Regional Director of Development, Duke Law

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

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.

• 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.

Education
A bachelor's degree is required. An advanced degree is preferred.

Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, alumni affairs, public relations, sales, marketing, promotions, or a related field. Experience fundraising in higher education and campaign environments is strongly preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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.

Duke University School of Law offers a rare opportunity to lead philanthropy at one of the nation's most respected academic institutions-where intellectual rigor, institutional ambition, and meaningful impact converge. As the Regional Director of Development, you will operate in a high-trust, high-visibility role with direct access to senior leadership and the ability to influence priorities that shape the future of legal education.

At Duke, advancement professionals are viewed as strategic partners and are empowered to exercise judgment, lead relationships at the highest levels, and advance gifts that create lasting institutional value. Duke offers a collaborative culture, strong resources, competitive benefits, and the opportunity to represent a globally recognized university whose mission resonates deeply with alumni and donors alike.

Choosing Duke means choosing to do work that matters-at scale, with purpose, and with the full backing of an institution committed to excellence.

Apply now and help shape the future of Duke Law through leadershiplevel philanthropy.