Assistant Director of Development

Working at the University Libraries puts you at the very heart of the nation's oldest state university. With an enduring commitment to the people of North Carolina, UNC-Chapel Hill is the number 4 ranked public university in the country and the 10th-ranked university for federal research funding.

At the University Libraries, you are part of a welcoming, inclusive, open library community that advances research, teaching, healing and creativity on campus and far beyond. Here, we strive to create an environment of respect and collaboration, where vision and innovation can flourish.

The University Libraries aspires to set the standard for public university research libraries in the digital age.

As one of the premier libraries in the South, we are an essential partner in the research, education, clinical care, and public service missions of UNC-Chapel Hill. The library system includes 10 on-campus Libraries, with nearly 10 million volumes, rich archival collections, and a growing investment in digital collections.

The University Libraries serves campus and broader communities that reflect the socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious diversity of the state of North Carolina, and we maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and open educational and workplace climate for all. We strive to create an environment of respect and collaboration where vision and innovation can flourish. Learn more about our Strategic Framework including our pillars, values, and priorities by visiting https://library.unc.edu/about/strategic-framework/.

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Assistant Director of Development will be an integral member of the Library Development team in the University Libraries. The Assistant Director of Development will be responsible for developing and executing a leadership annual and major gift fundraising strategy to support the mission of the University Libraries. In this role, the Assistant Director of Development will work collaboratively to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership and major gift prospects.

The Assistant Director of Development will assist in the development and execution of a strategic solicitation plan to meet fundraising goals. This position will cultivate and maintain relationships with prospective donors through in-person, virtual, and phone meetings, with a focus on securing donations and commitments of $5,000 or more, and completing at least 150 face-to-face donor visits annually.

Key responsibilities for this role include managing a portfolio of alumni, faculty, staff, and library supporters. The role emphasizes relationship-building and securing contributions through ongoing, personalized engagement. The Assistant Director of Development will also collaborate with the University Development Office and other teams to foster long-term donor relationships and support key fundraising initiatives for university projects and campaigns. Additionally, the position involves partnering with the Chief Development Officer to develop fundraising strategies and plans in alignment with the Library's goals and the comprehensive capital campaign at Carolina.

An earned terminal degree, record of exceptional leadership success, and evidence of scholarly, professional, or creative achievement is required.

Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to travel and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required.
High energy, creativity, and a results-driven approach.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Proven ability to set and achieve goals in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
Proficiency in fundraising databases and standard office software.

Professional fundraising experience in annual giving, major gifts, gift planning, donor relations, foundation relations, and industry engagement, or other transferable roles
Experience with the donor giving cycle: identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Demonstrated success in building donor pipelines and frontline solicitation.
Experience working in a comprehensive research university or similar complex institution.
Proficiency with Constituent Relationship Management ( CRM) systems or fundraising databases.

For a more detailed vacancy announcement, please visit:

A minimum of three references are required upon application submission.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.