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Wake Forest University

Director / Senior Director, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement

Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, North Carolina, United States, 27104

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Director / Senior Director, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement Overview

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 is responsible for creating a dynamic and inclusive environment that empowers Wake Forest alumni, families, and friends to invest in the institution for life by fostering a culture of giving and involvement within at least two WAKECommunities. The Director will integrate communication, marketing, engagement, and philanthropic strategies by managing a portfolio of 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 requires frequent travel to assigned WAKECommunities and works closely with university staff, administrators, and faculty.

Essential Functions

Lead strategy of all WAKECommunities communications and activities to foster philanthropic and constituent engagement synergy among Wake Forest alumni, families, friends, and the institution.

Develop and execute long- and short-term strategies to foster enduring relationships with prospects and donors, outlining objectives and gift levels for each prospect.

Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of significant gifts; manage a portfolio of approximately 120 prospects.

Conduct 150 face-to-face visits annually, facilitate 320 meaningful interactions, and solicit over $6M in major gift proposals.

Lead a team of fundraising professionals responsible for activation of their WAKECommunities.

Coordinate an integrated approach to build connectivity within each Community, collaborating with University Advancement partners.

Recruit, manage, and leverage WAKECommunity Board members; lead a minimum of four meetings per year with WAKECommunities management.

Collaborate with event and engagement partners to design experiences that deepen relationships and promote philanthropy, hosting at least two educational engagement events and exclusive Giving Program events per year.

Develop WAKECommunity communication plans; work with University Marketing and Communications to assess prospect pools and coordinate regular communications; deliver four community-specific communications per year.

Update WAKECommunity web content and regularly distribute digital and social media communications and event promotions.

Represent campus goals and objectives with a strong understanding of institutional priorities.

Assist and participate in University and Campaign events and provide support for departmental events as needed.

Monitor 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.

Strong collaboration skills and focus on developing the professional and personal growth of team members.

Knowledge and history of gaining philanthropic support and financial commitments from others.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with a diverse range of constituents.

Ability to identify and secure gifts from non-traditional assets and other sources.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Experience in database management and maintenance.

Knowledge of charitable giving techniques, instruments, and relevant laws.

Fiscal management skills.

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

Experience in higher education or not-for-profit environments.

Experience in direct fundraising or direct sales.

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; repetitive motions that may involve wrists, hands, and/or fingers; and ensuring accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work. No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Note

This position profile identifies key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It does not encompass all specific tasks and duties and employees may be assigned additional duties by their supervisor.

Time Type Requirement

Full time

Note To Applicant

This position profile identifies 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 reasonably assigned by their supervisor.

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.edu or (336) 758-4700.

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