Director of Development for Strategic Priorities

Overview

Position Title: Director of Development for Strategic Priorities

Location: Boone, NC

Department: University Advancement-VC -

Position Number:

Position Summary

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

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 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 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

Not specified

Posting Details

• 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.

Search Chair

• Name: Katie Pate
• Email:

Quick Link

Posting Number

P