Jill Orr Named Executive Director of Development

On July 12, Jill Orr will join the College of Humanities and Social Sciences as its new executive director of development. In this role, Orr will lead the college’s Development Office and drive its constituent engagement and philanthropic strategies.

The appointment follows a thoughtful search process, conducted in close partnership with University Development and Talent Management, which identified a number of qualified candidates for this unique and critical role.

“Jill is a proven leader and fundraiser who prioritizes a collaborative approach to her work,” says Deanna Dannels, dean of the college. “Given her passion for NC State and our college, I know she will raise the bar for the college’s advancement efforts and help us achieve the goals we have set for the years ahead.”

Since 2020, Orr has served in a similar capacity at the College of Design, overseeing development and external relations as executive director of college advancement. There, Orr supervised the advancement team’s daily operations, developed Design’s advisory board, closed significant gifts, and guided the college through its record-setting conclusion of the Think and Do the Extraordinary campaign.

Orr is also a Humanities and Social Sciences alumna, having earned a Master of Public Administration degree in 2017. At that time, she also served as director of development for Arts NC State in the Division of Academic and Student Affairs, where she managed staff, led all arts development initiatives, and facilitated six and seven-figure gifts along the way. Prior to NC State, Orr held donor relations and annual giving roles at Guilford College, her undergraduate alma mater.

Together, Orr brings more than 13 years of higher education advancement experience to the executive director of development role. As a member of the college’s Executive Leadership Team, she will be responsible for managing the college’s advancement program, coaching the development team, and growing our support from individuals, corporations, foundations and other sources.