Director of Development, University Advancement

Job Description Summary

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.

Summary:
The Director of Development is responsible for the strategical development and execution of annual and long-range plans to engage, identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic support from Wake Forest University alumni, parents, and friends in specific regions of the United States. The Director is responsible for leading the assigned Development team in establishing and reaching determined regional goals and manages an individual portfolio of at least 120 prospects – securing major gifts of $50,000 to $1,000,000. The Director works closely with other university staff, administrators, and faculty to strengthen relationships campus-wide to increase philanthropic support for Wake Forest University.

Candidates desiring a remote appointment will be considered. Travel is required for these positions. We are hiring for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

 

Job Description

This Job Is For You If You Are Able To….

• Lead by becoming an expert in the region, strategically drive philanthropic activity and create momentum within the region; and collaborate with Development staff, University Advancement staff, and other University officials around prospects, events, and all development efforts to support a regional goal and for Wake Forest University, including capital campaigns and project fundraising.
• Collaborate and work cross functionally with all schools/unit partners, alumni engagement, and Athletics teams to develop strategy for the engagement, identification, solicitation and stewardship of alumni, parents, and friends in the region.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 120-150 prospects and donors to Wake Forest University.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors that have the capacity to make current and deferred major gifts in the $50,000 - $1M range.
• Develop and execute long- and short-term prospect management plans and solicitation strategies, prepare written prospect management plans, identify specific purpose and gift level for each assigned prospect, draft proposals and engages in ongoing cultivation of and correspondence with potential donors to Wake Forest University, solicit gifts, and complete follow-up reports documenting activities and those related to closing gifts and stewarding donors.
• Manage and lead in the development and mentoring of the team (including but not limited to Associate Directors, Development Officers, Development Associates, Territory Development Coordinator) to enable a sustainable, qualified staff to meet regional objectives. Personnel actions include, but are not limited to, recruiting, training, performance appraisals, and making recommendations for promotions.
• Recruit, engage, and manage campaign volunteer committees within geographic region and effectively utilize volunteers to assist with the fundraising efforts to meet regional goals.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Vice President, Regional Development to establish fundraising goals and strategies for the region and their individual/teamwork. Build, write, and execute the regional annual plan; regularly monitor and evaluate progress toward achieving objectives.
• Assist with and participate in all regional events, as necessary.
• Assist with staffing events involving functions within the Advancement units and University-wide events, as needed.
• Get excited about the prospect of joining a team that is making a difference in people’s lives every day. 
• Have a passion for workplace diversity and inclusion.
• Have high standards for your work and are proud to contribute to a mission-driven organization.
• Promote university priorities and image to constituents. Serve as front line staff to promote campus goals and objectives. Maintain current knowledge of university-wide institutional priorities.

 

What Skills Do You Need?

• Bachelor’s degree and six to ten years of fundraising experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in supervising and training staff, volunteers, and student workers, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments for these individuals/groups.
• Knowledge and proven history of gaining philanthropic support and financial commitments from others.
• 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.
• Strategic thinker who is creative problem solver.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents in a diverse community.
• 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.
• Respect for the dignity and abilities of all people.
• Ability to foster teamwork and cooperation in a work environment.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills in prioritizing workflow and managing resources.
• Ability to manage and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Experience in database management and maintenance.
• Skill in fiscal management.
• Knowledge of the University policies and procedures, or ability to acquire knowledge in a short period.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google apps, and other relevant software. 
• Ability to research, collect, and analyze data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Detail-orientation in coordinating activities.
• Ability to multi-task and demonstrate sound judgment and discretion.
• Knowledge of charitable giving techniques, instruments, and relevant laws.
• Ability to travel locally and nationally as necessary.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary.
• Should be able to meet requirements of the University's automobile insurance policy.

 

Desired Skills and Abilities: As the incoming Director of Development, you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:

• Experience in direct fundraising or direct sales.
• Experience in working in a capital campaign.
• Experience working in higher education or not-for-profit environment.
• Possesses an understanding of the donor cycle.
• Knowledge and clear understanding of Wake Forest University, its schools and programs.
• Previous experience with frequent travel.