Posting DetailsRequest to Recruit
Position Title Director of Development for Strategic Priorities
Location Boone, NC
Faculty RankProvide RankPosition Number 000981
Department University Advancement-VC - 500000
Position Summary Information
Primary Purpose The Director of Development for Strategic Priorities drives major gift success for
Appalachian State by leading philanthropic strategy for the university's highest-impact
initiatives. This role identifies, cultivates, and secures transformational investments that
elevate App State's mission, fuel institutional priorities, and expand the university's
reach and reputation.
Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Three years of experience in fundraising, development, sales, or a closely related
field - Demonstrated ability to build and manage productive external relationships
- Willingness to travel frequently for donor engagement and university business
- Availability for evening work as required for events and donor meetings
License/Certification RequiredPreferred Qualifications - Master's degree in a relevant field
- Experience with major and planned gifts in a college or university setting
- Demonstrated success in securing five, six, or seven-figure philanthropic commitments
- Experience collaborating with academic leadership, faculty, and campus partners
- Knowledge of advancement best practices, donor engagement strategies, and campaign environments
- Ability to manage a dynamic portfolio and prioritize high-impact prospects
- Strong communication skills for donor meetings, proposals, and strategic presentations
- Experience working with volunteer leaders, advisory groups, or boards
- Familiarity with CRM systems and data-informed fundraising practices
Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Lead major gift strategy to advance high-impact university priorities
- Manage a focused portfolio of 60-80 major gift prospects with clear goals and
movement - Identify, cultivate, and solicit donors capable of making transformational
philanthropic investments - Develop compelling proposals and cases for support aligned with institutional needs
- Conduct strategic donor travel regionally and nationally to engage high-capacity
prospects - Partner with College Deans and academic leaders to surface funding opportunities
and shape donor strategies - Collaborate with Development colleagues to coordinate outreach, share insights,
and support enterprise-wide fundraising goals - Engage campus units, including administrative areas and Athletics, to align
philanthropic opportunities with donor interests - Plan and execute solicitations for major gifts, including strategy, preparation, and
follow-through - Steward major donors with meaningful communication, impact reporting, and
long-term engagement - Use data and CRM tools to track activity, inform decisions, and evaluate progress
toward goals - Support campaign initiatives through coordinated strategy, prospect alignment, and
donor engagement - Represent App State at donor meetings, events, and university functions with
professionalism and enthusiasm - Maintain confidentiality and compliance with university, state, and industry standards
Type of Position Full Time Position
Staff/Non-Faculty Staff/Non-Faculty
VISA Sponsorship? VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S.
Appointment Type 1.0
Work Schedule/Hours 40
Number of Hours Per Week 12
Number of Months Per Year 12
Mandatory Staff No
Suggested Salary Range $88,000 - $125,000
Physical Demands of PositionPosting Details Information
Posting Date 07/16/2026
Closing Date 08/30/2026
Open Until Filled No
Evaluation of Applications Begins 07/20/2026
Proposed Date of HireSpecial Instructions to Applicants For consideration, please attach the following:Include three (3) references with contact information in the body of the application.
Search Chair Name Katie Pate
Search Chair Email [email protected] Quick Link https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/55162
Posting Number 201501814P
