Associate Director, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement

External Applicants:

Please ensure all required documents are ready to upload before beginning your application, including your resume, cover letter, and any additional materials specified in the job description.

Cover Letter and Supporting Documents:

• Navigate to the "My Experience" application page.

• Locate the "Resume/CV" document upload section at the bottom of the page.

• Use the "Select Files" button to upload your cover letter, resume, and any other required supporting documents. You can select multiple files.

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Job Description Summary

Job Description

Essential Functions:

• Creates and fosters philanthropic and Community 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 $3M in major gift proposals.
• Prepares written prospect management plans for the top ten prospects annually.
• 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, organizing a minimum of four meetings per year.
• 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 two exclusive Giving Program events/experiences per year.
• Leads the development of WAKECommunity communication plans; in partnership with the marketing and communications team, utilizes analytics support to assess prospect pools and coordinates 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 provides support for departmental events as needed.
• Monitors a travel and engagement budget.
• Have high standards for your work and are proud to contribute to a mission-driven organization.
• Get excited about the prospect of joining a team that is making a difference in people's lives every day.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree with three to five 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.

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Ability to travel locally and nationally as necessary.
• Ability to meet the requirements of the University's automobile insurance policy.
• Respect for the dignity and abilities of all people.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality pertaining to information contained in donor records and system data.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, 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.

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.

Additional Job Description

Time Type Requirement

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

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 AskHR@wfu.eduor (336) 758-4700.