Western Carolina University
Director of Development - #230956, #002237, #182773
🇺🇸 Cullowhee, NC
🕑 Full-Time
💰 TBD
💻 Development & Advancement
🗓️ December 19th, 2025
Raiser’s Edge
Edtech.com's Summary
Western Carolina University is hiring a Director of Development to support its fundraising efforts across three key college areas: Engineering and Technology, Business, and Fine and Performing Arts. The role involves managing donor portfolios, developing strategic fundraising plans, collaborating with college leadership, and securing major gifts and corporate partnerships to advance university priorities.
Highlights
- Manage a portfolio of donors with a focus on major gift cultivation and solicitation.
- Develop and implement strategic fundraising plans including qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Collaborate closely with college leadership, faculty, and staff to identify philanthropic opportunities.
- Build and sustain relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations to support key initiatives.
- Represent the university at events, involving occasional evening, weekend work, and frequent travel.
- Experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT relationship management system preferred.
- Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and 1-3 years of fundraising or related revenue-generating experience.
- Preferred qualifications include 3-5 years of higher education fundraising experience and capital campaign involvement.
- Position is full-time, permanent, with 40 hours per week across 12 months.
- Employment requires legal authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship and completion of background checks.
Director of Development - #230956, #002237, #182773 Full Description
Director of Development - #230956, #002237, #182773
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
To be considered, you must apply online.
Attach a cover letter, current resume, and a list of references (including complete contact information with name, title, address, email, and phone) to complete the application.
For questions and additional information, please contact Ben Kees at bkees@email.wcu.edu
Attach a cover letter, current resume, and a list of references (including complete contact information with name, title, address, email, and phone) to complete the application.
For questions and additional information, please contact Ben Kees at bkees@email.wcu.edu
Posting Details
Posting Information
Posting Number | EHRA1013P
Quick Link for Internal Postings | https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/32505
Classification Title | Director
Working Title | Director of Development - #230956, #002237, #182773
Department | Office, VC, Advancement
Anticipated Hiring Range | Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.
About WCU | Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including:
• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary | The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus. These positions are designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).
To support Western Carolina University’s fundraising efforts, we are recruiting three Director of Development positions:
Director of Development & Corporate Partnerships (College of Engineering and Technology) Director of Development (College of Business) Director of Development (David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts)
All roles will serve as key members of our fundraising team, focusing on cultivating and securing major gifts and corporate partnerships to advance priority initiatives within the University’s comprehensive campaign. Each position will work closely with the Dean and leadership of the assigned college to align fundraising strategies with college and university priorities.
What You’ll Do: Manage a portfolio of donors and prospective donors, with an emphasis on major gift cultivation and solicitation. Develop and implement strategic fundraising plans, including qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities. Collaborate with college leadership, faculty, and staff to identify opportunities for philanthropic support. Build and maintain relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations to secure resources for key initiatives. Represent WCU at events and meetings, requiring occasional evening and weekend work and frequent travel.
Minimum Qualifications | Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. 1-3 years experience in a fundraising environment. Other account-based revenue generating experience will be considered such as sales, nonprofit management, grant-writing, investment management, etc.
Preferred Qualifications | 3-5 Years experience in higher education fundraising Experience working with the Raiser’s Edge NXT relationship management system Experience working within a capital campaign environment
Position Type | Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week | 40
Number of Months Per Year | 12
Quick Link for Internal Postings | https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/32505
Classification Title | Director
Working Title | Director of Development - #230956, #002237, #182773
Department | Office, VC, Advancement
Anticipated Hiring Range | Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.
About WCU | Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including:
• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary | The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus. These positions are designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).
To support Western Carolina University’s fundraising efforts, we are recruiting three Director of Development positions:
Director of Development & Corporate Partnerships (College of Engineering and Technology) Director of Development (College of Business) Director of Development (David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts)
All roles will serve as key members of our fundraising team, focusing on cultivating and securing major gifts and corporate partnerships to advance priority initiatives within the University’s comprehensive campaign. Each position will work closely with the Dean and leadership of the assigned college to align fundraising strategies with college and university priorities.
What You’ll Do: Manage a portfolio of donors and prospective donors, with an emphasis on major gift cultivation and solicitation. Develop and implement strategic fundraising plans, including qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities. Collaborate with college leadership, faculty, and staff to identify opportunities for philanthropic support. Build and maintain relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations to secure resources for key initiatives. Represent WCU at events and meetings, requiring occasional evening and weekend work and frequent travel.
Minimum Qualifications | Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. 1-3 years experience in a fundraising environment. Other account-based revenue generating experience will be considered such as sales, nonprofit management, grant-writing, investment management, etc.
Preferred Qualifications | 3-5 Years experience in higher education fundraising Experience working with the Raiser’s Edge NXT relationship management system Experience working within a capital campaign environment
Position Type | Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week | 40
Number of Months Per Year | 12
Posting Text
Open Date | 12/18/2025
Close Date |
Open Until Filled | Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants | To be considered, you must apply online.
Attach a cover letter, current resume, and a list of references (including complete contact information with name, title, address, email, and phone) to complete the application.
For questions and additional information, please contact Ben Kees at bkees@email.wcu.edu
Background/E-Verify | Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification | All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE | Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety | The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
Close Date |
Open Until Filled | Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants | To be considered, you must apply online.
Attach a cover letter, current resume, and a list of references (including complete contact information with name, title, address, email, and phone) to complete the application.
For questions and additional information, please contact Ben Kees at bkees@email.wcu.edu
Background/E-Verify | Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification | All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE | Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety | The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
- Resume
- List of references
Optional Documents
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Do you require sponsorship?
- Yes
- No
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