Leadership Gift Officer, University Advancement

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

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.

Job Description

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

Note To Applicant

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 his/her supervisor.

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.

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].