Description
Duke University
Senior Director of Development, University Libraries
The Duke University Libraries (DUL) seek an accomplished, visionary, and collaborative leader to serve as the next Senior Director of Development. The Duke University Libraries (DUL) advance the research, teaching, and public service mission of Duke University by providing outstanding collections, trusted expertise, and exceptional service in a welcoming and inclusive environment. We are the intellectual crossroads of the university, empowering scholarship and creativity across all fields of inquiry.
This is an opportunity to lead an exceptional fundraising team for a world-class library system at one of the nation’s most prestigious universities. Duke is fortunate to be supported by more than 200,000 alumni, among other groups, who demonstrate intense passion and commitment for the institution through massive financial support and active engagement. In FY 2025 for example, Duke’s centennial year, over 87,000 alumni and friends gave $605 million, and, of that impressive number, the Libraries raised $7.439 million.
The next Senior Director will be a warm, authentic, ambitious leader who will continue to shape the vision and advance the Made For This: The Duke Campaign for the DUL. The ideal candidate will have progressively responsible development experience in a higher education, research, cultural, or other not-for-profit organization, as well as demonstrated success in planning and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and principal gift prospects.
The Senior Director of Development provides strategic leadership for a comprehensive fundraising program supporting Duke University Libraries. Reporting to the University Librarian/Vice Provost for Library Affairs, the role is responsible for designing, managing, and executing development initiatives that secure private and public support aligned with the Libraries’ mission, strategic plan, and Duke’s interdisciplinary priorities.
The successful candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree and bring progressively responsible, impactful development experience within higher education, research, cultural, or other nonprofit organizations. They will demonstrate a strong record of planning and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies, including the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and principal gift prospects, as well as proven success closing major gifts and contributing meaningfully to large-scale, multi-year capital campaigns. The role requires experience managing, mentoring, and evaluating professional staff to achieve multiple strategic objectives, along with strong leadership and consensus-building skills suited to a highly decentralized, collaborative environment. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are essential, with the ability to engage donors, volunteers, faculty, administrators, and community partners effectively. Candidates must have experience working productively with volunteers and fundraising boards, strong organizational and budget management skills, and the ability to set priorities and meet goals in a complex, fast-paced setting. Willingness to travel regionally, nationally, and internationally, work occasional evenings and weekends, and a demonstrated commitment to inclusive leadership, collaboration, continuous learning, and fostering a culture that values diverse perspectives and experiences are also required.
Screening will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. Completed applications should include a CV and a cover letter addressing interest and should be submitted using DSG’s candidate profile. Nominations and inquiries should be directed electronically to DukeSeniorDirector@dsgco.com. This is a full-time position that will be performed on site in Durham, North Carolina. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience with a generous benefits package.
Matt Bunting, Managing Director
Christine Falcone, Managing Associate
DSG Storbeck
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas – an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
