Director of Engagement and Advancement Operations

About the role

The College of Sciences at NC State University is seeking a strategic, innovative, and relationship-focused Director of Engagement and Advancement Operations to lead alumni engagement, donor relations, advancement communications, and operational support for the College’s fundraising initiatives.

Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Philanthropy, the Director serves as a key member of the advancement leadership team and plays a vital role in strengthening relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, and friends of the College while advancing the College’s mission through meaningful engagement and philanthropic support.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual and targeted fundraising initiatives, including strategies for the College’s Dean’s Circle Giving Society and corporate and foundation partnerships.
• Oversee alumni engagement, donor stewardship, scholarship and endowment programs, and advancement events.
• Manage and support the College of Sciences Alumni Advisory Board and other external advisory groups.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team to develop impactful advancement communications, donor stories, digital engagement strategies, and fundraising campaigns.
• Supervise the Associate Director of Events & Donor Relations and the Foundation Accountant.
• Serve as a thought leader on alumni engagement, philanthropy, advancement communications, and emerging industry trends.
• Partner with College leadership on presentations, reports, donor communications, and other strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience: Requires a relevant post-Baccalaureate degree with a minimum of three (3) years or greater of related professional experience, or a relevant undergraduate degree and a minimum of five (5) years or greater of relevant experience may be substituted for the advanced degree, or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Other Required Qualifications: Exceptional organizational and communication skills, with high attention to detail and the ability to work with faculty, administrators, and volunteers as part of a team in a large, complex research university. The ability to anticipate organizational needs and proactively provide solutions is also desired. Strong writing and communication skills are required, as well as the ability to juggle competing priorities in a fast-paced work environment. Experience in alumni relations and/or fundraising in a university environment or non-profit environment. In-depth familiarity with database management, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Ability to work well with volunteers, alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and students.
• Preferred Qualifications: Preference for a candidate with five or more years of significant experience working in development, operations or alumni relations in a research-intensive, complex university environment. Experience in a college-based development office is helpful but not required. Preference for candidates with university advancement experience, database proficiency, and cultural competency. Background in fundraising, stewardship and event planning strongly preferred.