Posting DetailsPosition 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 dateDepartment 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 DateClose Date 08/11/2026
Open Until Filled No
Date Position AvailableSpecial Instructions to Applicants