Executive Director of Philanthropy, CALS

recognition to the University.

CALS is one of the largest colleges of its kind in the nation, with nearly 3,400 students pursuing associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees and 1,300 on-campus and 700 off-campus faculty and staff members. Its research engine ranks in the top of land-grant university colleges. Research expenditures total $130 million annually. 43,000 volunteers and advisory leaders engage 2 million face-to-face contacts annually. 28,287 living CALS Alumni make up the pride of the Wolfpack!

NC State Extension is one component of a strategic partnership among NC State University, N.C. A&T State University, and federal, state and local governments. Together we enrich the lives, land and economy of North Carolinians. NC State Extension is the local and statewide outreach provider of North Carolina's preeminent research enterprise - NC State University - delivering research-based agricultural, food and youth programs that create economic, societal and intellectual prosperity for all North Carolinians. Our extensive partnerships with agriculture, business, education, government and industry create a unique culture of collaboration that increases productivity and fuels economic development. Our land-grant roots inspire us to provide practical solutions for the real world. Our world-leading faculty and staff make it a reality. We serve the unique needs of varied clients every day with subject-matter experts at 101 local centers across the state.

The mission of the Office of College Advancement is to enhance, promote and support the academic programs, research and extension efforts of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). Within CALS Advancement are the NC Agricultural Foundation, Inc. and the NC Tobacco Foundation, Inc. non-profit, 501c3 organizations formed as a means of supporting agricultural research, extension and teaching activities in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State University. The CALS Advancement team works in close partnership with the central University Advancement Office and its partner colleges. In 2016, NC State launched the Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign, the most ambitious fundraising effort in the history of the University with a $1.6 billion goal. Priorities include dramatically increasing endowments to benefit students and faculty, enhancing facilities and strengthening support for current operations. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' goal in the campaign is $400 million with an emphasis on scholarships, professorships, research and continued investment in NC State Extension. CALS exceeded its campaign goal 18 months prior to the end of the Campaign.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits:

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties:

The Executive Director reports to the Assistant Dean of Philanthropy, CALS and serves on the leadership team for the division. This position is charged with developing and implementing strategies for securing financial support from a portfolio of donors and prospects including identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts for the university from alumni and friends. The Executive Director prepares and implements strategic plans for the major gift team and is responsible for meeting annual goals based on new prospect discovery and qualifications, in-person meetings, proposals submitted and gifts closed.

The Executive Director is charged with planning, coordinating, and representing university-wide fundraising initiatives and programs by closely partnering with colleges and units, university leadership, and development colleagues across campus. The Executive Director may serve as the direct supervisor, mentor and coach to major gift officers and program specialists, while maintaining their own fundraising portfolio.

Essential duties and responsibilities of the Executive Director include, but are not limited to the following:

Major Gifts Strategy, Pipeline Development, and Donor Portfolio Management

• Serve as a member of the College's advancement leadership team and lead/execute projects related to the major gifts program.
• Grow the major gifts program and building a pipeline of individual major gift donors ($100,000+) through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship cycles
• Actively manage a personal portfolio of current and potential major gift donors.
• In partnership with the Assistant Dean, leads the strategy to identify, qualify, prioritize, cultivate, solicit, all donors and prospects assigned to the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.
• Prioritize and implement complex donor strategies involving multiple units and leadership.

Fundraising Goals, Solicitations, and Donor Engagement

• Develop fundraising and program goals for staff in collaboration with Assistant Dean; monitoring progress against goals.
• Initiate and conduct personal meetings with prospects and donors throughout the year and leading / participating in solicitations with university leaders and development colleagues to meet and achieve individual and institutional goals.
• Foster and reinforce a non-territorial, sophisticated approach to donor-centric philanthropy that encourages flexibility and responsiveness throughout University Advancement.

Staff Leadership, Coaching, and Advancement Team Coordination

• Lead and manage staff in a fiscally sound manner by ensuring that the appropriate systems, staffing and procedures are in place to support fundraising goals.
• Serve as a resource, role model, and coach to development staff on matters of prospect strategy and solicitation; regularly share new approaches and techniques.
• Ensure that all interested parties (team members) are well informed and engaged in efforts focused on specific prospects.

Other Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties as required or assigned by the Assistant Dean for Philanthropy.
• Attend a variety of events throughout the year.
• Regular travel around the region and to other areas of the country.
• Occasional night and weekend work is required.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Requires a relevant post-Baccalaureate degree with a minimum of seven (7) years or greater of related professional experience, or a relevant undergraduate degree and a minimum of ten (10) years or greater of relevant experience may be substituted for the advanced degree.
• Experience closing 6-and 7-figure gifts.
• Experience managing staff.

