Director of Development, Sponsorships and Strategic Partnerships

Director of Development, Sponsorships and Strategic Partnerships

Position Number: 500654
Full Time or Part Time: Full Time
Anticipated Recruitment Range: $47,379 - $70,000
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 diverse units: Alumni Relations, ECU Foundation, ECU Health Foundation and University Advancement.

Job Duties:

This role will lead the development and growth of a comprehensive sponsorship program, creating cohesive, high-impact opportunities that align institutional priorities with partner goals. With a strategic and entrepreneurial mindset, this individual will build a scalable framework for sponsorships, cultivating relationships and crafting compelling proposals for university advancement, campus partners and the alumni association.

The Director of Development will develop and manage a portfolio that includes businesses, future major gift prospects, and network connectors aligned with university priorities.

This role leads sponsorship efforts that generate revenue for both on campus and regional initiatives while also building a strong ECU pirate network that creates pathways for businesses, alumni and friends to contribute their time, talent, and treasure.

The Director of Development will work closely with Career Services and campus partners to create meaningful experiences that connect businesses and alumni to students and the university.

The Director of Development will identify and qualify prospects and transition them to appropriate fundraising teams including Annual Giving, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Major Giving, Planned Giving, and Scholarships as readiness is achieved.

The Director of Development reports directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for University Development.

Job Duties:

70% - Sponsorship Fundraising

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward businesses and individuals to secure sponsorship support for on campus and regional events, programs, and initiatives
• Develop and maintain University Advancement sponsorship packages that are used consistently across campus and maximize revenue potential
• Ensure all sponsorship activity is documented, tracked, and counted toward fundraising totals
• Partner with the events team, communications team, and campus stakeholders to align sponsorship opportunities with strategic engagement efforts for prospects and ECU network connectors
• Maintain relationships with existing sponsors to ensure strong retention and growth over time
• Leverage ECU pirate network to identify new sponsorship opportunities and connections

30% - Pipeline and Partnership Development

• Conduct discovery visits and communicate regularly to qualify businesses and individuals with the potential to give and enhance the ECU pirate network
• Partner with the appropriate fundraising team in transferring the relationship once readiness is achieved
• Coordinate pathways for businesses and individuals to engage with campus partners, Career Services, and Regional ECU pirate networks that create opportunities for alumni, students, faculty, and employers to connect
• Ensure consistent follow up after all engagement activities to move relationships forward and strengthen the donor pipeline

Contingent upon availability of funds.

Minimum Education/Experience:

• A Bachelors degree
• A minimum of 2 years of full-time professional experience working in a relationship-based role or other related professions

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation:

None

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships
• Strong organization and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office
• Experience in higher education fundraising, alumni engagement, or advancement
• Experience securing sponsorships or working with businesses and partners
• Experience managing a prospect pipeline or portfolio
• Experience working with volunteers
• Familiarity with CRM systems such as Salesforce
• Ability to think strategically and connect engagement to fundraising outcomes
• Familiarity with ECU

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.
• Unless otherwise identified in the applicable job posting and consistent with University policy, the University will principally employ individuals who reside in the State of North Carolina to the greatest extent practicable. As such, most positions at East Carolina University require employees to live and work in North Carolina (or live within a reasonable daily commuting distance from their duty station) after hire. Candidates should be prepared to relocate within a reasonable, agreed-upon time after an offer of employment has been made and accepted to meet this requirement.

Job Close Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes
Initial Screening Begins: 05/14/2026

To apply, visit https://ecu.peopleadmin.com/postings/93273