Director / Senior Director, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement

Job Description Summary

Summary: 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. and This position works closely with university staff, administrators, and faculty and requires frequent travel to assigned WAKECommunities.

Essential Functions

• Serves as the expert and leads strategy of all WAKECoummunities communications and activities to create and foster philanthropic and constituent engagement synergy among Wake Forest alumni, families, friends, and the institution to ensure Wake Forest is well-positioned as a leader in higher education for the next century.
• 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 as the ultimate form of engagement.
• Recruits, manages, and leverages WAKECommunity Board members, leading a minimum of four meetings per year; works closely with the WAKECommunities management team.
• Collaborates with the event and engagement partners to design experiences aimed at deepening relationships and promoting philanthropy, hosting a minimum of two educational “all‑call” engagement events/experiences and exclusive Giving Program events/experiences per year.
• Leads the development of WAKECommunity communication plans; in partnership with University Marketing and Communications team, utilizes analytics support to assess prospect pools and coordinate regular communications to build awareness and excitement around Wake Forest priorities. Delivers a minimum of four community‑specific comprehensive communications per year.
• Ensures timely updating of WAKECommunity web content and regular distribution of digital and social media communications and promotion of events/experiences,
• 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 provide support for departmental events as needed.
• Responsible for monitoring a travel and engagement budget.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.

Preferred Education, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.

Accountabilities

• Responsible for own work.
• Directly supervises Associate Director, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement Officer, Senior Leadership Gift Officer, and WAKECommunities Coordinator.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions

Sedentary work primarily involving sitting/standing; communicating with others to exchange information; repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers; and assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned. No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Time Type Requirement

Full time

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.

Accommodations for Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io.