The Chief Development Officer (CDO) serves as a senior executive leader responsible for driving philanthropic revenue and advancing sustainable funding strategies that support PBS North Carolina’s mission, long-term growth, and statewide impact. Reporting to the CEO & General Manager, the CDO leads the design and execution of a comprehensive, enterprise-wide fundraising strategy while operating as a highly engaged, hands-on fundraiser in a lean organizational environment. This role balances strategic leadership with direct execution, requiring the CDO to actively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, foundation, and public-sector supporters. The CDO is accountable for achieving measurable revenue results and diversifying funding streams, while aligning fundraising priorities with PBS NC’s mission and the strategic objectives of the UNC System.
Working closely with the CEO, Deputy General Manager, and senior leadership, the CDO serves as both a strategic advisor and a key external ambassador, strengthening relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders across North Carolina. The CDO also leads and develops a high-performing, collaborative development team, ensuring effective operations, clear performance expectations, and a culture of accountability and results. This role plays a critical part in positioning PBS NC for long-term sustainability and growth, including supporting future large-scale fundraising initiatives, while ensuring strong execution of day-to-day fundraising activities and donor engagement.
This position is a hybrid work arrangement and will work at least three days per week onsite at the RTP office. PBSNC employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.
About PBS North Carolina
PBS North Carolina delivers trusted, accessible content and educational experiences that inform, inspire, and connect people across the state. Serving more than 13.6 million households through four statewide channels, PBS NC is the third-largest public media market in the country and a leader in education, community engagement, and public service.
About the Team
PBS North Carolina’s Development function exists to secure philanthropic and partnership-based revenue that enables the organization to deliver trusted content, educational services, and community engagement statewide. In support of PBS NC’s mission, the Development unit focuses on building strong donor relationships, stewarding community trust, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability through diversified funding streams.
Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills
• Relevant post-baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three or more years of related professional experience OR
• Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) with five or more years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, advancement, or revenue development
Required Competencies
• Demonstrated success in direct fundraising, including major gifts, corporate support, sponsorships, or foundation relations
• Experience working in a small or lean development operation, balancing strategy with hands-on execution • Strong relationship-building, donor engagement, and stewardship skills
• Ability to translate organizational mission and public value into compelling funding cases for diverse audiences
• Experience collaborating with executive leadership, boards, and external stakeholders
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Ability to use data and information to inform decisions and track progress toward goals
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to a mission-driven organization
Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Management, Nonprofit Administration, or related field
• Advanced degree preferred
• At least seven years of fundraising or advancement experience, including responsibility for revenue growth and donor engagement
• Demonstrated success securing philanthropic support across multiple channels, including major and principal gifts, annual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation relations, and planned giving
• Experience developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with organizational priorities
• Experience building, leading, and mentoring teams, fostering accountability, collaboration, and performance outcomes
• Experience leading or participating in capital campaigns or large-scale fundraising initiatives
• Experience in public media, higher education, or mission-driven nonprofit organizations
• Familiarity with public-sector partnerships and statewide stakeholder engagement
• Experience working with CRM systems and using data analytics to inform strategy and reporting
• Experience operating in a performance-based, metrics-driven environment
• Ability to think strategically while also executing tactically in a fast-paced, evolving environment
Special Instructions to Applicants:
- The posting remains open until filled, but applications received by Tuesday, March 24, 2026 will receive priority consideration.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Other Information
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To claim veteran’s preference, all eligible persons must indicate their eligibility as requested on the application. A DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, may be required later in the selection process.
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) 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.
Human Resources Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: recruiter@northcarolina.edu.