Director of Development for Strategic Priorities

Director of Development for Strategic Priorities
 Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the 

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Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date indicated in the posting. For positions listed as Open Until Filled, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Include three (3) references with contact information in the body of the application.

For a quick snapshot of Life in Boone working at App, click the link below.
https://hr.appstate.edu/sites/default/files/boone_community_profile.pdf

Posting Details

 Request to Recruit 

Position Title  | Director of Development for Strategic Priorities
Location  | Boone, NC
Faculty Rank  |
Provide Rank  |
Position Number  | 000981
Department  | University Advancement-VC - 500000

 Position Summary Information 

Primary Purpose  | The Director of Development for Strategic Priorities drives major gift success for
Appalachian State by leading philanthropic strategy for the university’s highest‑impact
initiatives. This role identifies, cultivates, and secures transformational investments that
elevate App State’s mission, fuel institutional priorities, and expand the university’s
reach and reputation.
Minimum Qualifications  | Bachelor’s 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
License/Certification Required  |
Preferred Qualifications  | Master’s degree in a relevant field Experience with major and planned gifts in a college or university setting Demonstrated success in securing five, six, or seven‑figure 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 high‑impact 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 data‑informed fundraising practices

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 
Lead major gift strategy to advance high‑impact 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 high‑capacity
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 enterprise‑wide 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
follow‑through Steward major donors with meaningful communication, impact reporting, and
long‑term 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

Type of Position  | Full Time Position
Staff/Non-Faculty  | Staff/Non-Faculty
VISA Sponsorship?  | VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S.
Appointment Type  | 1.0
Work Schedule/Hours  | 40
Number of Hours Per Week  | 12
Number of Months Per Year  | 12
Mandatory Staff  | No
Suggested Salary Range  | $88,000 - $125,000
Physical Demands of Position  | 

 Posting Details Information 

Posting Date  | 07/16/2026
Closing Date  | 08/30/2026
Open Until Filled  | No
Evaluation of Applications Begins  | 07/20/2026
Proposed Date of Hire  |
Special Instructions to Applicants  | For consideration, please attach the following: Resume Cover Letter 
Include three (3) references with contact information in the body of the application.

For a quick snapshot of Life in Boone working at App, click the link below.
https://hr.appstate.edu/sites/default/files/boone_community_profile.pdf
Search Chair Name  | Katie Pate
Search Chair Email  | [email protected]
Quick Link  | https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/55162
Posting Number  | 201501814P

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

 University of North Carolina System Employment
Careers with the State of North Carolina