Director of Prospect Development

Please see Special Instructions for more details. This position is designated as Exempt from the Human Resources Act ( EHRA ). Benefits of Working at UNCW At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers. Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life—creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally. As a member of the Seahawk community, you’ll benefit from a culture that values well‑being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well‑being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life. Hiring Range Hiring Range Determined based on qualifications and/or experience. UNCW’s Division for University Advancement is actively recruiting for a strategic leader who can build upon our philanthropic successes, elevate our prospecting operation, and oversee data compliance and integrity related to prospect development, concurrent with the university’s nationally rising reputation. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Major Gifts, the Director of Prospect Development will provide innovative leadership in all areas of prospect development for both the major gift and leadership annual giving enterprises to achieve the university’s fundraising priorities. The Director of Prospect Development will oversee the development associate for prospect research position. The Director will serve as the resident expert on industry standards, advising fundraising and engagement staff on best practices related to prospect management and strategy to move prospects through the cultivation‑solicitation‑stewardship cycle. As the subject matter expert on a variety of prospect research, analysis, and wealth assessment tools, the Director will implement data collection, mining, modeling, and reporting to develop, in collaboration with Advancement Services, a prospect data structure that facilitates a data‑driven fundraising model. Job responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: Develop and implement a systematized and streamlined approach to prospect identification and qualification to ensure an ample pipeline of both major giving and leadership annual giving prospects. Institute portfolio and pipeline management best practices through prospect identification, data analysis, portfolio optimization, and related services in support of effective fundraising programs and activities. In collaboration with Advancement Services, develop and implement data structures, dashboards, and reports to facilitate prospect record management in support of data‑driven major giving and leadership annual giving fundraising operations. In collaboration with Major Gift and Communications teams, develop procedures for streamlined proposal generation using templates and campaign “one‑sheeters” to produce both personalized conversation starters and formal proposals. Identify, implement and utilize technology solutions that enhance prospect development capabilities and support portfolio management. Manage a development associate for prospect research-to include hiring, training, mentoring, and ongoing performance evaluation. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Five years of prospect development experience with knowledge of prospect identification, research, and analysis in a university or nonprofit setting. Knowledge of fundraising principles, prospect research tools, and fundraising CRM systems. Three years of experience managing a team. Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience Proven ability to work independently, maintain confidentiality, and prioritize assignments. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Ability to interact with a diverse team with competing priorities. Familiarity with higher education policies and procedures. Experience with Raiser’s Edge, LexisNexis, Microsoft Office products, query and report writing. Experience with technology solutions that enhance prospect development capabilities and support portfolio management. Required Certifications or Licensures None Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit The Division for University Advancement (UA) is responsible for the following primary goals: Coordinate a campus‑wide, comprehensive effort to raise philanthropic funds that support the strategic plan and mission of the university. Manage an inclusive alumni engagement program designed to serve and engage nearly 100,000 alumni as ambassadors, advocates, and donors. Strengthen and expand UNCW’s donor pipeline through effective discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies. Ensure that external boards ( UNCW Foundation Board, Board of Visitors, Student Aid Association Board, Alumni Association Board of Directors, and the Friends of UNCW ) effectively support UNCW . College/School Information University Information The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world‑class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking. A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate‑ and graduate‑level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN‑to‑ BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s only bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering. The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969. EEO Statement UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs. Eligibility for Employment Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Number of Openings Months Per Year Months Per Year 12 Months FTE FTE 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week) Type of Position Type of Position Permanent Job Posting Date Job Posting Date 08/18/2026 Posting Close Date Posting Close Date 09/09/2026 Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Optional Documents Posting Specific Questions * How did you learn of this opportunity with UNCW? (2026) UNCW Website UNCW LinkedIn Page UNCW X Account (formerly Twitter) UNCW Employee Referral UNCW Instagram Account (UNCW_jobs) UNCW Job Alert Chronical of Higher Education Glassdoor Higher Ed Jobs Indeed Inside Higher Ed North Carolina Job Network Craigslist Career Events/Job Fairs Billboards/Marquee Other * If you selected "Other" to the question above, please explain how you found out about this opportunity. Enter N/A if not applicable. (Open Ended Question) #J-18808-Ljbffr University of North Carolina Wilmington