Director of Engagement and Advancement Operations
Company: North Carolina State University
Job Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Category: Development and Fundraising
Type: Full-Time
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Location: Raleigh, NC
Essential Job Duties:
Lead Engagement. Inspire Philanthropy. Drive Impact.
The College of Sciences at NC State University is seeking a strategic, innovative, and relationship-focused Director of Engagement and Advancement Operations to lead alumni engagement, donor relations, advancement communications, and operational support for the College's fundraising initiatives.
Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Philanthropy, the Director serves as a key member of the advancement leadership team and plays a vital role in strengthening relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, and friends of the College while advancing the College's mission through meaningful engagement and philanthropic support.
What You'll Do
- Lead annual and targeted fundraising initiatives, including strategies for the College's Dean's Circle Giving Society and corporate and foundation partnerships.
- Oversee alumni engagement, donor stewardship, scholarship and endowment programs, and advancement events.
- Manage and support the College of Sciences Alumni Advisory Board and other external advisory groups.
- Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team to develop impactful advancement communications, donor stories, digital engagement strategies, and fundraising campaigns.
- Supervise the Associate Director of Events & Donor Relations and the Foundation Accountant.
- Support foundation operations, budget management, and strategic planning efforts.
- Serve as a thought leader on alumni engagement, philanthropy, advancement communications, and emerging industry trends.
- Partner with College leadership on presentations, reports, donor communications, and other strategic initiatives.
What We're Looking For
The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader who can build strong relationships, manage complex projects, and drive results in a fast-paced environment. They will possess:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong project management and organizational abilities
- Experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines
- Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Strategic thinking, creativity, and sound judgment
- A commitment to teamwork, customer service, and continuous improvement
- A passion for higher education, alumni engagement, and philanthropy
Why NC State College of Sciences?
This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact by helping advance student success, scientific discovery, and transformational research. Join a collaborative team dedicated to excellence, innovation, and building meaningful connections that inspire support for the future of science.
If you're ready to lead engagement efforts, strengthen philanthropic support, and help shape the future of the College of Sciences, we encourage you to apply.
Other Work/Responsibilities:
- The director will also work closely with Advancement Services on issues of data storage, accuracy and reporting that support the ongoing development and stewardship efforts of the College Advancement team.
- The director will work with the assistant deans on special projects and perform other duties as assigned.
- Occasional night and weekend work are an expectation for this position.
Minimum Experience/Education:
Requires a relevant post-Baccalaureate degree with a minimum of three (3) years or greater of related professional experience, or a relevant undergraduate degree and a minimum of five (5) years or greater of relevant experience may be substituted for the advanced degree, or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Required Qualifications:
- The position requires exceptional organizational and communication skills, with high attention to detail and the ability to work with faculty, administrators, and volunteers as part of a team in a large, complex research university.
- The ability to anticipate organizational needs and proactively provide solutions is also desired.
- Strong writing and communication skills are required, as well as the ability to juggle competing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
- Experience in alumni relations and/or fundraising in a university environment or non-profit environment.
- In-depth familiarity with database management, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Ability to work well with volunteers, alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and students.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Preference for a candidate with five or more years of significant experience working in development, operations or alumni relations in a research-intensive, complex university environment.
- Experience in a college-based development office is helpful but not required.
- Preference for candidates with university advancement experience, database proficiency, and cultural competency.
- A background in fundraising, stewardship and event planning strongly preferred.
Required License or Certification:
A valid driver's license is required for this position.
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