Director of Development
Listed on 2026-01-12
-
Education / Teaching
Education Administration, University Professor, Business Administration -
Management
Education Administration, Business Administration
Location: Cullowhee
Director of Development - 002237, 182773, 230956
Western Carolina University
Department: Office, VC, Advancement
About WCU:Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year.
2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan.
Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.
Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary:The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus. These positions are designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).
To support Western Carolina Universitys fundraising efforts, we are recruiting three Director of Development positions:
- Director of Development & Corporate Partnerships (College of Engineering and Technology)
- Director of Development (College of Business)
- Director of Development (David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts)
All roles will serve as key members of our fundraising team, focusing on cultivating and securing major gifts and corporate partnerships to advance priority initiatives within the Universitys comprehensive campaign. Each position will work closely with the Dean and leadership of the assigned college to align fundraising strategies with college and university priorities.
What Youll Do :- Manage a portfolio of donors and prospective donors, with an emphasis on major gift cultivation and solicitation.
- Develop and implement strategic fundraising plans, including qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
- Collaborate with college leadership, faculty, and staff to identify opportunities for philanthropic support.
- Build and maintain relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations to secure resources for key initiatives.
- Represent WCU at events and meetings, requiring occasional evening and weekend work and frequent travel.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance.
- Bachelors degree from an accredited institution.
- 1-3 years experience in a fundraising environment. Other account-based revenue generating experience will be considered…
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