Leadership Gift Officer, University Advancement

Wake Forest University Pre-College Programs; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake Forest University is seeking a Leadership Gift Officer to advance annual and major gifts through donor engagement, with a high-volume portfolio and mentorship toward major gifts.

The LGO builds relationships with alumni, parents, and friends, coordinating with campus partners and using GiveCampus to track progress, while traveling locally and nationally as needed.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional development experience.
• Detail-orientation in coordinating activities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills in prioritizing workflow and managing resources.
• Ability to manage and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

Responsibilities

• Connects with alumni, parents, and friends via video call, phone call, locally on occasion, or in-person on campus to identify, cultivate, and steward their interest in philanthropic engagement with Wake Forest.
• Cultivates and solicits a pool of 100 Annual Fund prospects with a focus on consistent outreach to secure Giving Society-level gifts and general Wake Forest Fund gifts.
• Manages a portfolio of 200+ current donors with 4–5 meaningful touches annually per donor to steward and cultivate lifetime engagement.
• Identifies and qualifies 50–100 prospects for current or future investment in Wake Forest at $50,000 or more.
• Assists with follow-up efforts for Homecoming, reunions, and other signature events to convert attendee interest into philanthropic support.
• Documents fundraising progress through GiveCampus call reports, cultivation strategy updates, and other necessary materials.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Discretion/confidentiality

Team collaboration

Donor engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Calendar

Raiser's Edge

GiveCampus

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Leadership Gift Officer (LGO) is an integral member of the Philanthropy & Donor Engagement team within University Advancement. Dedicated to supporting the mission and values of Wake Forest University, the LGO plays a key role in cultivating relationships with current and prospective donors to advance philanthropic support. Through a strategic focus on alumni, parents, and friends, the LGO will engage, qualify, and solicit and steward annual and major gifts, ensuring the University’s continued growth and impact. The Leadership Gift Officer (LGO) serves as a frontline fundraiser and a critical driver of the University’s donor pipeline. This role is designed for a high-energy, relationship-driven fundraiser who can qualify, cultivate, and solicit gifts for the Wake Forest Fund and Giving Societies while maintaining a focus on stewarding and cultivating prospects toward a major gift. The LGO is responsible for a higher volume of prospects (on average, 350-375). This position acts as a fundraiser launchpad, providing the professional structure and mentorship necessary to transition into Major Gift roles while delivering immediate impact on Wake Forest’s priorities. * This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Essential Functions

• Connects with alumni, parents, and friends via video call, phone call, locally on occasion, or in-person on campus to identify, cultivate, and steward their interest in philanthropic engagement with Wake Forest.
• Cultivates and solicits a pool of 100 Annual Fund prospects with a focus on consistent, high-volume outreach to secure Giving Society-level gifts, general Wake Forest Fund gifts, and increasing the number of Constant and True members.
• Manages a portfolio of 200+ current donors maintaining a minimum of 4–5 meaningful touches annually per donor stewarding and cultivating those donors to ensure their continued and expanded engagement and investment in Wake Forest for a lifetime.
• Identifies and qualifies 50-100 prospects for current or future investment in Wake Forest at $50,000 or more.
• Assists with follow-up efforts for Homecoming, reunions, and other signature events to convert attendee interest into philanthropic support.
• Works collaboratively with all development teams; Leadership Gift Officers may be asked to focus their work on specific priorities/projects, or WAKECommunities.
• Documents fundraising progress through the use of GiveCampus for call reports, cultivation strategy updates, and other communication materials as necessary.
• Works closely with the Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives for Philanthropy & Donor Engagement to create and implement innovative fundraising and stewardship activities.
• Communicates effectively between different departments within University Advancement and university wide.
• Represents the University in various institutional divisions as well as the general public and local community.
• Maintains current knowledge of university wide institutional priorities.
• Assists with, and participate in, University Advancement functions and events as necessary.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional development experience.
• Willingness to learn and engage in a collaborative manner with all of University Advancement and the Wake Forest community.
• Knowledge and a clear understanding of Wake Forest University, its component schools, and programs.
• Detail-orientation in coordinating activities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills in prioritizing workflow and managing resources.
• Ability to manage and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to multi-task and demonstrate sound judgment and discretion.
• Proficiency in Windows, Google Calendar, Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint), the internet, and other relevant software.
• Proficiency in the operation of standard office equipment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to research, collect, and analyze data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Knowledge of the University policies and procedures, or ability to acquire knowledge in a short period of time.
• Leadership Gift Officers will not travel unless needed by University Development.
• Ability to be a team player and willingness to take initiative.
• Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours as needed.
• Ability to travel locally and nationally as necessary.
• Ability to meet requirements of the University's automobile insurance policy.
• Respect for the dignity and abilities of all people.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Development/fundraising experience in a non-profit or higher education setting
• Experience in utilizing a fundraising database (ex: Blackbaud, razor’s edge, Banner)
• People are our greatest asset. This role provides a clear professional trajectory for those who want to pursue a career in fundraising and philanthropic engagement.

