Inside Higher Ed
Director / Senior Director, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement
Inside Higher Ed, Winston Salem, North Carolina, United States, 27104
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.
Important Note: The "My Experience" page is the only opportunity to attach your cover letter, resume, and supporting documents. You will not be able to modify your application or add attachments after submission.
Current Employees Apply from your existing Workday account in the Jobs Hub. Do not apply from this website.
Job Description Summary 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 where Wake Forest alumni, families, and friends are empowered to invest in our institution for life. The role integrates communication, marketing, engagement, and philanthropic strategies by managing a portfolio of major gift prospects, leading the WAKECommunities Board of Directors, and developing comprehensive connection plans that drive philanthropic momentum. The position works closely with university staff, administrators, and faculty and requires frequent travel to assigned WAKECommunities.
Essential Functions
Serve as the expert and lead strategy of all WAKECommunities communications and activities to foster philanthropic and constituent engagement synergy.
Develop and execute long- and short-term strategies to cultivate enduring relationships with prospects and donors, outlining specific objectives and gift levels for each prospect.
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.
Lead a team of fundraising professionals responsible for the activation of assigned WAKECommunities.
Build connectivity within each Community and collaborate with University Advancement partners to drive philanthropic investment.
Recruit, manage, and leverage WAKECommunity Board members, leading at least four meetings per year.
Collaborate with event and engagement partners to design experiences that deepen relationships and promote philanthropy, hosting at least two educational "all-call" engagement events/experiences and exclusive Giving Program events/experiences per year.
Develop WAKECommunity communication plans and coordinate regular communications to build awareness and excitement around Wake Forest priorities, delivering a minimum of four community-specific comprehensive communications per year.
Ensure timely updating of WAKECommunity web content and regular distribution of digital and social media communications and promotion of events/experiences.
Act as a frontline representative to promote campus goals and objectives, maintaining a strong understanding of institutional priorities.
Assist and participate in all University & Campaign events as necessary and provide support for departmental events as needed.
Monitor 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.
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.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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.
Important Note: The "My Experience" page is the only opportunity to attach your cover letter, resume, and supporting documents. You will not be able to modify your application or add attachments after submission.
Current Employees Apply from your existing Workday account in the Jobs Hub. Do not apply from this website.
Job Description Summary 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 where Wake Forest alumni, families, and friends are empowered to invest in our institution for life. The role integrates communication, marketing, engagement, and philanthropic strategies by managing a portfolio of major gift prospects, leading the WAKECommunities Board of Directors, and developing comprehensive connection plans that drive philanthropic momentum. The position works closely with university staff, administrators, and faculty and requires frequent travel to assigned WAKECommunities.
Essential Functions
Serve as the expert and lead strategy of all WAKECommunities communications and activities to foster philanthropic and constituent engagement synergy.
Develop and execute long- and short-term strategies to cultivate enduring relationships with prospects and donors, outlining specific objectives and gift levels for each prospect.
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.
Lead a team of fundraising professionals responsible for the activation of assigned WAKECommunities.
Build connectivity within each Community and collaborate with University Advancement partners to drive philanthropic investment.
Recruit, manage, and leverage WAKECommunity Board members, leading at least four meetings per year.
Collaborate with event and engagement partners to design experiences that deepen relationships and promote philanthropy, hosting at least two educational "all-call" engagement events/experiences and exclusive Giving Program events/experiences per year.
Develop WAKECommunity communication plans and coordinate regular communications to build awareness and excitement around Wake Forest priorities, delivering a minimum of four community-specific comprehensive communications per year.
Ensure timely updating of WAKECommunity web content and regular distribution of digital and social media communications and promotion of events/experiences.
Act as a frontline representative to promote campus goals and objectives, maintaining a strong understanding of institutional priorities.
Assist and participate in all University & Campaign events as necessary and provide support for departmental events as needed.
Monitor 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.
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.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr