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Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas 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 Americas 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 Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems 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. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The Director of Development is a direct fundraising position that reports to the Senior Director of Development. This position serves as the principal development office contact for the an assigned academic unit and is responsible for the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for an assigned group of prospects, including individuals and corporations/foundations, with a focus on major gift activity for gifts at $25,000 and above; the identification and qualification of new prospects; and the management and implementation of assigned fundraising projects and achieving the goals of WCUs comprehensive fundraising campaign.

In collaboration and coordination with the Division of Advancement staff, this position is responsible for providing leadership, management, and strategic direction for assigned prospects and projects in line with the Universitys comprehensive fundraising campaign and overall University development priorities and policies. Under the direction of the Senior Director of Development, this position will assist in providing overall development leadership and counsel to the Dean(s) and faculty/staff leaders of the assigned college(s) as they develop and execute unit- specific fundraising plans. The director will undertake other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Vice Chancellor for Advancement.

The Director of Development will be an accomplished fundraising professional who has a demonstrated knowledge of the nature and purpose of public higher education and who has: extensive, successful experience in fundraising at progressively higher levels; strong interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills reflected in an ability to work effectively and collegially with senior management personnel, professional colleagues, and prospects in a team- oriented environment; a high energy level and commitment to professional growth and responsibilities, unquestioned integrity and fiscal accountability, and ability to plan and achieve long and short-term fundraising goals with database documentation of fundraising activity; and exceptional written and oral communication skills.

In addition to portfolio management, the DOD will plan and execute the annual development plan for the college. Developed in collaboration with the Dean, the development plan addresses key engagement and philanthropic goals which advance the mission and vision of the College. The DOD will engage support from the Division of advancement and University Communications and Marketing to ensure the full execution of the plan.

A working knowledge of the fundamentals of planned giving and annual giving is preferred. The Director of Development will conduct themselves in a professional and appropriate manner at all times. Additionally, the Director of Development may be called upon to provide assistance to the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Assistant Vice Chancellor and other staff members of Western Carolina University.

What Youll Do:

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 at bkees@email.wcu.edu