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Director of Development for Strategic Priorities
Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
26 August 2026 (19 days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
23 November 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Primary Purpose
The Director of Development for Strategic Priorities drives major gift success for Appalachian State by leading philanthropic strategy for the universitys highestimpact initiatives. This role identifies cultivates and secures transformational investments that elevate App States mission fuel institutional priorities and expand the universitys reach and reputation.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Lead major gift strategy to advance highimpact university priorities Manage a focused portfolio of 60-80 major gift prospects with clear goals and movement Identify cultivate and solicit donors capable of making transformational philanthropic investments Develop compelling proposals and cases for support aligned with institutional needs Conduct strategic donor travel regionally and nationally to engage highcapacity prospects Partner with College Deans and academic leaders to surface funding opportunities and shape donor strategies Collaborate with Development colleagues to coordinate outreach share insights and support enterprisewide fundraising goals Engage campus units including administrative areas and Athletics to align philanthropic opportunities with donor interests Plan and execute solicitations for major gifts including strategy preparation and followthrough Steward major donors with meaningful communication impact reporting and longterm engagement Use data and CRM tools to track activity inform decisions and evaluate progress toward goals Support campaign initiatives through coordinated strategy prospect alignment and donor engagement Represent App State at donor meetings events and university functions with professionalism and enthusiasm Maintain confidentiality and compliance with university state and industry standards
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors degree from an accredited institution Three years of experience in fundraising development sales or a closely related field Demonstrated ability to build and manage productive external relationships Willingness to travel frequently for donor engagement and university business Availability for evening work as required for events and donor meetings
Preferred Qualifications
Masters degree in a relevant field Experience with major and planned gifts in a college or university setting Demonstrated success in securing five six or sevenfigure philanthropic commitments Experience collaborating with academic leadership faculty and campus partners Knowledge of advancement best practices donor engagement strategies and campaign environments Ability to manage a dynamic portfolio and prioritize highimpact prospects Strong communication skills for donor meetings proposals and strategic presentations Experience working with volunteer leaders advisory groups or boards Familiarity with CRM systems and datainformed fundraising practices
The Director of Development for Strategic Priorities drives major gift success for Appalachian State by leading philanthropic strategy for the universitys highestimpact initiatives. This role identifies cultivates and secures transformational investments that elevate App States mission fuel institutional priorities and expand the universitys reach and reputation.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Lead major gift strategy to advance highimpact university priorities Manage a focused portfolio of 60-80 major gift prospects with clear goals and movement Identify cultivate and solicit donors capable of making transformational philanthropic investments Develop compelling proposals and cases for support aligned with institutional needs Conduct strategic donor travel regionally and nationally to engage highcapacity prospects Partner with College Deans and academic leaders to surface funding opportunities and shape donor strategies Collaborate with Development colleagues to coordinate outreach share insights and support enterprisewide fundraising goals Engage campus units including administrative areas and Athletics to align philanthropic opportunities with donor interests Plan and execute solicitations for major gifts including strategy preparation and followthrough Steward major donors with meaningful communication impact reporting and longterm engagement Use data and CRM tools to track activity inform decisions and evaluate progress toward goals Support campaign initiatives through coordinated strategy prospect alignment and donor engagement Represent App State at donor meetings events and university functions with professionalism and enthusiasm Maintain confidentiality and compliance with university state and industry standards
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors degree from an accredited institution Three years of experience in fundraising development sales or a closely related field Demonstrated ability to build and manage productive external relationships Willingness to travel frequently for donor engagement and university business Availability for evening work as required for events and donor meetings
Preferred Qualifications
Masters degree in a relevant field Experience with major and planned gifts in a college or university setting Demonstrated success in securing five six or sevenfigure philanthropic commitments Experience collaborating with academic leadership faculty and campus partners Knowledge of advancement best practices donor engagement strategies and campaign environments Ability to manage a dynamic portfolio and prioritize highimpact prospects Strong communication skills for donor meetings proposals and strategic presentations Experience working with volunteer leaders advisory groups or boards Familiarity with CRM systems and datainformed fundraising practices
Required Experience:
Director
About Company
Prepare to lead a purposeful life as an engaged global citizen. Apply to Appalachian State University in the North Carolina mountains.
