Leadership Gift Officer, University Advancement

Wake Forest University•Winston-Salem, NC

About The Position

The Leadership Gift Officer (LGO) is a frontline fundraiser and member of Wake Forest University’s Philanthropy & Donor Engagement team within University Advancement. The position cultivates relationships with alumni, parents, and friends to advance philanthropic support for the University. It qualifies, solicits, and stewards annual and major-gift prospects, with a focus on Wake Forest Fund gifts, Giving Societies, and developing prospects toward major gifts. The officer manages a high-volume portfolio averaging 350–375 prospects and receives professional structure and mentorship toward potential progression into major-gift roles. The LGO engages donors by video and phone, occasionally locally, and in person on campus. The role works collaboratively across development teams and University Advancement, may support specific priorities or WAKECommunities, and participates in University Advancement events as needed. It is full-time and is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional development experience.
Willingness to learn and collaborate with University Advancement and the Wake Forest community.
Knowledge and clear understanding of Wake Forest University, its component schools, and programs.
Attention to detail in coordinating activities.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills, including prioritizing workflow and managing resources.
Ability to manage and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
Ability to multitask and exercise sound judgment and discretion.
Proficiency with Windows, Google Calendar, Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint), the internet, relevant software, and standard office equipment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to research, collect, and analyze data, compile information, and prepare reports.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Knowledge of University policies and procedures, or ability to acquire that knowledge quickly.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
Ability to travel locally and nationally as necessary; Leadership Gift Officers will not travel unless needed by University Development.
Ability to meet the requirements of the University’s automobile insurance policy.
Ability to be a team player and take initiative.
Respect for the dignity and abilities of all people.

Nice To Haves

Development or fundraising experience in a nonprofit or higher-education setting.
Experience using a fundraising database, such as Blackbaud, Razor’s Edge, or Banner.
Interest in pursuing a career in fundraising and philanthropic engagement; the role offers a professional trajectory in this area.

Responsibilities

Connect with alumni, parents, and friends through video calls, phone calls, occasional local meetings, and in-person campus meetings to identify, cultivate, and steward philanthropic engagement.
Cultivate and solicit a pool of 100 Annual Fund prospects through consistent, high-volume outreach to secure Giving Society-level and general Wake Forest Fund gifts and increase Constant and True membership.
Manage a portfolio of 200 or more current donors, providing at least 4–5 meaningful touches annually to steward and cultivate continued and expanded engagement and investment.
Identify and qualify 50–100 prospects for current or future gifts of $50,000 or more.
Follow up with attendees of Homecoming, reunions, and other signature events to convert interest into philanthropic support.
Collaborate with development teams and, as assigned, focus on specific priorities, projects, or WAKECommunities.
Document fundraising progress in GiveCampus, including call reports, cultivation strategy updates, and other communications.
Work with the Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives for Philanthropy & Donor Engagement, to create and implement fundraising and stewardship activities.
Communicate across University Advancement departments and university-wide.
Represent the University in institutional divisions, the general public, and the local community.
Maintain current knowledge of university-wide institutional priorities.
Assist with and participate in University Advancement functions and events as needed.
Perform other job-related duties reasonably assigned by the supervisor.