ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Communications Major Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Washington County SPCA

Major Gifts Officer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$85K/yr

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding ... Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Strong organizational and project-management ...

SPCA of Wake County

Major Gifts Officer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding ... Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Strong organizational and project-management ...

Washington County SPCA

Major Gifts Officer

Raleigh, NC · On-site +1

$70K - $90K/yr

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding ... Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Strong organizational and project-management ...

SPCA of Wake County

Major Gifts Officer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$85K/yr

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding ... Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Strong organizational and project-management ...

North Carolina Justice Center

Major Gifts Officer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Major Gifts Officer North Carolina Justice Center | Raleigh, NC (Hybrid) The hiring range for this ... Other days you will partner with policy experts, communications staff, and organizational leaders ...

Cary Academy

Director of Major Gifts

Cary, NC · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

... and communications. As a Cary Academy Employee * Engage actively in the school's diversity ... fundraising, major gifts, leadership annual giving, or comparable development experience.

Cary Academy

Director of Major Gifts

Cary, NC

$25K - $100K/yr

... and communications. As a Cary Academy employee: * Engage actively in the school's diversity ... fundraising, major gifts, leadership annual giving, or comparable development experience.

Cary Academy

Director of Major Gifts

Cary, NC · On-site

$25K - $100K/yr

... and communications. As a Cary Academy employee: * Engage actively in the school's diversity ... fundraising, major gifts, leadership annual giving, or comparable development experience.

Catapult

Communications Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... major initiatives and research releases.Translate research and data into compelling stories for employers, policymakers, and communities.Develop communications materials for research releases and ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCommunications Major JobsCommunications Major Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Communications Major information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$30.1K

$70.8K

$241.5K

How much do communications major jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for communications major in Raleigh, NC is $70,789.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,600.00 and $71,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I do with a communications major?

A Communications major opens up a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as public relations, marketing, journalism, advertising, corporate communications, and media production. Graduates often work as public relations specialists, communications coordinators, content writers, social media managers, or broadcast journalists. The skills learned, such as effective writing, public speaking, and strategic messaging, are highly valued in many industries. Additionally, a Communications major can provide a strong foundation for graduate studies or specialized training in related areas.

How can I get a job as a communications major?

The primary qualifications for getting a job as a communications major are your college degree and some experience working with an aspect of communications. Many people use internships to get experience in areas like journalism or public relations before applying for a full-time job. A bachelor's degree is enough for most roles, but senior-level positions may require a master's degree. It is possible to get a doctorate in communications, but this is more than necessary for most positions outside of academia and research. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a communications major requires research skills, speaking skills, creativity, and flexibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a communications major, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Communications Major, you need strong writing, public speaking, and media literacy skills, typically supported by coursework or a degree in communications or a related field. Familiarity with digital media tools, social media platforms, and content management systems is often expected. Creativity, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills set individuals apart in this field. These competencies are vital for crafting compelling messages, engaging diverse audiences, and succeeding in today's fast-evolving media landscape.

What types of entry-level positions are commonly available to communications majors, and how do these roles support long-term career growth?

Communications majors often start their careers in entry-level roles such as public relations assistant, marketing coordinator, content writer, or social media specialist. These positions provide hands-on experience with crafting messages, managing media channels, and engaging diverse audiences. Early exposure to cross-functional teamwork and project management skills helps build a strong foundation for advancement into roles like communications manager or director. Proactive involvement in various projects and continuous skill development are key for career growth in the communications field.

What is the difference between Communications Major vs Public Relations Specialist?

AspectCommunications MajorPublic Relations Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in communications, media, or related fieldBachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or related field; certifications like APR (Accredited in Public Relations) are common
Work EnvironmentClassroom, media organizations, corporate communication departmentsPublic relations firms, corporate communication teams, media outlets
Industry UsageEducational background for various communication rolesSpecific role focused on managing public image and media relations

While a Communications Major provides foundational knowledge applicable to many communication roles, a Public Relations Specialist focuses specifically on managing an organization's public image and media relations. The major prepares students for diverse careers, whereas the specialist role involves targeted PR strategies and media interactions.

Is a communications major useful?

A communications major prepares students for careers in fields such as public relations, media, advertising, and corporate communication. It develops skills in writing, speaking, and digital media, which are valuable across many industries. The degree can lead to diverse job opportunities, often requiring strong interpersonal and technical skills.

What sort of jobs can you get with a communications major?

A communications major can pursue careers such as public relations specialist, marketing coordinator, media planner, corporate communications manager, or content creator. These roles often require strong writing, verbal skills, and familiarity with media tools and platforms.
More about Communications Major jobs

What are popular job titles related to Communications Major jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Communications Major jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Communications Major jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Communications Major jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Communications Major jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Communications Major job openings:

Communications Major jobs near you
Infographic showing various Communications Major job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,789 per year, or $34 per hour.

Major Gifts Officer

Washington County SPCA

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Manage a portfolio of approximately 125-175 major-gift prospects and donors.

  • Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans.

  • Represent the organization professionally at donor meetings, fundraising events, community functions, tours, and other organizational activities.

