"Advancement Officer, ECU Foundation, University Advancement"

Advancement Officer, ECU Foundation, University Advancement

Position Number: 002457
Full Time or Part Time: Full Time
Anticipated Recruitment Range: $70,000 - $90,000
Position Type: Non-Faculty
Job Category: Non-Faculty Professional

Organizational Unit Overview:
The Division of University Advancement is the friend-raising and fund-raising arm of the general academic areas of the university; therefore, all of its activities are designed to generate support, financial or otherwise for East Carolina University. The units and subunits within the division work together to identify, involve, cultivate, and solicit alumni and friends of the university to gain financial support from the private sector for the purpose of enhancing the long and short range growth and welfare of the university. The Office of the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement is responsible for the following units: Alumni Relations, ECU Foundation, Medical and Health Sciences Foundation of ECU and University Development.

Job Duties:
As a key member of ECU's University Advancement team, the Advancement Officer is committed to building philanthropic support for East Carolina University. This role blends front-line fundraising, donor engagement, outreach analytics, and proactive lead generation. Acting as both a major gift officer and an inside sales-style pipeline builder, the Advancement Officer leverages outreach segmentation and analytics to expand ECU's base of support, secure major gifts locally, and provide qualified leads to colleagues across the advancement division.

• The Advancement Officer is responsible for building relationships with a wide variety of constituents including alumni, donors, volunteers, and campus partners.
• The Advancement Officer will manage a regional portfolio of rated prospects who have the inclination and/or capacity to commit to five, six, or seven figure gifts with the goal of raising funds to advance the mission of ECU.
• Advancement Officers representing the ECU Foundation will support the fundraising needs of ECU's main academic campus, including seven colleges and numerous interdisciplinary programs.
• The Advancement Officer is a member of a dedicated five officer regional sales team and is evaluated on achieving quarterly and annual performance metrics.

Reporting Relationship: The Advancement Officer reports directly to the Senior Advancement Officer for University Development.

Willingness to travel locally/regionally and work evenings/weekends as needed.

40% - Fundraising & Donor Engagement (Major Gift Prospects - Local Focus)

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects through in-person and virtual meetings (10-15 per month).
• Focus on securing commitments of $25,000+ from alumni, parents, and community leaders in Eastern North Carolina.
• Develop customized proposals and impact reports that align with institutional priorities.
• Maintain strong relationships with donors to ensure long-term engagement and retention

30% - Market Segmentation/Donor Outreach & Data Analytics (Supporting Entire Fundraising Team)

• Use best practices and outreach strategies, segmentation, and analytics to identify donor audiences and refine outreach strategies across the division.
• Segment prospects by giving capacity, engagement level, life stage, and philanthropic interest areas.
• Analyze wealth, engagement, and behavioral data to develop customized cultivation and communication strategies for all front-line fundraisers.
• Provide actionable insights to strengthen pipeline development, donor messaging, and portfolio quality across the Advancement team.

30% - Inside Sales & Lead Generation (Pipeline Development)

• Act as a proactive "inside sales" style lead generator-identifying, qualifying, and engaging new prospects.
• Conduct discovery outreach (calls, digital messaging, and targeted campaigns) to expand the major gift pipeline.
• Qualify leads and either manage them directly or transition them to the appropriate University Advancement fundraiser.
• Track activity, monitor conversion metrics, and report regularly on pipeline progress.

Minimum Education/Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree
• A minimum of one year of professional-level, direct solicitation/fundraising experience is required
• A minimum of 3 years of full-time professional experience working in a metrics-drive environment, relationship-based roles, or other related professions
• Demonstrated experience interacting with a wide range of individuals and position levels
• Demonstrated success in a metric-driven environment
• Must be proficient using Microsoft Office software
• Strong proficiency in Excel, Artificial Intelligence platforms, CRM systems, prospect research tools, or marketing analytics.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation:
None

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:

• Master's degree
• Understanding of the culture and mechanics of higher education fundraising
• Familiarity with fundraising industry best practices, CRM software like Blackbaud, Agilon ONE, ThankView, Salesforce and LinkedIn
• Proven history of conducting successful annual, major, and planned gift solicitations
• Experience in client-facing, client-services, or relationship management role
• Demonstrated competence in delivering presentations to individuals or groups
• Solid understanding of finances and budgets
• Proven record of working with volunteers to coordinate and increase private support
• Demonstrated success in overcoming barriers and problem solving
• Ability to manage complex situations and environments or other related critical thinking skills
• Ability to plan, organize, implement, oversee, and coordinate multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to the highest ethical standards.

Special Instructions to Applicant:
East Carolina University requires applicants to submit a candidate profile online in order to be considered for the position. Candidates must also submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references, including contact information, online.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full time basis.

Additional Instructions to Applicant:
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable.

Job Close Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes
Initial Screening Begins: 11/07/2025

To apply, visit https://ecu.peopleadmin.com/postings/89803