Lead Gift Officer — Major Gifts & Donor Engagement

Wake Forest University; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake Forest University is seeking a Leadership Gift Officer to cultivate and solicit donors, focusing on alumni, parents, and friends to grow annual and major gifts. The role emphasizes high-volume outreach, donor stewardship, and collaboration across university advancement.

You will manage a large donor portfolio, advance giving societies, and work toward Wake Forest priorities while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality in a university setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Ability to multi-task and manage confidential information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to collaborate across University Advancement and Wake Forest community.
• Eligible for travel locally and nationally as needed.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, and steward a pool of donors to advance annual and major gifts.
• Solicit gifts and increase membership in Giving Societies and the Wake Forest Fund.
• Manage a portfolio of 200+ current donors with regular touches to deepen engagement.
• Collaborate with development teams and University priorities.
• Document fundraising progress and outcomes in GiveCampus and related systems.

Skills

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Discretion and confidentiality

Team collaboration

Ability to travel locally/nationally

Proficiency in MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM database experience

Job description

Wake Forest University is seeking a Leadership Gift Officer to cultivate and solicit donors, focusing on alumni, parents, and friends to grow annual and major gifts. The role emphasizes high-volume outreach, donor stewardship, and collaboration across university advancement.

You will manage a large donor portfolio, advance giving societies, and work toward Wake Forest priorities while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality in a university setting.