Director / Senior Director, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement
Inside Higher Ed, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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 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 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. The position works closely with university staff, administrators, and faculty and requires frequent travel.
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 foster 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 $6 M in major gift proposals.
- Manage and lead a team of fundraising professionals responsible for the activation of assigned WAKECommunities.
- Lead and manage an integrated approach to build connectivity within each Community, working collaboratively with University Advancement partners.
- Recruit, manage, and leverage WAKECommunity Board members, leading a minimum of four meetings per year.
- Collaborate with 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.
- Lead the development of WAKECommunity communication plans; partner with the University Marketing and Communications team, utilize analytics support to assess prospect pools, and coordinate regular communications to build awareness and excitement around Wake Forest priorities. Deliver 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.
- Be 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.
- Demonstrated desire to foster and continue collaboration among teams and individuals, focusing on 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.