Job description

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individuals capable of making gifts of $5,000 or more. This position manages relationships with existing major-gift prospects while identifying and qualifying new prospective donors.
The Major Gifts Officer manages a portfolio of approximately 125-175 major-gift prospects and donors, developing personalized strategies that deepen relationships and inspire transformational philanthropy. The role is responsible for building meaningful donor relationships, maintaining comprehensive engagement strategies for assigned donors, increasing donor retention and average gift size, and consistently advancing donors through the donor pipeline.
Success in this role is measured by meaningful donor engagement, revenue growth, donor retention, successful solicitation of major gifts, and consistent achievement of established fundraising and activity goals. The Major Gifts Officer serves as an ambassador for the organization and works collaboratively across departments to connect donors with the SPCA of Wake County's mission and impact.
This role requires exceptional relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, donor-centered communication, emotional intelligence, initiative, accountability, discretion, adaptability, attention to detail, and a results-oriented approach. The successful Major Gifts Officer will develop a strong understanding of organizational priorities and become a trusted philanthropic advisor who helps donors connect their interests with meaningful opportunities to support the organization.
Our Core Values:
1- Hell, Yeah!
2- Be Kind
3- Do What You Say
4- Forward Focused
5- Loose & Wiggly
6- Drop the Mic
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Major Gift Fundraising
  • Manage a portfolio of approximately 125-175 major-gift prospects and donors.
  • Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans.
  • Enter timely and accurate notes into the organization's database following each donor interaction.
  • Meet established annual fundraising, solicitation, donor-engagement, and activity goals.
  • Ensure gifts receive timely acknowledgment and appropriate recognition.

Prospect Development
  • Identify new major-gift prospects through analytics, research and other development activities.
  • Qualify prospective donors for caseload management through discovery visits, telephone calls, virtual conversations, and other meaningful engagement.
  • Collaborate with the Development Officer responsible for data and gift processing to maintain accurate prospect and donor records within the donor database.
  • Work with the Development Officer responsible for stewardship to review new major-gift prospects identified through routine Development workflows.

Planned Giving
  • Engage donors in charitable gift-planning conversations when appropriate.
  • Support the administration and fulfillment of estate gifts.
  • Coordinate with other Development staff on new estate gift designation follow-up.
  • Collaborate with Development leadership and appropriate team members to ensure planned gifts are acknowledged, administered, documented, and stewarded appropriately.

Collaboration & Organizational Representation
  • Work closely with Department leadership to understand priorities and develop gift strategies.
  • Represent the organization professionally at donor meetings, fundraising events, community functions, tours, and other organizational activities.
  • Maintain discretion, confidentiality, professionalism, and sound judgment when handling donor information and organizational matters.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support Development and organizational priorities.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
  • Three or more years of successful nonprofit fundraising experience, including direct solicitation of gifts of $5,000 or more.
  • Demonstrated success securing gifts or closing significant financial commitments.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and project-management abilities.
  • Ability to independently manage multiple and competing priorities.
  • Ability to develop and manage individual donor strategies and follow-through.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish trusted relationships with donors, prospects, community members, and organizational stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, and commitment to confidentiality.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to meet SPCA of Wake County driving eligibility requirements.
  • Ability and willingness to travel throughout the organization's service area for donor visits, meetings, events, and stewardship activities.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with moves management and donor-pipeline strategy.
  • Experience using Salesforce or a comparable donor database
  • Experience with planned giving, estate gifts, or charitable gift planning.
  • Experience supporting a capital campaign or other significant fundraising initiative.
  • Experience developing donor proposals and personalized donor communications.

Work Environment
This role operates primarily within a collaborative nonprofit development environment and involves frequent interaction with donors, prospects, staff, volunteers, organizational leaders, community partners, and other stakeholders.
Responsibilities are performed in office settings, donor homes and workplaces, community locations, event venues, SPCA facilities, and other approved locations throughout the organization's service area. The position requires regular onsite presence as well as significant local travel to cultivate, solicit, and steward donor relationships.
The position requires professionalism, discretion, responsiveness, and flexibility while managing confidential donor information, competing priorities, time-sensitive opportunities, donor meetings, and fundraising activities. Responsibilities may occasionally involve working around and interacting with animals, including cats, dogs, and small pets.
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to remain stationary and work at a computer for extended periods.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, virtually, and through electronic communication methods.
  • Ability to travel throughout the organization's service area for donor visits, meetings, events, tours, and other Development activities.
  • Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and travel locally on a regular basis.
  • Anticipated local travel may represent approximately 25%-50% of the workweek as the donor portfolio matures and relationship activity increases.
  • Ability to attend occasional evening and weekend events.
  • Ability to move, carry, and transport materials weighing up to 25 pounds for donor meetings, presentations, events, and other Development activities.
  • Ability to participate in onsite meetings, donor interactions, organizational tours, community activities, and fundraising events.
  • Ability to consistently perform the essential responsibilities of the position at SPCA facilities and other approved locations throughout the service area.

Benefits:
  • Medical and Dental: Employer pays 90% of employee coverage (full-time)
  • Insurance includes wellness, dental, vision, life, mental health care, prescriptions, emergency & urgent care, chiropractic care, and physical therapy
  • Telemedicine options, 24/7 access to virtual health & wellness care and virtual behavioral health care

PAID TIME OFF -
  • All part-time and full-time staff receive paid time off.
  • Paid Holidays - 9 paid holidays per year (full-time)
  • Vacation Time - 10 paid vacation days per year (full-time) with scheduled increases at milestone anniversaries of hire date
  • Sick Time - 6.5 paid sick days per year (full-time)

FINANCIAL -
  • Healthcare: Flexible Spending Account
  • 401k Plan
  • Coastal Federal Credit Union Membership
  • 20% discount on pet adoptions and in SPCA Wake retail store

OTHER -
  • Bereavement time off
  • Federal & State Leave of Absence options

Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may change based on organizational needs.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Only the most qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. No phone calls or emails, please - we'll have our people call your people.

Apply