University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Chief Development Officer for Office of the VC for Research
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Elkins Hills, North Carolina, United States
Posting Information
Posting Information
Department University Development Office-250100
Career Area Development and Fundraising
Posting Open Date 08/20/2025
Application Deadline 09/02/2025
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Chief Development Officer for Office of the VC for Research
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 20031364
Vacancy ID NF0009246
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions
Proposed Start Date 10/13/2025
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel! A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
consistently ranks as
one of the nation's top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of
professional training opportunities
for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy
exclusive perks
for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local childcare centers and special rates on select campus events.
UNC -Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a
comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Explore additional benefits of working at
UNC -CH -
https://hr.unc.edu/benefits/
The University Development Office seeks a dynamic, experienced, articulate, and creative Chief Development Officer to oversee an assigned school or unit's fundraising strategy, including developing and executing plans to secure funding from various sources, cultivating donor relationships, and managing the overall development team to achieve organizational growth goals; play a key role in identifying and securing major gifts, managing donor databases, and collaborating with other departments to maximize fundraising efforts.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit University Development's purpose is to support the mission of the university by raising private resources to enhance financial support for students, faculty, programs, and facilities. University Development provides leadership and centralized services to all development offices throughout the University, serving as a focal point for annual giving, application development and IT support; campaign management; constituent programs; corporate and foundation relations; donor relations; gift planning; gift services; industry relations; marketing/communications; parents giving; principal gifts; prospect management, research and analytics; regional programs; scholarships and student aid; talent management; university events; and volunteer engagement.
Carolina Development is proud of its donor-centered philosophy, pursuing activities that always respect the interests and intentions of the donor as well as the University. The organization's collaborative nature is a critical component to fulfilling our mission of raising private funds to benefit the university.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and transferable skills!
Position Summary This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy.
UNC
Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.
Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives Development and working in close partnership with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research ( OVCR ), the Chief Development Officer ( CDO ) serves as the lead fundraising professional for research initiatives. The
CDO
is responsible for overseeing all development efforts related to research priorities, working collaboratively with both the
AVC
for Strategic Initiatives and the
OVCR
to establish and achieve fundraising goals. This role includes managing a portfolio of major donors and securing significant philanthropic support to advance the top research priorities of the institution. The role includes close collaboration with faculty, staff and leadership to secure philanthropic and private grant support.
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research oversees, develops and supports Carolina's $1.55 billion research enterprise. It sets strategic priorities for research, manages proposals and awards, provides research infrastructure, identifies funding opportunities, develops research teams and partnerships, and oversees regulatory compliance, science and security, and ethics. In addition to overseeing UNC's full research enterprise, encompassing all schools and units, the
OVCR
also houses UNC's 14 pan-campus Centers and Institutes, which include the Center for Galapagos Studies, the Winston Center, and the Renaissance Computing Institute ( RENCI ) to name a few.
The
CDO
will dedicate 60% of their effort to the Center for Galapagos Studies, where they will work closely with the
CGS
Director to develop and implement fundraising strategies aligned with the organization's mission and long-term goals, to cultivate and maintain relationships with key donors, and to enable the development of communications and content that support the fundraising vision and goals. The remaining 40% of the CDO's effort will be directed toward supporting
OVCR
units and strategic initiatives, to be determined collaboratively by the
AVC
for Strategic Initiatives and the
VCR . For all supported units the
CDO
is responsible for developing a comprehensive development program, including strategy planning and all aspects of donor management, fundraising operations, and stakeholder communications.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience * Experience leading and/or managing a development team, especially in complex organizations such as higher education. * Proven experience in fundraising, with a successful track record of securing major, principal, and planned gifts. * Proven experience successfully managing complex donor relationships. * Exemplary written and oral communication skills. * Ability to think creatively and strategically, and to work well under pressure. * Self-starter capable of working independently, while also engaging in collaboration between teams. * Strong leadership and team management skills to lead and motivate a development team. * Knowledge of donor database systems and fundraising software.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience A familiarity with The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the State of North Carolina will be valued highly. Experience in science fund raising.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/305641
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title
Department Contact Telephone or Email
Office of Human Resources Contact Information If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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Posting Information
Department University Development Office-250100
Career Area Development and Fundraising
Posting Open Date 08/20/2025
Application Deadline 09/02/2025
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Chief Development Officer for Office of the VC for Research
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 20031364
Vacancy ID NF0009246
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions
Proposed Start Date 10/13/2025
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel! A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
consistently ranks as
one of the nation's top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of
professional training opportunities
for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy
exclusive perks
for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local childcare centers and special rates on select campus events.
