Position Title Director of Development for Strategic Priorities Location Boone, NC Faculty Rank Provide Rank Position Number 000981 Department University Advancement-VC - 500000
Position Summary Information
Primary Purpose
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
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 enterprise‑wide 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
Posting Details Information
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.
