Director of Development - B.R.I.T.E.

North Carolina Central University

$80K — $95K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
  • 3+ years in major gifts or related fields such as corporate relations or business development.
  • Proven experience in donor stewardship and prospect management.
  • Knowledge of CRM systems, preferably Raiser's Edge NXT.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Manage a portfolio of 100-125 major gift prospects.
  • Develop personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies for major gifts.
  • Solicit donations of $25,000 or more with a focus on larger commitments.
  • Cultivate partnerships with biotechnology and life sciences companies.
  • Participate in campaign planning and identify funding priorities with BRITE leadership.

Benefits

  • Work in a nationally recognized biotech education center.
  • Collaborate with industry leaders in philanthropy and workforce development.
  • Engagement opportunities across biotechnology and higher education sectors.
  • Participate in innovative academic and research programs.
  • Access to comprehensive professional development and networking opportunities.
Full Job Description
Posting Details

Position Information

Position/Classification Title
Development Officer

Working Title
Director of Development - B.R.I.T.E.

Position Number
612999

FLSA
Exempt

Appointment Type
Permanent - Full Time

Tenure Track
No

FTE
1 = 40 hours/week, 12 months

If time limited, duration date

Department Hiring Range
The salary is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate's educational background, relevant experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise.

EEO-1 Category
Officials & Managers

SOC Code
13-1131 - Fundraisers

Position Overview

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

The Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE) at North Carolina Central University is a nationally recognized center for biotechnology education, research, workforce development, and industry engagement. BRITE prepares the next generation of scientists and biotechnology professionals through innovative academic programs, cutting-edge research, and experiential learning in partnership with leaders across the life sciences and biomanufacturing industries.

Since its establishment, BRITE has become a cornerstone of North Carolina Central University's commitment to advancing STEM education, expanding research capacity, and strengthening North Carolina's biotechnology workforce. Through undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, students gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories while collaborating with faculty engaged in impactful scientific discovery.

Located in the heart of one of the nation's leading biotechnology hubs, BRITE maintains strong partnerships with biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and research institutions. These collaborations create opportunities for student success, workforce development, innovation, and economic growth throughout North Carolina and beyond.

As BRITE continues to expand its impact, philanthropy plays an increasingly important role in advancing its strategic priorities. Private support enables investments in student scholarships, faculty excellence, research innovation, laboratory enhancements, equipment, industry partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare graduates to lead in an evolving biotechnology landscape.

Working collaboratively with the Division of Institutional Advancement, BRITE seeks to build a sustainable culture of philanthropy that supports the institute's mission and positions it for continued growth and national prominence.

Primary Purpose of Position

The BRITE Development Officer serves as the primary advancement professional dedicated to the Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE). Working collaboratively with the Division of Institutional Advancement and BRITE leadership, the position is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies that secure major, principal, corporate, foundation, and planned gifts in support of BRITE's strategic priorities.

The Development Officer identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards alumni, corporations, foundations, industry partners, and individual philanthropists while building a sustainable pipeline of major gift prospects. The position collaborates closely with faculty, university leadership, and Institutional Advancement colleagues to advance BRITE's mission through philanthropic investment.

Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Development within the Division of Institutional Advancement with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Executive Director of BRITE. The position follows all Institutional Advancement fundraising policies, procedures, campaign strategies, prospect management standards, and gift acceptance guidelines

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge in the following areas:
  • Moves management
  • Prospect strategy
  • Major gift fundraising
  • Donor stewardship
  • Proposal development
  • CRM systems (Raiser's Edge NXT preferred)
  • Campaign fundraising
  • Corporate engagement
  • Planned giving awareness
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to work with deans, faculty, executives, and volunteers


Success in this position will be demonstrated through:
  • Achievement of annual fundraising goals.
  • Growth of the major gift pipeline.
  • Increased engagement of alumni and industry partners.
  • Successful solicitation of major and principal gifts.
  • Effective collaboration across Institutional Advancement and BRITE leadership.
  • Accurate documentation of prospect activity.
  • Excellent donor stewardship.


Minimum Education/Experience

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in major gifts, corporate relations, foundation relations, development, sales, business development, or a closely related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred:
  • Higher education fundraising
  • Biotechnology or STEM fundraising
  • Corporate partnerships
  • Campaign experience


Licenses or Certification required by Statute or Regulation

None

Pre-Employment Requirement

Pre-Employment Requirements:
  • You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application.
  • Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 form or those seeking National Guard Preference must attach as NG23A form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting.
  • Final candidates are subject to criminal background checks, and education/license verification prior to employment.
  • North Carolina Central 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.


Work Location
Fully On-site (dedicated office at Duty Station)

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

Function
Administrative

Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function.

Major Gift Development (40%)

  • Manage a portfolio of 100-125 qualified major gift prospects.
  • Develop and execute individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies.
  • Complete annual performance metrics for meaningful donor engagement.
  • Solicit gifts of $25,000+ with an emphasis on six- and seven-figure commitments.
  • Collaborate with university leadership on principal gift strategies.


Corporate and Foundation Partnerships (25%)

  • Develop partnerships with biotechnology, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and life sciences companies.
  • Collaborate with Corporate & Foundation Relations on institutional proposals.
  • Engage industry leaders in sponsorships, research partnerships, workforce development initiatives, and philanthropic investments.


Function
Strategic Planning

Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function.
  • Participate in campaign planning.
  • Develop annual fundraising plans.
  • Assist in identifying funding priorities with BRITE leadership.
  • Collaborate on naming opportunities.


Function
Operational Oversight

Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function.

Advancement Operations (10%)

  • Maintain prospect activity in CRM.
  • Prepare proposals and briefing materials.
  • Ensure compliance with fundraising policies.
  • Travel as required.


Donor Stewardship (15%)

  • Develop stewardship plans.
  • Coordinate donor recognition.
  • Provide impact reports.
  • Maintain long-term relationships.


Posting Detail Information

Posting Number
EPA03544P

Open Date
07/28/2026

Priority Applicant Consideration Date

Close Date
08/11/2026

Open Until Filled
No

Date Position Available

Special Instructions to Applicants

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