Assistant Director of Major Gifts
BE A TAR HEEL!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
DEPARTMENT SUMMARY
Carolina Athletics provides educational and athletic opportunities to young men and women, fosters an environment for student-athletes to learn, advance and excel both academically and athletically, and serves the interests of the University by complimenting and enhancing its diversity and quality of life. Through its athletic programs, the University seeks to unite alumni, faculty, administration and students in a common shared experience.
The Department of Athletics is a highly visible public relations arm of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with statewide, national and international recognition.
The Rams Club is the fundraising arm of Carolina Athletics, dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for student-athletes at the University of North Carolina. We are proud to serve a community of over 22,000 Rams Club members. Through the generosity of our donors, we provide scholarship support for more than 600 student-athletes, empowering them to pursue a world-class education while competing at the highest level.
Beyond scholarships, The Rams Club raises critical funds to support premier facilities and impactful programming that benefit all 800+ Carolina student-athletes, helping them thrive in academics, athletics, and life beyond Carolina.
The Rams Club is a private 501(c)(3) organization that works in close partnership with University Development and the Department of Athletics to maximize support for Carolina student-athletes. We offer full-time employees a highly competitive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional growth of our team members. Benefits include full coverage of employee medical insurance, generous retirement contributions, season tickets for Carolina Basketball and Football, on-campus parking and more.
When you join The Rams Club team, you become part of a passionate, mission-driven organization committed not only to supporting the next generation of Tar Heels – but to being the very best at it. We strive for excellence in everything we do, setting the standard in collegiate athletics fundraising. If you are inspired by the power of education, athletics, and community – and driven to be part of a team that leads the way – we want to hear from you.
To learn more about Carolina Athletics and The Rams Club, visit GoHeels.com.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Assistant Director of Major Gifts is an essential part of our talented team of development professionals. This role supports the Major Gift Team with normal daily tasks and serves as an in-the-field fundraiser focused on supporting the established priorities of The Rams Club. This position plays a key role in donor pipeline management and development through identifying major gift prospects by focusing on developing the next generation of Carolina Athletics supporters.
REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Four-year bachelor’s degree required. Master’s preferred. A minimum of one year of fund-raising or sales-related experience needed to apply. Collegiate athletics experience preferred.
NECESSARY SKILLS:
Proficient computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
Working knowledge of database systems such as Paciolan, and other database management systems.
Ability to interact, write, speak and communicate clearly with our donors and constituents, while portraying a professional image and demeanor.
Self-motivated and disciplined time management skills with the ability to prioritize work tasks.
Ability to build productive, beneficial relationships with a broad range of constituencies.
Ability to earn trust and confidence of donors and prospective donors and to maintain confidentiality of donor information.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Must be willing to drive and some travel is expected. Evening, weekend, and holiday work required.
Ability to see, hear, speak, maintain cognitive function at a high level and move around the office, along with ability to lift 20 pounds.
Ability to attend athletic events in varying environments including inclement weather.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
RESULTS:
MAJOR GIFT TEAM SUPPORT 50%
Assist the Major Gift team throughout the fundraising process. Duties could include but are not limited to: prospecting support, donor meeting preparation, proposal development, donor relationship management, donor/prospect tours, prospect and donor correspondence, and hospitality support.
Assist with other assigned projects related to major gift donors and prospects.
Assist the Major Gift team with fulfillment and distribution of tickets and parking passes, and with other gameday needs.
Other duties as assigned.
FUNDRAISING & DONOR RELATIONS 40%
Meet and exceed clearly established annual fundraising goals tied to: qualifications, outreach, visits, revenue, proposals, and number of major gifts closed.
Generate new prospects. In coordination with fundraising team leadership, work to expand The Rams Club’s relationship with prospective donors to encourage their financial support.
Responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting active major gift prospects. Target donors with the capability to make gifts of $25,000 or more.
Raise funds for established priorities approved by the Executive Director and/or The Rams Club Board.
Help ensure The Rams Club meets Annual Fund goals.
Provide Outstanding Customer Service – including but not limited to: in-person interactions, emails, phone calls, and mailings.
Actively and consistently record contact notes in Paciolan/EverTrue.
MISCELLEANOUS DUTIES & EVENT PARTICIPATION 10%
Attend and participate in Rams Club functions, Athletic Department meetings, University Development meetings, and any other events to represent The Rams Club in a positive way.
Attend Carolina Athletics competitions with particular attention paid to home Football and Men’s Basketball games.
Interact with our donors at games and functions.
Assist the Major Gift team with campus and facility tours.
Assist with gameday hospitality and targeted prospect events.
To Apply:
Please submit EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION, COVER LETTER, and RESUME to Cindy Shi at cindy@ramsclub.com with “Assistant Director of Major Gifts – Application” INCLUDED IN SUBJECT LINE.
COVER LETTER; and
RESUME
This application will close Friday, May 2, 2025.