Other Required Qualifications:

• Proven leadership skills that nurture an accountable, goal-oriented and values-based environment.
• The ability to work collaboratively and effectively as a part of a team.
• Demonstrated success in personally cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major and principal gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations with a sound knowledge of principles, practices and ethics of charitable giving.
• The ability to contribute to the tone of a department driven by values based on professionalism, productivity, responsiveness, a strong work ethic, responsibility, collaboration, open communication, mutual respect and achievement.
• The ability to serve as a critical and trusted partner displaying evidence of high integrity, honesty and trustworthiness.
• Flexibility and the demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, complex, academic environment, juggling numerous projects and satisfying multiple constituencies simultaneously.
• A strong track record of working effectively with volunteers, faculty and administrators, engaging them in the life of the institution and assisting them in improving their effectiveness in all aspects of fundraising.
• The ability to prioritize work and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strategic plans, implement programs and manage and implement change.
• The ability to leverage resources in CALS Advancement Special Events and College Communications teams to support development objectives.
• Excellent listening, oral and written communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to effectively articulate the case for support.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise a high degree of sound judgement and diplomacy, and a commitment to confidentiality are essential.
• An understanding of technology and its applications in development.
• Willingness/ability to travel frequently and participate in occasional evening and weekend activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 10 years of demonstrated experience in front line fundraising or related professional experience, with a track record of success in securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals and proven experience working with 6-and 7-figure gifts or related professional experience, including the ability to evaluate, qualify and move prospects through the cultivation/solicitation cycle.
• Fundraising experience in a university setting or relevant industry experience.
• Experience in working through a capital campaign.
• Experience managing and motivating advancement professionals.
• An understanding of the land grant, research Tier One university environment.
• Familiarity with NC State University.

Required License(s) or Certification(s):

• Valid NC driver's license or the ability to obtain within 60 days of start.

Valid NC Driver's License required: Yes

Commercial Driver's License required: No

Job Open Date: 10/01/2026

Anticipated Close Date: Open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applicant required documents: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, and Contact Information for at least three Professional References.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Position Number: 00108855

Position Type: EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week): 1.00

Appointment: 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Mandatory - Medical Emergencies

Department ID: 110199 - Agriculture Related Foundation

EEO:

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Organization

NC State: Think and Do

NC State was founded with a purpose: to create economic, societal and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the country. We began as a land-grant institution teaching the agricultural and mechanical arts. Today, we're a pre-eminent research enterprise with 12 colleges excelling in all major academic fields.

Our 34,000 high-performing students take what they learn in the classroom and apply it in the real world by conducting research, working in internships and co-ops, and performing acts of world-changing service. That experiential education ensures that they leave here ready to lead the workforce. NC State's 13:1 student-faculty ratio is one of the reasons why we're the best college for your money in North Carolina (Money) and the No. 5 best value among public universities nationally (U.S. News & World Report).

Overcoming Challenges, Improving Lives

NC State is one of only two universities in the nation leading two National Science Foundation Engineering Research Centers - one developing wearable, self-powered health monitors, and the other researching smart-grid technology. We're also leading interdisciplinary efforts to curb nuclear proliferation, help farmers confront climate change and build a new American manufacturing sector.

Our research doesn't just get published in a journal or sit on a shelf; it makes an impact. NC State is No. 6 nationwide in commercialization agreements based on university research, and we're No. 2 among universities without a medical school. Our Cooperative Extension Service provides research-based information to citizens in all 100 North Carolina counties. In addition, our industrial extension unit - Industry Expansion Solutions - has created an economic benefit for the state's manufacturers averaging $149 million per year since 2005.

Bright Minds Creating a Bold Future

NC State's 9,000 faculty and staff are world leaders in their fields, bridging the divides between academic disciplines and training high-caliber students to meet tomorrow's challenges. NC State students won two Goldwater scholarships, five Fulbright scholarships, one Churchill scholarship and a record-breaking 25 National Science Foundation graduate research fellowships in the 2016-2017 academic year. In addition, 25 faculty are members of the National Academies.

Our Centennial Campus, an award-winning public-private research campus, is home to more than 70 partner organizations working alongside more than 70 NC State research and academic units. Centennial is also the location of the innovative Hunt Library, which Time magazine has dubbed "the library of the future."

In Raleigh and Around the World

It all happens in one of the best cities in America. A top spot for job-seekers and tech professionals, Raleigh is nationally recognized as a leading urban center:

• No. 2 hot spot for tech jobs (Forbes, 2016)
• No. 3 best city for young professionals (Forbes, 2016)
• No. 4 best city for jobs (Glassdoor.com, 2017)
• No. 4 best place to live (U.S. News & World Report, 2016)
• Best big city in the Southeast (Time, 2016)
• Selected as a Google Fiber expansion city

With Durham and Chapel Hill, Raleigh anchors the Research Triangle, a national hotspot for high-tech enterprise. The top companies in the region - including IBM, Cisco Systems, SAS Institute, Biogen Idec and GlaxoSmithKline - are among the country's best employers. They also lead the way in hiring new NC State graduates.

More than 130 years after its creation, NC State continues to make its founding purpose a reality. Every day, our career-ready graduates and world-leading faculty make the fruits of learning and discovery available to people across the state, throughout the nation and around the world.