Associate Director, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement

Job Description Summary

Authentic and transparent engagement and collaboration from all
groups and individuals is at the foundation of University
Advancement at Wake Forest University. We aspire to be an exemplar
for belonging and inclusion where personal and team achievements
are realized and celebrated. University Advancement approaches each
moment with sincere gratitude, deep and abiding respect, unwavering
optimism, profound humbleness, and an eye to learn something new.
Our yesterday has shaped us, our today molds us, and together, our
tomorrow at University Advancement and Wake Forest University
creates an opportunity for aspirations and inspiration for all
generations.

Summary: The Associate Director of Philanthropy and Donor
Engagement goal is to 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 designated WAKECommunities. The Associate
Director will integrate communication, marketing, engagement, and
philanthropic strategies by managing a portfolio of major gift
prospects, leading the WAKECommunity Board of Directors, and
developing and assessing comprehensive connection plans for
constituent cohorts that drive philanthropic momentum. This
position works closely with university staff, administrators, and
faculty and requires frequent travel to assigned
WAKECommunities.

*Applications for this position will be accepted through July 29,
2024,
11:59 PM, EST.

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.
• Contributes to a transparent and equitable organizational
  culture where ethical policies and practices are understood and
  lived out by all staff.
• Have a passion for leadership, character, and workplace
  diversity, equity and inclusion.
• 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.
• Commitment to the mission and values of University Advancement
  and a commitment to equity, particularly racial equity, with a
  willingness to proactively learn about it and integrate it into all
  aspects of the work.
• 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 only.

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.

Note: 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 the employee’s supervisor.

To help provide a safe learning and living community, Wake
Forest University conducts background investigations and drug
screens for all final candidates being considered for
employment.

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce and
encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to
apply.

Wake Forest University is committed to providing access and
reasonable accommodation in employment for individuals with
disabilities.

Additional Job Description

In University Advancement, we believe in equity, not just
equality. We understand that in order to develop a fully engaged
constituency; individuals must receive equitable treatment instead
of equal treatment. Establishing equality means treating everyone
the same. Equity necessitates transforming our community to meet
the needs, interests and cultural norms of our University
Advancement staff.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that
women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless
they meet all requirements listed in the job description. In
University Advancement at Wake Forest University, we are dedicated
to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. If this
role appeals to you, but your past experience doesn’t align
perfectly with every qualification on the job description, we
encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for
this or other roles.