Be a Pirate!

East Carolina University (ECU) is consistently ranked among the nation’s top public universities for its commitment to research, innovation, social mobility, and public service. Classified as a R1 institution by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, ECU is among the top 5% of research universities in the United States, an elite designation reflecting the highest levels of research activity, funding, and doctoral output.

Founded in 1907, ECU is a public, four-year university located in Greenville, N.C., which and is widely regarded as the cultural, educational, economic, and medical hub of eastern North Carolina. Through education, research, healthcare, community engagement, athletics, cultural enrichment, and service, ECU enhances the quality of life for its students, the state and communities around the world. It is a great place to work, teach, and learn.

ECU’s commitment to impactful scholarship is further demonstrated through its repeated Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (2010, 2015, 2024), as well as its 2024 designation as a Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose institution. These distinctions recognize the university’s leadership in translating research into meaningful community partnerships and measurable societal benefits.

The university supports its workforce through a wide range of professional development opportunities designed to foster career growth and skill advancement. Eligible employees also benefit from a comprehensive benefits package that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

The Division of University Advancement serves as the engagement and fundraising division of East Carolina University’s academic areas, working to generate financial and other forms of support that enhance the university’s long- and short-term growth and welfare. Under the oversight of the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, the division strategically identifies, engages, cultivates, solicits and stewards alumni, individuals, corporations and foundations to support ECU’s mission. University Advancement is comprised of Alumni Relations, Annual Giving, Corporation and Foundation Relations, Major Giving, Planned Giving, and Strategic Advancement Operations, with the Vice Chancellor’s office overseeing these units and their initiatives. Additionally, the division provides oversight and support for the ECU Foundation and the ECU Health Foundation (health sciences) as associated foundations.

The Donor Engagement Associate provides support for stewardship activities, annual giving campaigns and alumni initiatives by assisting in the development and coordination of outreach materials that demonstrate appreciation and highlight the outcomes of donor support. The position plays a critical part in fostering positive donor relations through message development, project support and content coordination across digital and print platforms.

25%
Develop donor-centered materials to support stewardship, recognition and outreach initiatives. Assist with the creation of impact stories, donor spotlights and campaign updates for use across digital and print platforms. Ensure all materials align with brand standards and reflect the values of ECU.
25%
Support key engagement campaigns, including Pirate Nation Gives and crowdfunding initiatives, by coordinating content, timelines and project checklists. Assist in gathering alumni, donor and student stories that reflect the impact of giving and community engagement.
20%
Contribute to the planning and execution of donor-focused events, providing logistical support and follow-up assistance. Help manage guest lists, prepare materials and coordinate with internal and external partners.
15%
Assist in tracking feedback, engagement data and communication performance to inform future outreach strategies. Maintain organized records of donor stories, campaign assets and stewardship efforts.
10%
Provide administrative and front desk support as needed, welcoming guests and assisting with inquiries in a professional and courteous manner.
5%
Demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow professionally through feedback, mentorship and participation in team meetings and trainings.

This position reports to the Digital Fundraising Media Specialist and supports the Donor Relations and Strategic Initiatives (DRSI) team within University Advancement. The DRSI team is responsible for fostering meaningful relationships with donors by communicating the impact of their generosity and advancing a culture of gratitude and engagement across campus.

Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

None

Previous experience in higher education, advancement, or non-profit communications. Experience with digital communication tools (e.g., social media, email marketing systems and basic design platforms such as Canva).

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable.

Unless otherwise identified in the applicable job posting and consistent with University policy, the University will principally employ individuals who reside in the State of North Carolina to the greatest extent practicable. As such, most positions at East Carolina University require employees to live and work in North Carolina (or live within a reasonable daily commuting distance from their duty station) after hire. Candidates should be prepared to relocate within a reasonable, agreed-upon time after an offer of employment has been made and accepted to meet this requirement.

East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees. ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU 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.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.