Philanthropy and Donor Engagement Officer, University Advancement

Wake Forest University; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake Forest University is seeking a Philanthropy & Donor Engagement Officer to enhance relationships with alumni and donors. This role involves strategic communication, donor cultivation, and significant travel across designated WAKECommunities. A Bachelor's degree and relevant fundraising experience are required for this full-time position.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of fundraising experience or equivalent education.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience in database management.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes strategies to foster relationships with donors.
• Conducts 150 face-to-face visits and manages a portfolio of 120 prospects.
• Collaborates to design engaging philanthropic events.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Fundraising experience

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

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:

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Job Description Summary

Summary: The Philanthropy & Donor Engagement Officer fosters a culture of giving and involvement among Wake Forest alumni, families, and friends, specifically within two to four designated small to midsize WAKECommunities. The Officer, with a Director of Philanthropy and Donor Engagement as a thought partner, will develop, implement, and assess comprehensive plans integrating communication, marketing, engagement, and philanthropic strategies. The Officer's goal is to create a dynamic and inclusive environment where Wake Forest constituents are empowered to invest in our institution for life. This position works closely with University staff, administrators, and faculty and requires frequent travel to WAKECommunities.

Job Description

Essential Functions:

• Creates and fosters philanthropic and Community 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 $1,000,000; manages a portfolio of approximately 120 prospects.
• Conducts 150 face-to-face visits annually, facilitates 320 meaningful interactions, and solicits at least $1.5M in major gift proposals; recruits Giving Society Members who support the Wake Forest Fund, and engages in gift planning conversations.
• 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 WAKECommunities Board members in Wake Forest's small to mid-sized Communities, organizing a minimum of four meetings per year.
• Collaborates with the Philanthropic Engagement team to design engaging events and experiences aimed at deepening relationships and promoting philanthropy, hosting a minimum of two educational "all-call" engagement events/experiences and two exclusive Giving Program events/experiences per year.
• Ensures the development of WAKECommunities communication plans; in partnership with the University Marketing and Communications team, utilizes analytics support to assess prospect pools and coordinates regular communications to build awareness and excitement around Wake Forest priorities. Ensures a minimum of four Community-specific, comprehensive communications per year.
• Directs timely updating of WAKECommunities web content and regular distribution of digital and social media communications and promotion of events/experiences,
• Acts as a frontline representative to promote campus goals and objectives, maintaining a strong understanding of institutional priorities.
• Monitors a travel and engagement budget.
• Assists and participates in all University & Campaign events as necessary, and provides support for departmental events as needed.
• Have high standards for your work and are proud to contribute to a mission-driven organization.
• Contributes to a transparent and equitable organizational culture where ethical and equity policies and practices are understood and lived out by all staff.
• Get excited about the prospect of joining a team that is making a difference in people's lives every day.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree with two to four years of fundraising experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Desire to foster and continue collaboration among teams and individuals with a strong focus on investing in the professional and personal development of team members.
• Knowledge and proven history of gaining philanthropic support and financial commitments from others.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents in a diverse community.
• Ability to identify and secure gifts of non-traditional assets and/or charitable gifts from alternative funding/revenue sources.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in database management and maintenance.
• Knowledge of charitable giving techniques, instruments, and relevant laws.
• 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.
• Commitment to the mission and values of University Advancement and a commitment to equity, particularly racial equity, with a willingness to proactively learn about it and integrate it into all aspects of the work.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Previous experience working in higher education or not-for-profit environments.
• Knowledge of Wake Forest University and its alumni, families, and friends.
• Previous experience in direct fundraising or direct sales.
• Possesses an understanding of the donor cycle.
• Experience working with high level volunteers.

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.

To help provide a safe learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final candidates being considered for employment.

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.

Wake Forest University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in employment for individuals with disabilities.

Additional Job Description

In University Advancement, we believe in equity, not just equality. We understand that in order to develop a fully engaged constituency; individuals must receive equitable treatment instead of equal treatment. Establishing equality means treating everyone the same. Equity necessitates transforming our community to meet the needs, interests and cultural norms of our University Advancement staff.

Authentic and transparent engagement and collaboration from all groups and individuals is at the foundation of University Advancement at Wake Forest University. We aspire to be an exemplar for belonging and inclusion where personal and team achievements are realized and celebrated. University Advancement approaches each moment with sincere gratitude, deep and abiding respect, unwavering optimism, profound humbleness, and an eye to learn something new. Our yesterday has shaped us, our today molds us, and together, our tomorrow at University Advancement and Wake Forest University creates an opportunity for aspirations and inspiration for all generations.

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all requirements listed in the job description. In University Advancement at Wake Forest University, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. If this role appeals to you, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification on the job description, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Time Type Requirement

Full timeNote 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] [phone].