Prepare donor proposals and gift agreements, as necessary. Create and file digital contact reports through the Raiser's Edge database, in accordance with office policy, to track and document contacts with assigned prospects. Develop and implement plans for new fundraising initiatives. Attend departmental, campaign, college, and university alumni and development functions as appropriate. Work evenings and weekends on occasion, staff Alumni and other campus events, which may directly impact fundraising. The candidate will be expected to travel frequently and be fluent in the various options needed to schedule efficient, safe, and cost-effective travel. Perform other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance. Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. 1-3 years experience in a fundraising environment. Other account-based revenue generating experience will be considered such as sales, nonprofit management, grant-writing, investment management, etc. Preferred Qualifications 3-5 Years experience in higher education fundraising Experience working with the Raiser's Edge NXT relationship management system Experience working within a capital campaign environment Position Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Hours Per Week 40 Number of Months Per Year 12 Posting Text Open Date 04/02/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants To be considered, you must apply online. Attach a cover letter, current resume, and a list of references (including complete contact information with name, title, address, email, and phone) to complete the application. For questions and additional information, please contact Ben Kees at bkees@email.wcu.edu Background/E-Verify Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify . Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment. Credential Verification All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements. EOE Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu. University Safety The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.