Director of Development

Director of Development #002237, #182773, #230956 Special Instructions

To be considered, you must apply online. Attach a cover letter, current resume, and a list of references (including complete contact information with name, title, address, email, and phone) to complete the application. For questions and additional information, please contact Ben Kees .

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year.

• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire.

Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available. Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.

Leave earning employees (staff and 12‑month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service. WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus. These positions are designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA). To support Western Carolina University’s fundraising efforts, we are recruiting three Director of Development positions.

• Director of Development & Corporate Partnerships (College of Engineering and Technology)
• Director of Development (College of Business)
• Director of Development (David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts)

• Manage a portfolio of donors and prospective donors, with an emphasis on major gift cultivation and solicitation.
• Develop and implement strategic fundraising plans, including qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
• Collaborate with college leadership, faculty, and staff to identify opportunities for philanthropic support.
• Build and maintain relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations to secure resources for key initiatives.
• Represent WCU at events and meetings, requiring occasional evening and weekend work and frequent travel.

• Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration‑related assistance.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• 1–3 years experience in a fundraising environment. Other account‑based revenue generating experience will be considered such as sales, nonprofit management, grant‑writing, investment management, etc.

• 3–5 Years experience in higher education fundraising
• Experience…