Director / Senior Director, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement

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.  A cover letter is required for all positions; optional for facilities, campus services, and hospitality roles unless otherwise specified.

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 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 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. and This position works closely with university staff, administrators, and faculty and requires frequent travel to assigned WAKECommunities.

Essential Functions: Serves as the expert and leads strategy of all WAKECoummunities communications and activities to create and foster philanthropic and constituent 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 $6M in major gift proposals. Manages and leads a team of fundraising professionals who are responsible for the activation of their own assigned WAKECommunities.  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, leading a minimum of four meetings per year; works closely with the WAKECommunities management team.  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 exclusive Giving Program events/experiences per year. Leads the development of WAKECommunity communication plans; in partnership with University Marketing and Communications team, utilizes analytics support to assess prospect pools and coordinate 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