Position InformationGeneral Information
Position Number 000368
Vacancy Open to All Candidates
Working Title Senior Director of Development
Position Designation EHRA Non-Faculty
Employment Type Permanent - Full-time
Months per Year 12
Work Schedule Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm; some evenings and weekends
Hours per week 40
FLSA Status Exempt
Division University Advancement
Department Development (Adm)
Work Location Foundation Building
Salary Range $110,000 - $130,000
Primary Purpose of Position The Senior Director of Development (SDOD) is an action-oriented fundraising leader with a documented history of driving six and seven-figure philanthropic results. As a primary architect of growth for the
William States Lee College of Engineering, the SDOD must be a high achiever with a passion for high-impact discovery work and a natural relationship builder. This role requires a confident self-starter who excels in an autonomous environment and possesses the discipline to thrive with minimal supervision. A master connector, the SDOD utilizes strong relationship management skills to identify donor passions and strategically align them with university priorities. The SDOD is a skilled communicator and public speaker, adept at crafting and delivering compelling pitches that motivate and inspire donors to invest philanthropically in UNC Charlotte. As a key driver of the ambitious $500M For the Love of Charlotte Campaign, the SDOD will independently assess fundraising opportunities and deploy targeted strategies to drive revenue. In this pivotal role, the SDOD will serve as a strategic partner to the Dean and college leadership, engaging them in the development process to advance the College's mission. By building a robust pipeline of major gift prospects, the SDOD will cultivate philanthropic partnerships with alumni, corporate leaders, and friends to ensure the University's continued excellence and philanthropic success.
Summary of Position Responsibilities Strategic Fundraising & Portfolio Management- Drive efforts for the College and various University-wide initiatives to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic gifts of $35,000+.
- Independently conduct high-volume discovery work to uncover new prospect pools, completing 125+ strategic donor meetings annually.
- Maintain and aggressively move a personal portfolio of 125-150 major gift prospects through the moves management continuum.
- Develop and deploy innovative fundraising plans specifically designed to meet the goals of the For the Love of Charlotte campaign.
Leadership & Executive Partnership- Serve as the chief fundraiser for the William States Lee College of Engineering, act as a primary partner to the Dean and College leadership, strategically integrating them into the development cycle and preparing them for high-level solicitations.
- Craft and deliver persuasive philanthropic proposals and public presentations that articulate the College's mission and inspire transformational investment.
- Provide leadership and professional mentorship to junior members of the Major Gifts team to foster a culture of high performance.
- Partner with faculty and department heads to translate complex academic and research initiatives into fundable philanthropic opportunities.
- Provide strategic support to the College board of advisors and volunteers that align with fundraising initiatives and event support goals.
Collaboration & Administration- Collaborate with University Advancement partners, including Gift Planning, Annual Giving, Prospect Research, and Alumni Affairs, to maximize donor impact.
- Maintain precise and timely records in the advancement database, tracking all donor interactions, solicitations, and engagement metrics.
- Represent the University's priorities and R1 status to external constituents, maintaining a deep knowledge of campus-wide strategic goals.
- Ensure all fundraising activities adhere to university policies, ethical standards, and legal procedures.
Other Responsibilities- Attend a variety of University and College events throughout the year, serving as a representative of the Advancement office.
- Ability for local, regional, and out-of-state travel is required.
- Consistently meet or exceed individual metrics and annual fundraising production goals.
- Perform other duties as required and assigned.
Minimum Education/Experience - Bachelor's degree with 6+ years of professional experience related to major gift frontline fundraising, nonprofit management, sales, financial advising, business administration, or relationship management.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills and Experience - Graduate degree and/or CFRE preferred,.
- Proven track record of securing six and seven figure philanthropic gifts, with familiarity securing high net worth major and planned gifts.
- Demonstrated experience engaging and working with volunteers, along with a passion for the University's mission and the ability to effectively articulate its impact.
- Team-oriented, self-motivated professional with strong organizational skills and the ability to proactively manage complex tasks and multiple priorities.
- Proficiency with fundraising databases and software.
Necessary Certifications/Licenses - A valid driver's license.
Preferred Certifications/Licenses Special Notes to Applicants A sign-on bonus may be available for select candidates based on specific fundraising expertise, but it is not guaranteed. Bonus eligibility will be determined on an individual basis during the final interview and offer stages.- The finalist will be subject to a Criminal Background Check and/or a Motor Vehicle Report
- The Search Committee will not contact references without first verifying permission with the finalist
- Please ensure your resume reflects the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences to support your answers to the supplemental questions.
- UNC Charlotte Benefits Information: https://hr.charlotte.edu/benefits/benefits-overview/
Posting Open Date 10/26/2026
Posting Close DateOpen Until Filled Yes
Proposed Hire DateIf time-limited please indicate appointment end dateContact Information 