Accountabilities

Responsible for own work.

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.

Time Type Requirement

Full time

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 [phone].

Background and Drug Screening

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

About WFU

Wake Forest University, formed in 1834, has experienced decades of growth and innovation. WFU is a distinctive university that combines a liberal arts core with graduate and professional schools and innovative research programs. The University embraces the teacher‑scholar ideal, which prizes the personal interaction between students and faculty. It is a place where exceptional teaching, fundamental research and discovery, and the engagement of faculty and students in the classroom and the laboratory are paramount. Wake Forest University is a community that seeks the enlightenment and freedom which come through diligent study and learning. Its higher goal, however, is to give life to the University motto "Pro Humanitate," as members translate a passion for knowledge into compassionate service. The community shares a tradition that embraces freedom and integrity and acknowledges the worth of the individual. The heritage, established by the school's founders and nurtured by succeeding generations, promotes a democratic spirit arising from open‑mindedness and discourse. Wake Forest fosters compassion and caring for others. Its collective strength and character are derived from the values and distinctive experiences of each individual; therefore, it affirms the richness of human intellect and culture and its contribution to knowledge, faith, reason, and dialogue. Furthermore, it strives toward a society in which good will, respect, and equality prevail. To that end, Wake Forest University rejects hatred and bigotry in any form and promotes justice, honor, and mutual trust. The University is comprised of: the undergraduate college, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Divinity, School of Law, and School of Medicine (located on the Bowman Gray campus with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center) and today enrolls about 4,846 undergraduates and 2,823 students in graduate programs at its principal location, the Reynolda campus. Students at Wake Forest University enjoy a great deal of access to and interaction with world‑class faculty both in and out of the classroom setting with a student‑faculty ratio of 11:1. Wake Forest employs approximately 2,772 full and part‑time faculty and staff. Wake Forest is a collegiate university offering a vibrant, intellectual community with a rich cultural life, an impressive array of facilities, and a strong athletics program competing in the fifteen‑team Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Since its founding, the university has adopted the motto “pro humanitate,” which is exemplified by a deep institutional commitment to public service and engagement with the world. Wake Forest has a strong commitment to holistic, eight‑dimensional well‑being for students, faculty and staff as evidenced in the Thrive initiative. Winston‑Salem, North Carolina Wake Forest is located in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina, a beautiful, mid‑sized city centrally located in the Piedmont‑Triad region of North Carolina. Winston‑Salem is a family‑friendly city with high quality schools, numerous outdoor recreational activities and events, and is known for its vibrant and thriving arts scene. Winston‑Salem residents enjoy close proximity to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains (1.5 hours) and Atlantic beaches (4 hours), a moderate climate with four distinct seasons, a very reasonable cost of living, and an eclectic variety of restaurants, wine bars, and breweries for dining with friends and family. Winston‑Salem offers many of the amenities of a large city but with the sense of community and quality of life of a smaller town.