Inside Higher Ed
Director / Senior Director, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement
Inside Higher Ed, Winston Salem, North Carolina, United States, 27104
Director / Senior Director, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement
This position may be filled at either the Director or Senior Director level, depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected finalist.
Summary As Director, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement, the candidate will 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 to manage a portfolio of 120 major and principal gift prospects and lead the WAKECommunities Board of Directors.
Responsibilities
Lead strategy and communication for all WAKECommunities, fostering philanthropic and constituent engagement synergy.
Develop and execute long‑ and short‑term strategies to foster enduring relationships with prospects and donors.
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of making significant gifts ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000; 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.
Manage and lead a team of fundraising professionals activated in assigned WAKECommunities.
Build connectivity within each Community, collaborating with University Advancement partners to drive philanthropic investment.
Recruit and manage WAKECommunity Board members, leading a minimum of four meetings per year.
Collaborate with event and engagement partners to design experiences aimed at deepening relationships, hosting a minimum of two educational "all‑call" engagement events and exclusive Giving Program events per year.
Lead the development of WAKECommunity communication plans, coordinating with University Marketing and Communications teams and utilizing analytics to assess prospect pools.
Ensure timely updating of WAKECommunity web content and regular distribution of digital and social media communications.
Act as a frontline representative to promote campus goals and objectives, maintaining strong understanding of institutional priorities.
Assist and participate in all University & Campaign events as necessary, and provide support for departmental events as needed.
Monitor travel and engagement budget.
Qualifications 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 professional and personal development.
Knowledge and proven history of gaining philanthropic support and financial commitments from others.
Strong interpersonal skills and 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 or 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 the University’s automobile insurance requirements.
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.
Understanding of the donor cycle.
Experience working with high‑level volunteers.
Knowledge of Wake Forest, alumni, parents, and fans.
Accountabilities
Responsible for own work.
Directly supervise Associate Director, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement Officer, Senior Leadership Gift Officer, and WAKECommunities Coordinator.
Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions Sedatary work primarily involving sitting/standing; communication with others; repeating motions of wrists, hands, fingers; and assessing accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of assigned work. No adverse environmental conditions expected.
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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Summary As Director, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement, the candidate will 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 to manage a portfolio of 120 major and principal gift prospects and lead the WAKECommunities Board of Directors.
Responsibilities
Lead strategy and communication for all WAKECommunities, fostering philanthropic and constituent engagement synergy.
Develop and execute long‑ and short‑term strategies to foster enduring relationships with prospects and donors.
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of making significant gifts ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000; 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.
Manage and lead a team of fundraising professionals activated in assigned WAKECommunities.
Build connectivity within each Community, collaborating with University Advancement partners to drive philanthropic investment.
Recruit and manage WAKECommunity Board members, leading a minimum of four meetings per year.
Collaborate with event and engagement partners to design experiences aimed at deepening relationships, hosting a minimum of two educational "all‑call" engagement events and exclusive Giving Program events per year.
Lead the development of WAKECommunity communication plans, coordinating with University Marketing and Communications teams and utilizing analytics to assess prospect pools.
Ensure timely updating of WAKECommunity web content and regular distribution of digital and social media communications.
Act as a frontline representative to promote campus goals and objectives, maintaining strong understanding of institutional priorities.
Assist and participate in all University & Campaign events as necessary, and provide support for departmental events as needed.
Monitor travel and engagement budget.
Qualifications 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 professional and personal development.
Knowledge and proven history of gaining philanthropic support and financial commitments from others.
Strong interpersonal skills and 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 or 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 the University’s automobile insurance requirements.
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.
Understanding of the donor cycle.
Experience working with high‑level volunteers.
Knowledge of Wake Forest, alumni, parents, and fans.
Accountabilities
Responsible for own work.
Directly supervise Associate Director, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement Officer, Senior Leadership Gift Officer, and WAKECommunities Coordinator.
Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions Sedatary work primarily involving sitting/standing; communication with others; repeating motions of wrists, hands, fingers; and assessing accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of assigned work. No adverse environmental conditions expected.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr