Director of Development

Edtech.com's Summary

College of Charleston is hiring a Director of Development. This role leads major donor relations within the Division of Institutional Advancement, focusing on securing at least $2,500,000 in new commitments annually for strategic priorities, particularly aligned with the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. The Director manages donor portfolios, collaborates with campus leaders, and drives fundraising efforts to support the College's campaign and core values.

Highlights

Lead development efforts and manage major donor relationships focusing on gifts between $100,000 and $250,000+
Develop and execute strategic fundraising plans aligned with the School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Collaborate with institutional teams including Advancement Services, Corporate/Foundation Relations, Planned Giving, Marketing, Alumni Affairs, Academic Affairs, and executive leadership
Responsible for raising a minimum of $2.5 million annually in new commitments
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years' experience in alumni/development leadership roles, preferably in higher education
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and experience with CRM tools such as GC Gift Officer or RE NXT
Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and planning skills required
Expected to travel regularly, including overnight trips, and work occasional evenings and weekends
Compensation range: $79,600 - $83,232, commensurate with education and experience
Benefits include health, dental, vision insurance, retirement, paid leave, life insurance, tuition assistance, and employee assistance programs

Director of Development Full Description

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please complete the application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

*Salary is commensurate with education/experience which exceeds the minimum requirements.

Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check.

All applications must be submitted online https://jobs.cofc.edu.

Posting Details

POSTING INFORMATION

Internal Title	Director of Development
Position Type	Classified
Faculty / Non-Faculty / Administration	Non-Faculty
Pay Band	GEN12
Level
Department	Development
Job Purpose	The Director of Development (DoD) is a leader on the development team within the Division of Institutional Advancement. A successful DoD will be a proactive and collaborative member of this dynamic team and a champion for the College’s highest funding priorities as we continue to plan for its next campaign. One of the College’s core values is integrity, and the DoD will help foster a community that demonstrates respect for self, others and place. The DoD develops and manages key major donor relationships to secure gifts for the College’s top strategic priorities. The DoD aligns with the College’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences to secure and grow major gift commitments. The DoD is responsible for raising at least $2,500,000 in new commitments annually.
Minimum Requirements	Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of related experience in alumni/development activities that demonstrate leadership and accomplishment in moves management, gift solicitation and closes at $100,000- $250,000+. Strong organizational capabilities are required as is a demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively with many constituencies and partners in a university or non-profit setting. Willingness to travel will be essential. Other important characteristics of the DoD include a strong work ethic, personal integrity, excellent communication, the ability to prioritize projects and support a collaborative approach to development and fundraising planning. Preference will be given to individuals with five years of higher education development or alumni engagement experience and who can demonstrate successful results and increased responsibility over time. Candidates with an equivalent combination of experience and/or education are encouraged to apply. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills. Must be able to work on several projects concurrently while meeting deadlines. Analytical skills are required. Ability to develop solicitation strategies around top university objectives/funding priorities.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities	Requires a high energy level, ambition and an orientation to action, the ability to inspire and energize others. Excellent people skills, effective communication skills, oral and written, and demonstrated commitment to extraordinary customer service. Advanced Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint skills. Experience working with GC Gift Officer, RE NXT or similar CRM programs. Excellent verbal and written communications. Position requires knowledge of and experience in major gift techniques, to include planned giving, corporate/foundation grants and stewardship. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills. Must be able to work on several projects concurrently while meeting deadlines. Must work well independently and as a member of a team. Must have some experience/training in budgeting and planning. Analytic assessment skills required.
Additional Comments Regarding Position	Evening and weekend work is required. Regular overnight travel expected.
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please complete the application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. Salary is commensurate with education/experience which exceeds the minimum requirements. Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check. All applications must be submitted online https://jobs.cofc.edu*.
Salary	*$79,600 - $83,232
Posting Date	05/14/2026
Closing Date	06/15/2026
Benefits	Insurance: Health/Dental/Vision Life Insurance Paid Leave: Sick/Annual/Parental Retirement Long Term Disability Paid Holidays Free CARTA Bus Service Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Full Benefits Package – Click Here
Open Until Filled	No
Posting Number	2026076
EEO Statement	The College of Charleston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of sex, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please visit eop.cofc.edu.
Quicklink for Posting	https://jobs.cofc.edu/postings/17972

Job Duties

Activity	School/Unit Development Liaison In addition to securing new commitments for key institutional priorities, the DoD is responsible for growing the major and principal gift program within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. In collaboration with the school/unit leaders, establish and report progress toward fundraising goals and projections through annual planning. Emphasis is placed on strategic identification, assignment, advancement, solicitation and stewardship of philanthropic partnerships at gift levels of $100,000-$250,000 or greater. Leverages relationships with School of Business faculty, staff and administration to discover new major and principal gift prospects and increase giving from current major and principal gift School of Humanities and Social Sciences donors. Successfully leads or is a part of School of Humanities and Social Sciences principal gift prospect strategic planning in partnership with campus leaders including but not limited to the Dean, CAO, Executive Director of Principal Gifts and Presidential Strategy, and Vice President for Development.
Essential or Marginal	Essential
Percent of Time	40

Activity	Portfolio Management: Manages the advancement of a dynamic portfolio of major and principal gift prospects in all phases of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, with an emphasis on donors capable of philanthropic support at levels of $100,000 to $250,000 or greater. Coordinates customized solicitation strategies in collaboration with strategic internal partners to include: Advancement Services; Research; Corporate and Foundation Relations; Planned Giving; Marketing and Communications; Alumni Affairs; Academic Affairs; and the President’s Office to advance institutional fundraising priorities. Plans and executes trips to engage these prospective donors one-on-one, when possible building schedules around those of campus leaders with particular focus on the Dean for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Creation and execution of strategic advancement plans for principal gift prospects as defined with capacity for gifts of $500,000+. Collaborates with frontline officers, including regional and lead annual gift officers, to build the College of Charleston prospect pipeline via strong qualification and referral techniques.
Essential or Marginal	Essential
Percent of Time	50

Activity	Leadership Team: Exemplifies the College’s core values with specific focus on integrity, diversity, equity and inclusion and innovation. Serves as a member of the development leadership team to facilitate an integrated effort for the department on and off campus. Maintains a productive and collaborative working relationship with Institutional Advancement colleagues and campus partners where cooperation is essential to effective Development programs. Serves as a mentor, thought leader, and coach to development officers when called upon. Assists with special events and represents the College of Charleston to advance internal and external partnerships. Represents the College and Development Office at both on- and off-campus events. Participates in preparation of Institutional Advancement’s quarterly and fiscal year workplans.
Essential or Marginal	Essential
Percent of Time	10

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
- Chronicle of Higher Education
- CofC - Alumni Career Services
- College of Charleston Website
- Diverse: Issues in Higher Education
- Glassdoor
- Handshake
- HigherEdJobs
- Indeed.com
- Internal Job Posting
- jbcjobs (Joint Base Charleston Military & Family Readiness)
- Job Fair
- LinkedIn
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- Personal Referral
- Post and Courier
- Public Job Posting
- SC Works (SC Department of Employment and Workforce)
- Twitter
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- Other
- National Labor Exchange
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Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Resume
Cover Letter / Letter of Application
Reference List

Optional Documents

Other Document
Other Document 2
Other Document 3
Form DD 214

Email: jobs@cofc.edu
General Information: 843.953.5512
Mailing Address: 66 George St.
Charleston, SC 29424

HR Office 160 Calhoun St.
Lightsey Building B36
Charleston, SC 29424
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Original Job Description