Regional Director of Development, Duke Law
About The Position
Philanthropy at Duke University School of Law is a strategic enterprise—one that advances academic distinction, expands access to legal education, and fuels innovation across the institution. The Regional Director of Development serves as a senior advancement leader responsible for cultivating and stewarding philanthropic partnerships that directly shape the Law School’s present and future.As a principal representative of Duke Law, the Regional Director engages accomplished alumni, donors, and friends as long-term partners in the School’s mission. This role operates with a high degree of autonomy and discretion, working in close partnership with the Dean, faculty leaders, and Alumni & Development leadership to align donor vision with the Law School’s most significant priorities and opportunities.This position is designed for a seasoned fundraising professional who brings executive judgment, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to relationship-centered philanthropy—someone who understands that transformational giving is built on trust, credibility, and shared purpose. The Regional Director of Development is a senior, front-line fundraising leader responsible for advancing Duke Law School’s most significant philanthropic priorities through sophisticated relationship management and strategic engagement. This role operates at a high level of independence and influence, driving major gift activity that supports both immediate fundraising objectives and long-term institutional growth.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree is required. An advanced degree is preferred.
- A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, alumni affairs, public relations, sales, marketing, promotions, or a related field.
- Demonstrated success in developing strategic fundraising plans; strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills; ability to work effectively with senior leaders and volunteers; high degree of initiative and discretion; proficiency with donor database systems; and willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed.
Nice To Haves
- Experience fundraising in higher education and campaign environments is strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Lead high-level philanthropic strategy for a portfolio of up to 150 alumni and friends, with emphasis on major gift prospects.
- Personally solicit and secure transformational gifts through strategic conversations and customized proposals.
- Partner with the Dean, faculty, and senior advancement leaders to align donor interests with institutional priorities.
- Coordinate integrated advancement strategies with alumni relations, annual giving, stewardship, and university partners.
- Exercise professional judgment in guiding donor engagement and stewardship activities.
- Leverage data and reporting tools to track progress and inform fundraising strategy.
- Represent Duke Law with distinction through regular travel and donor engagement.
Benefits
- Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
