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Winston-Salem State University

Director of Development

Winston-Salem State University, Columbia Heights, Minnesota, United States

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Special Instructions Our agency supports second‑chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated, or Justice‑involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

A criminal background check will be conducted on the candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment.

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and T&E requirements, then management may consider other applicants.

Salary will be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered.

Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position.

Your application for the position will not be completed until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position.

For general questions about the application process, contact Human Resources at

OHR@wssu.edu . Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336‑750‑2834.

Position Overview Join the Ramily! Winston‑Salem State University’s Office of Advancement has four (4) openings for a Director of Development assigned to one of WSSU’s colleges. This job posting will remain live until all four vacancies are filled.

The Director of Development (DoD) is a leader on the development team within the Division of University Advancement. A successful DoD will be a proactive and collaborative member of this dynamic team and a champion for the university’s highest funding priorities as we continue to plan for our next campaign.

The Director of Development is responsible for leading fundraising efforts within an assigned college at Winston‑Salem State University. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, this position works collaboratively with faculty, staff, alumni, and university leadership to design and execute strategies to secure philanthropic support for scholarships, academic programs, research, faculty initiatives, and capital needs.

The Director manages a personal portfolio of prospects, cultivates and solicits major gifts, and stewards donors to strengthen lifelong relationships with the university. This role requires an entrepreneurial approach, strong communication skills, and the ability to align donor interests with the strategic priorities of the college and WSSU.

The DoD is responsible for raising at least $1,500,000 in new commitments annually and increasing this amount over time as the school’s major and principal gift pipeline develops.

Responsibilities Major Gift Fundraising and Stewardship

Identify, qualify, visit, cultivate, solicit, close, and steward donors to raise major gifts within a designated academic unit.

Meet aggressive fundraising metrics, which are established annually, with minimal supervision.

Work closely with Advancement colleagues, university leaders, faculty, and staff to develop and execute strategies to secure major gifts and philanthropic support for assigned institutional priorities, special initiatives, and campaign themes within your assigned school.

Manage the Dean’s Board of Advisors to advance your academic unit’s development goals and priorities.

Create and execute strategic advancement plans for major gift prospects as defined with capacity for gifts of $25,000+.

Plan and execute trips to engage prospective donors one‑on‑one, when possible, building schedules around campus leaders within your academic unit.

Manage communication of information, including briefings, development agendas, and reporting to assigned faculty leaders.

Collaborate with leadership, faculty, and development professionals to develop persuasive fundraising proposals, case statements, gift announcements, and collateral materials.

Strategic Planning and Program Implementation

Establish and maintain professional relationships with faculty, leadership, internal colleagues, key stakeholders, alumni, and community leaders to identify and engage potential donors.

Build annual and long‑term goals for philanthropy in assigned areas.

Develop, evaluate, and refine plans and timetables for departmental or theme assignments; assist in planning and/or directing cultivation events or programs.

Assist administrators and faculty in the identification and prioritization of institutional and departmental funding needs; keep abreast of departmental programs.

Portfolio Development and Management

Successfully maintain and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects.

Follow procedures in coordination with the Advancement Services to ensure effective collecting, recording, accounting, acknowledgement, and follow‑up on all private gifts to assigned areas.

Monitor fundraising progress, develop contact reports, enter data into tracking databases, and operate within a standardized metric program.

Work successfully with colleagues across the institution to collaborate on prospects with multiple interests.

Follow best fundraising and operational practices for the WSSU Office of University Advancement.

Education

Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited institution; advanced degree preferred.

Experience

Minimum of five (5) years of progressive fundraising, development, or related nonprofit experience.

Proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts ($25,000+).

Experience managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.

Experience working in higher education or complex nonprofit organizations preferred.

Personal Attributes

Self‑starter with a high degree of initiative, curiosity, and independence.

Strategic thinker with a collaborative mindset.

Strong integrity, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.

Willingness to travel regionally and nationally, and to work occasional evenings and weekends for donor engagement.

Required License or Certification

Valid US Driver's License

Commercial Driver's License Not Required

Physical Required: No

Compensation Salary $85,000 – $95,000

Application Deadline Open until filled

Contact For questions, contact Human Resources at

OHR@wssu.edu

or call 336-750-2834.

Address Winston‑Salem State University 601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Winston‑Salem, NC 27110

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