Assistant Director of Development-School of Data & Information Sciences (SDIS)

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.

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.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and transferable skills!

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 Assistant Director of Development supports the School of Data and Information Sciences' ( SDIS) advancement program by assisting with the donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, engagement, and development operations. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Assistant Director helps build the prospect pipeline, strengthen donor relationships, and advance fundraising priorities across annual, leadership, and major giving efforts.

In collaboration with the University Development Office ( UDO), Annual Giving, prospect research partners, and SDIS leadership, the Assistant Director also supports prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. The position uses donor and prospect data to identify opportunities for deeper engagement and giving. The Assistant Director prepares donor briefings, contact reports, proposals, presentations, and other materials to support strategic donor engagement and fundraising activity involving the Dean and other senior leaders.

The Assistant Director supports a comprehensive stewardship and donor relations program designed to strengthen donor retention and demonstrate the impact of philanthropy. Responsibilities include developing donor communications, impact reports, recognition materials, and other stewardship activities that connect donors to SDIS's mission, priorities, and beneficiaries.

The position also provides advancement services and operational support, including maintaining accurate and timely donor records in DAVIE, the University's CRM system; tracking donor activity and fundraising progress; supporting development reporting and budget management; and maintaining development calendars and schedules.

Serving as a key liaison among SDIS leadership, UDO partners, campus colleagues, donors, alumni, and other external constituents, the Assistant Director must demonstrate strong organizational, analytical, communication, event-planning and relationship-building skills. The position requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and work effectively in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

Master's or Bachelor's and 0-2 years' experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain trust-based relationships with donors, alumni, parents, volunteers, faculty, staff, and other constituents and to collaborate effectively across teams and organizational levels.

Working knowledge of the principles and practices of donor stewardship, fundraising, gift management, prospect development, alumni engagement, event planning, and advancement operations, preferably within higher education or a nonprofit environment.

Demonstrated ability to understand donor interests, motivations, and philanthropic priorities and translate that understanding into meaningful engagement and stewardship strategies.

Demonstrated critical thinking, sound judgment, discretion, and a proactive approach to managing projects, resolving issues, tracking deliverables, and communicating progress.

Ability to synthesize complex information and communicate it clearly and concisely to support decision-making and donor engagement.

Strong organizational, project management, and implementation skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail in a dynamic environment.

Experience working with donor databases or CRM systems and using data, reports, and other information to support fundraising, stewardship, events, and donor engagement activities.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional donor correspondence, briefings, reports, presentations, and other development materials.

1-3 years of experience in development, fundraising, donor relations, alumni engagement, event planning, higher education advancement, nonprofit advancement, or relevant transferable experience.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.