Executive Director of Philanthropy

The Poole College of Management at NC State University seeks an accomplished and collaborative advancement leader to serve as its Executive Director of Philanthropy. This senior leadership position provides strategic direction and oversight for the College’s comprehensive fundraising program while maintaining an active role in cultivating and securing significant philanthropic support.

Reporting to the Dean of the Poole College of Management, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Development, the Executive Director will lead a team of five philanthropy professionals and collaborate closely with University Advancement, faculty and College leadership, alumni, corporate and foundation partners, volunteers, and other key stakeholders. The Executive Director will develop and execute strategies to expand philanthropic support for the College’s priorities, strengthen the donor pipeline, and increase major, leadership-level, and transformational giving.

• Lead the College’s comprehensive fundraising strategy, including annual planning, goal setting, campaign initiatives, pipeline development, and donor engagement.
• Maintain an active portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and personally participate in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors.
• Partner with the Dean, University Advancement, faculty, and College leadership to develop compelling philanthropic opportunities aligned with institutional priorities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of five philanthropy professionals, establishing clear expectations and fostering a collaborative, accountable, and donor-centered culture.
• Build strategies to identify and advance prospects capable of making leadership-level, seven-figure, and transformational investments.
• Engage the Poole College Advisory Board, alumni, corporate partners, foundations, and other volunteer leaders in support of the College’s philanthropic priorities.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for Poole College and build strong relationships across the university and with external stakeholders.
• Provide leadership for the continued growth and evolution of the philanthropy program by encouraging innovation, evaluating opportunities, and aligning resources with strategic priorities.
• Monitor fundraising performance and ensure effective prospect management, reporting, budgeting, compliance, and operational practices.
• Collaborate across University Advancement to maximize philanthropic opportunities and strengthen long-term donor engagement.

The successful candidate will be a strategic and results-oriented leader who combines strong people leadership with demonstrated fundraising expertise. They will be comfortable setting direction for a sophisticated development operation while remaining personally engaged with donors and prospects, and will bring the judgment, relationship-building skills, and collaborative approach necessary to advance the philanthropic potential of the Poole College of Management.

Leading People: The Executive Director will lead and develop a high-performing philanthropy team by fostering a collaborative, accountable and donor-centered culture. This role will provide mentorship, establish clear expectations and support the professional growth and success of staff.

Leading Change: The Executive Director will help guide the continued growth and evolution of the organization by fostering innovation, encouraging collaboration, and embracing new opportunities and ideas. This leader will be adaptable in a dynamic environment, thoughtfully aligning priorities, resources, and initiatives with the long-term goals of the organization.…