New

Executive Director of Philanthropy

North Carolina State University

Commensurate with Experience and Education

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

May 01, 2026

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194628EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Executive Director of Philanthropy
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with Experience and Education
Work Schedule	Mon-Fri 8-5, nights and weekends with overnight travel as needed
Job Location	Raleigh, NC
Department	University Development
About the Department	North Carolina State University (NC State) was founded in 1887 with the purpose of creating economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina. Today it is the largest university in North Carolina with more than 34,000 high-performing students, 8,000 pre-eminent faculty and staff and 300,000 alumni. NC State is a research-extensive university known for its leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We're also at the forefront of teaching and research in agriculture, business, design, education, humanities and social sciences, natural resources, textiles and veterinary medicine. NC State is consistently named as one of the best values in higher education, and many of our programs are ranked at the top of their respective disciplines. We take a great deal of pride in our collaborative, supportive and collegial team culture. All staff are provided opportunities for training and professional development, with an eye to personalized career growth. University Advancement amplifies NC State's local and global impact by nurturing lifelong relationships, championing philanthropy and strengthening the Wolfpack community. Led by Vice Chancellor Brian Sischo, UA fulfills its mission through the operations of four main units: University Development, which seeks and obtains philanthropic support; Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, which builds and fosters relationships and a culture of philanthropy with alumni and other constituencies; University Communications and Marketing, NC State's dedicated communications agency; and Advancement Services, which provides information management and other key support functions to all University Advancement units.
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. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. 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	The Executive Director of Philanthropy, focusing on Leadership Giving, reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor ( AVC) for University Development and serves as a senior leader within University Advancement. Leadership Giving is defined as gifts ranging from $1 million to $5 million. The Executive Director is responsible for defining and executing the fundraising strategy for gifts in the defined range of $1 million to $5 million. This position serves as the critical bridge between Major Gifts ($100,000-$1,000,000) and Principal Gifts ($5 million+), ensuring a robust pipeline of high-net-worth prospects who have the capacity to make a significant impact on the University's strategic priorities. The defined Leadership Giving range is designed to target the gifts at the $1 million to $5 million level that will serve as a major component in the success of NC State's next comprehensive campaign. To date, nearly 1,300 prospects and potential donors have been identified as having the potential to support NC State in this giving band. The complex nature of philanthropy at this level requires an approach that builds on the strengths of our Major Gift fundraising and works hand in hand with our Principal Gifts program. The Executive Director will manage a focused portfolio of high-rated prospects and work to enhance their level of engagement with the University. In close partnership with Deans, college/unit advancement leaders, and the Principal Gifts team, this role will coordinate complex solicitations that may span multiple colleges or units. This position is responsible for "raising donor sights," moving major gift donors into the leadership giving tier, and qualifying prospects for future Principal Gift investment.
Other Responsibilities	Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Fundraising & Portfolio Management: Portfolio Management: Actively manage a personal portfolio of approximately 50-75 high-capacity prospects and donors with a focus on securing commitments in the $1M - $5M range. Pipeline Development: Serve as the primary strategist for the "Leadership Giving" pipeline; systematically identifying Major Gift prospects ($100k level) with the capacity to escalate to 7-figure giving and developing long-term cultivation plans to move them up the giving pyramid. Solicitation: Initiate and conduct personal meetings with prospects throughout the year; lead and participate in complex solicitations involving blended gifts (cash, pledge, estate) to achieve institutional goals. Strategic Collaboration: Partner with the Principal Gifts team to ensure seamless transitions for donors reaching the $5M+ capacity; work collaboratively with Deans and Unit fundraisers to co-manage prospects who have specific academic interests but high-level capacity. Program Leadership & Strategy: Strategic Planning: Create and implement comprehensive strategies to identify, cultivate, and solicit individuals rated at the $1M-$5M level. Internal Leadership: Foster and reinforce a unified, sophisticated approach to donor-centric philanthropy; serve as a resource and coach to Directors of Philanthropy across the university on how to close 7-figure gifts. Proposal Development: Oversee the preparation of complex funding proposals, talking points, and briefings for senior university officers (Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Deans) regarding Leadership Giving prospects. Stewardship: Design and execute stewardship plans specifically for the $1M-$5M donor tier, ensuring that these donors feel deeply connected to the impact of their philanthropy and are primed for future support. Liaison Role: Serve as the liaison between Central Major Gifts and Principal Gifts, ensuring that the university is maximising philanthropic support from past, current, and prospective supporters.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. 8 or more years of progressive experience in institutional advancement or a related field. A proven track record of success in securing six- and seven-figure gifts
Other Required Qualifications	Seven-Figure Success: Demonstrated success in the cultivation, solicitation, and closing of gifts in the $1,000,000+ range, preferably in a higher education setting. Strategic Thinking: Ability to synthesize relevant and complex information about high-net-worth donors to aid in the development of targeted strategies for transformational gifts. Collaborative Spirit: Ability to develop and engender trust-based, effective, and collaborative relationships with faculty, administrators, volunteers, and colleagues in a large, complex, decentralized research university. Pipeline Management: Deep understanding of the philanthropic process, specifically regarding the movement of donors from "Major" to "Leadership" and "Principal" giving levels. Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; high emotional intelligence; ability to articulate the case for support so that individuals "buy in" to the vision/mission/goals. Ethics: Unrelenting commitment to confidentiality around highly sensitive information. Motivation: High level of creativity, initiative, optimism, perseverance, and a positive attitude.
Preferred Qualifications	Comprehensive campaign experience at a Tier One research university. Experience negotiating complex gift agreements, including blended gifts and multi-year pledges. Experience managing or mentoring senior-level fundraising staff.
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	04/30/2026
Anticipated Close Date	Open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants	Applicants are required to submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references along with their online application.

Position Details

Position Number	00104204
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	082001 - University Development
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.