UNC -Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a
comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Explore additional benefits of working at
UNC -CH -
https://hr.unc.edu/benefits/
The University Development Office seeks a dynamic, experienced, articulate, and creative Chief Development Officer to oversee an assigned school or unit's fundraising strategy, including developing and executing plans to secure funding from various sources, cultivating donor relationships, and managing the overall development team to achieve organizational growth goals; play a key role in identifying and securing major gifts, managing donor databases, and collaborating with other departments to maximize fundraising efforts.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit University Development's purpose is to support the mission of the university by raising private resources to enhance financial support for students, faculty, programs, and facilities. University Development provides leadership and centralized services to all development offices throughout the University, serving as a focal point for annual giving, application development and IT support; campaign management; constituent programs; corporate and foundation relations; donor relations; gift planning; gift services; industry relations; marketing/communications; parents giving; principal gifts; prospect management, research and analytics; regional programs; scholarships and student aid; talent management; university events; and volunteer engagement.
Carolina Development is proud of its donor-centered philosophy, pursuing activities that always respect the interests and intentions of the donor as well as the University. The organization's collaborative nature is a critical component to fulfilling our mission of raising private funds to benefit the university.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and transferable skills!
Position Summary This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy.
UNC
Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.
Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives Development and working in close partnership with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research ( OVCR ), the Chief Development Officer ( CDO ) serves as the lead fundraising professional for research initiatives. The
CDO
is responsible for overseeing all development efforts related to research priorities, working collaboratively with both the
AVC
for Strategic Initiatives and the
OVCR
to establish and achieve fundraising goals. This role includes managing a portfolio of major donors and securing significant philanthropic support to advance the top research priorities of the institution. The role includes close collaboration with faculty, staff and leadership to secure philanthropic and private grant support.
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research oversees, develops and supports Carolina's $1.55 billion research enterprise. It sets strategic priorities for research, manages proposals and awards, provides research infrastructure, identifies funding opportunities, develops research teams and partnerships, and oversees regulatory compliance, science and security, and ethics. In addition to overseeing UNC's full research enterprise, encompassing all schools and units, the
OVCR
also houses UNC's 14 pan-campus Centers and Institutes, which include the Center for Galapagos Studies, the Winston Center, and the Renaissance Computing Institute ( RENCI ) to name a few.
The
CDO
will dedicate 60% of their effort to the Center for Galapagos Studies, where they will work closely with the
CGS
Director to develop and implement fundraising strategies aligned with the organization's mission and long-term goals, to cultivate and maintain relationships with key donors, and to enable the development of communications and content that support the fundraising vision and goals. The remaining 40% of the CDO's effort will be directed toward supporting
OVCR
units and strategic initiatives, to be determined collaboratively by the
AVC
for Strategic Initiatives and the
VCR . For all supported units the
CDO
is responsible for developing a comprehensive development program, including strategy planning and all aspects of donor management, fundraising operations, and stakeholder communications.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience * Experience leading and/or managing a development team, especially in complex organizations such as higher education. * Proven experience in fundraising, with a successful track record of securing major, principal, and planned gifts. * Proven experience successfully managing complex donor relationships. * Exemplary written and oral communication skills. * Ability to think creatively and strategically, and to work well under pressure. * Self-starter capable of working independently, while also engaging in collaboration between teams. * Strong leadership and team management skills to lead and motivate a development team. * Knowledge of donor database systems and fundraising software.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience A familiarity with The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the State of North Carolina will be valued highly. Experience in science fund raising.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/305641
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title
Department Contact Telephone or Email
Office of Human Resources Contact Information If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr