Director / Senior Director, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement

Wake Forest University • Winston-Salem, NC

100d

About The Position

This position may be filled at either the Director or Senior Director level, depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected finalist. The Director, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement goal is to create a dynamic and inclusive environment where Wake Forest alumni, families, and friends are empowered to invest in our institution for life by fostering a culture of giving and involvement within at least two top-tier WAKECommunities. The Director will integrate communication, marketing, engagement, and philanthropic strategies by managing a portfolio of 120 major and principal gift prospects, leading the WAKECommunities Board of Directors, and developing and assessing comprehensive connection plans for constituent cohorts that drive philanthropic momentum. This position works closely with university staff, administrators, and faculty and requires frequent travel to assigned WAKECommunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with eight to ten years of fundraising experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Desire to foster and continue collaboration among teams and individuals with a strong focus on investing in the professional and personal development of team members.
• Knowledge and proven history of gaining philanthropic support and financial commitments from others.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents in a diverse community.
• Ability to identify and secure gifts of non-traditional assets and/or charitable gifts from alternative funding/revenue sources.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in database management and maintenance.
• Knowledge of charitable giving techniques, instruments, and relevant laws.
• Skill in fiscal management.
• Ability to travel locally and nationally as necessary.
• Ability to meet requirements of the University's automobile insurance.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary.
• Respect for the dignity and abilities of all people.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working in higher education or not-for-profit environments.
• Previous experience in direct fundraising or direct sales.
• Possesses an understanding of the donor cycle.
• Experience working with high level volunteers.
• Knowledge of Wake Forest, alumni, parents, fans.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the expert and leads strategy of all WAKECommunities communications and activities to create and foster philanthropic and constituent engagement synergy among Wake Forest alumni, families, friends, and the institution.
• Develops and executes long- and short-term strategies to foster enduring relationships with prospects and donors, outlining specific objectives and gift levels for each prospect.
• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors capable of making significant gifts ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000; manages a portfolio of approximately 120 prospects.
• Conducts 150 face-to-face visits annually, facilitates 320 meaningful interactions, and solicits over $6M in major gift proposals.
• Manages and leads a team of fundraising professionals who are responsible for the activation of their own assigned WAKECommunities.
• Leads and manages an integrated approach to build connectivity within each Community, working collaboratively with University Advancement partners to drive philanthropic investment.
• Recruits, manages, and leverages WAKECommunity Board members, leading a minimum of four meetings per year.
• Collaborates with event and engagement partners to design experiences aimed at deepening relationships and promoting philanthropy.
• Leads the development of WAKECommunity communication plans; utilizes analytics support to assess prospect pools and coordinate regular communications.
• Ensures timely updating of WAKECommunity web content and regular distribution of digital and social media communications.
• Acts as a frontline representative to promote campus goals and objectives, maintaining a strong understanding of institutional priorities.
• Assists and participates in all University & Campaign events as necessary, and provides support for departmental events as needed.
• Responsible for monitoring a travel and engagement budget.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree