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Executive Director of Principal Gifts
Posting Information
Department
University Development Office-250100
Career Area
Development and Fundraising
Posting Open Date
05/18/2026
Application Deadline
05/31/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Position Type
Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title
Executive Director of Principal Gifts
Appointment Type
EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number
20076088
Vacancy ID
NF0009771
Full Time/Part Time
Full-Time Permanent
FTE
1
Hours per week
40
Position Location
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions
Proposed Start Date
07/06/2026
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
University Development’s purpose is to support the mission of the university by raising private resources to enhance financial support for students, faculty, programs, and facilities. University Development provides leadership and centralized services to all development offices throughout the University, serving as a focal point for annual giving, application development and IT support; campaign management; constituent programs; corporate and foundation relations; donor relations; gift planning; gift services; industry relations; marketing/communications; parents giving; principal gifts; prospect management, research and analytics; regional programs; scholarships and student aid; talent management; university events; and volunteer engagement.
Carolina Development is proud of its donor-centered philosophy, pursuing activities that always respect the interests and intentions of the donor as well as the University. The organization’s collaborative nature is a critical component to fulfilling our mission of raising private funds to benefit the university.
Location, Location, Location
Want to live in Chapel Hill? If so, we have tons of perks to offer you. Discounts and access to many UNC-CH athletics, Performing Arts, Gym memberships and many more on campus and local community opportunities along with a perks program that provides employees with over 800 local deals.
Want to live outside of Chapel Hill but still in the area? You have a choice of smaller communities, cities, or even suburbs in areas like Raleigh and Durham. Both living experiences offer a multitude of advantages designed to fit your needs and still enjoy the perks offered by UNC-CH.
Tuition & Fee Waiver Program: Check out our Tuition & Fee Waivers Programs https://hr.unc.edu/benefits/educational-assistance/tuition-waivers/
Benefits: Explore the benefits of working at UNC-CH Benefits and Leave – UNC Human Resources
Carolina Development is proud of its donor-centered philosophy, pursuing activities that always respect the interests and intentions of the donor as well as the University. The organization’s collaborative nature is a critical component to fulfilling our mission of raising private funds to benefit the university.
Location, Location, Location
Want to live in Chapel Hill? If so, we have tons of perks to offer you. Discounts and access to many UNC-CH athletics, Performing Arts, Gym memberships and many more on campus and local community opportunities along with a perks program that provides employees with over 800 local deals.
Want to live outside of Chapel Hill but still in the area? You have a choice of smaller communities, cities, or even suburbs in areas like Raleigh and Durham. Both living experiences offer a multitude of advantages designed to fit your needs and still enjoy the perks offered by UNC-CH.
Tuition & Fee Waiver Program: Check out our Tuition & Fee Waivers Programs https://hr.unc.edu/benefits/educational-assistance/tuition-waivers/
Benefits: Explore the benefits of working at UNC-CH Benefits and Leave – UNC Human Resources
Position Summary
This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.
The Executive Director of Principal Gifts partners with the Associate Vice Chancellor Campaigns & Strategy and the Vice Chancellor for Development to facilitate principal gift (gifts of $5+ million) fund-raising for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The person in this position oversees efforts to identify principal gift prospects and develops holistic engagement and solicitation strategies for execution by University and development leadership, and unit-based lead development officers and academic leadership.
The Executive Director of Principal Gifts provides executive level staffing and support around principal gift prospects (PGPs) and University and school/unit fund-raising priorities. The Executive Director is a resource to development officers across Carolina for prospect identification and strategy development as well as strategic coordination around multi-interest principal prospects. Specific responsibilities include: prospect strategy development and interaction planning, documenting progress of solicitation, developing gift projections, and analyzing and reporting on fund-raising progress. Further, the Executive Director will facilitate communication across the University regarding principal gift prospects and assist gift officers with development of their PGP portfolios, as well as coach gift officers in engaging and soliciting PGPs.
The Executive Director of Principal Gifts oversees a Principal Gift services team that supports and enhances the performance of development officers across the campus who are engaging, cultivating, and soliciting prospects with the potential to give at the principal gift level. The Principal Gift team prepares or coordinates Chancellor-level briefings; develops proposals; writes Chancellor’s acknowledgements and other development-related correspondence and provides concierge-level donor recognition and stewardship for prospects and donors. The team works with Principal Gifts Research to identify new prospects and advance the University’s overall principal gift efforts. The team includes a director of development for principal gifts strategies, an associate director of principal gifts strategies, an assistant director of principal gifts strategies, a director of development for principal gifts operations, a director of principal gifts donor relations, and a program associate. In addition, the role coordinates with extended team members from prospect management, research and campaign.
The Executive Director of Principal Gifts partners with the Associate Vice Chancellor Campaigns & Strategy and the Vice Chancellor for Development to facilitate principal gift (gifts of $5+ million) fund-raising for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The person in this position oversees efforts to identify principal gift prospects and develops holistic engagement and solicitation strategies for execution by University and development leadership, and unit-based lead development officers and academic leadership.
The Executive Director of Principal Gifts provides executive level staffing and support around principal gift prospects (PGPs) and University and school/unit fund-raising priorities. The Executive Director is a resource to development officers across Carolina for prospect identification and strategy development as well as strategic coordination around multi-interest principal prospects. Specific responsibilities include: prospect strategy development and interaction planning, documenting progress of solicitation, developing gift projections, and analyzing and reporting on fund-raising progress. Further, the Executive Director will facilitate communication across the University regarding principal gift prospects and assist gift officers with development of their PGP portfolios, as well as coach gift officers in engaging and soliciting PGPs.
The Executive Director of Principal Gifts oversees a Principal Gift services team that supports and enhances the performance of development officers across the campus who are engaging, cultivating, and soliciting prospects with the potential to give at the principal gift level. The Principal Gift team prepares or coordinates Chancellor-level briefings; develops proposals; writes Chancellor’s acknowledgements and other development-related correspondence and provides concierge-level donor recognition and stewardship for prospects and donors. The team works with Principal Gifts Research to identify new prospects and advance the University’s overall principal gift efforts. The team includes a director of development for principal gifts strategies, an associate director of principal gifts strategies, an assistant director of principal gifts strategies, a director of development for principal gifts operations, a director of principal gifts donor relations, and a program associate. In addition, the role coordinates with extended team members from prospect management, research and campaign.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Master’s or Bachelor’s and 0-2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required. An ability to interact effectively in a comprehensive, research university setting. A demonstrated record of fundraising accomplishments. An ability to work effectively with volunteers. A stable employment history with increasing levels of responsibility at each career juncture. The drive to be successful. A high energy level. Integrity, sincerity, and exceptional organization skills.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Approximately seven to ten years of progressively responsible fundraising experience. Minimum of two years of principal gifts experience.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
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