Associate Director, Wake Forest Fund, Schools and Units

Wake Forest University; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal opportunity employer

Background checks conducted

Job summary

Wake Forest University is seeking an Associate Director for the Wake Forest Fund. This role oversees annual giving for various Schools and Units including Business and Law, focusing on digital marketing and leadership for fundraising.

The ideal candidate will possess strong fundraising techniques, communication skills, and experience in higher education environments. Responsibilities include managing fundraising efforts and collaborating on significant campaigns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 3-5 years of related experience.
• Proficiency in fundraising techniques.
• Ability to organize multiple programs in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Direct fundraising efforts for Wake Forest Funds.
• Build annual giving through direct mail and digital marketing.
• Collaborate on marketing efforts for University Giving Day.

Skills

Fundraising techniques

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Experience in higher education or non-profit setting

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Associate Director, Wake Forest Fund, Schools and Units oversees annual giving for the Wake Forest Funds, focusing on the Schools and Units: Business, Law, Divinity, College, Graduate School, ZSR Library, and the Parents Campaign. The role provides leadership for the development and solicitation of Giving Societies and annual leadership giving through direct mail, email, postcards, ThankView, and additional project-based efforts. The Associate Director coordinates digital marketing efforts for the University Giving Day and works to broaden support for all Schools and Units.

Applications for this position will be accepted through July 29, 2026, 11:59 PM EST. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Direct the Annual Fund fundraising efforts for all Wake Forest Funds, focusing on the School of Business, School of Law, School of Divinity, College, Graduate School, ZSR Library, and the Parents Campaign.
• Build annual giving for each School through direct mail, digital marketing, and project‑based efforts.
• Work with volunteer groups and boards to encourage annual giving for the Wake Forest Fund.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Director, Direct and Email Marketing, to design and build direct marketing and email efforts in Blackbaud DM.
• Work with the reporting team to define selections needed for marketing efforts and prepare giving reports for all Schools.
• Establish periodic meetings with all Schools to ensure effective coordination with the Wake Forest Fund team.
• Use data and analytics to drive performance and effectiveness of annual giving campaigns.
• Co‑ordinate with campus partners on the University Giving Day (DDOG) and assist with building and operating the Giving Day platform.
• Assist with marketing and solicitation of Giving Society prospects and ensure coordination with the Schools and Units.
• Support student group and board member fundraising outreach for annual giving, stewardship, and board member opportunities.
• Assist with other University Advancement events and staffing as needed.
• Maintain high standards for work and contribute to a mission‑driven organization.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to the role.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of three to five years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in fundraising techniques such as direct marketing, peer‑to‑peer fundraising, and telethons.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct multiple programs and activities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Knowledge of educational fundraising principles and methods.
• Knowledge of budget preparation and fiscal management.
• Ability to develop and implement comprehensive marketing goals, strategies, and plans.
• Ability to identify and target major funding prospects and plan, organize, and direct solicitation programs.
• Ability to prepare and analyze data and deliver presentations.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community.
• Ability to represent Wake Forest and interface with business executives at the highest level.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, the Internet, and related software.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Ability to meet the University’s automobile insurance requirements.
• Respect for the dignity and abilities of all people.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Experience in higher education or a non‑profit setting is strongly preferred.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Responsible for own work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Primarily sedentary work involving sitting/standing, communicating with others, repetitive motions of wrists, hands, and/or fingers to assess work accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness. No adverse environmental conditions are expected.

NOTE

This position profile identifies key responsibilities and performance expectations but does not encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees must follow any other job‑related instructions and perform job‑related duties as may be reasonably assigned by the supervisor.

TIME TYPE REQUIREMENT

Full time

BACKGROUND CHECK / DRUG SCREEN

Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

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 [e-mail] or (336) 758‑4700.