This role will lead the development and growth of a comprehensive sponsorship program, creating cohesive, high-impact opportunities that align institutional priorities with partner goals. With a strategic and entrepreneurial mindset, this individual will build a scalable framework for sponsorships, cultivating relationships and crafting compelling proposals for university advancement, campus partners and the alumni association. The Director of Development will develop and manage a portfolio that includes businesses, future major gift prospects, and network connectors aligned with university priorities. This role leads sponsorship efforts that generate revenue for both on campus and regional initiatives while also building a strong ECU pirate network that creates pathways for businesses, alumni and friends to contribute their time, talent, and treasure. The Director of Development will work closely with Career Services and campus partners to create meaningful experiences that connect businesses and alumni to students and the university. The Director of Development will identify and qualify prospects and transition them to appropriate fundraising teams including Annual Giving, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Major Giving, Planned Giving, and Scholarships as readiness is achieved. The Director of Development reports directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for University Development. Job Duties: 70% – Sponsorship Fundraising Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward businesses and individuals to secure sponsorship support for on campus and regional events, programs, and initiatives Develop and maintain University Advancement sponsorship packages that are used consistently across campus and maximize revenue potential Ensure all sponsorship activity is documented, tracked, and counted toward fundraising totals Partner with the events team, communications team, and campus stakeholders to align sponsorship opportunities with strategic engagement efforts for prospects and ECU network connectors Maintain relationships with existing sponsors to ensure strong retention and growth over time Leverage ECU pirate network to identify new sponsorship opportunities and connections 30% – Pipeline and Partnership Development Conduct discovery visits and communicate regularly to qualify businesses and individuals with the potential to give and enhance the ECU pirate network Partner with the appropriate fundraising team in transferring the relationship once readiness is achieved Coordinate pathways for businesses and individuals to engage with campus partners, Career Services, and Regional ECU pirate networks that create opportunities for alumni, students, faculty, and employers to connect Ensure consistent follow up after all engagement activities to move relationships forward and strengthen the donor pipeline Contingent upon availability of funds. Minimum Education/ Experience A Bachelor’s degree A minimum of 2 years of full-time professional experience working in a relationship-based role or other related professions License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation None Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/ Education Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships Strong organization and time management skills Ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through Strong communication and listening skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team Proficiency using Microsoft Office Experience in higher education fundraising, alumni engagement, or advancement Experience securing sponsorships or working with businesses and partners Experience managing a prospect pipeline or portfolio Experience working with volunteers Familiarity with CRM systems such as Salesforce Ability to think strategically and connect engagement to fundraising outcomes Familiarity with ECU