Director of Development, Campus Initiatives

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Job Description Summary

The Director of Development, Campus Initiatives advances Wake Forest University’s strategic priorities by securing philanthropic support for campus-wide initiatives that enhance student life, academic excellence, access and affordability, and overall campus experience. In partnership with Cabinet-level leaders and development colleagues across University Advancement, the Director provides strategic fundraising leadership for high-priority initiatives.

The Director manages a portfolio of 100+ prospects and is responsible for securing major gifts ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000+ from alumni, parents, and friends of the University. This role sets and achieves ambitious fundraising goals while strengthening relationships across campus to increase philanthropic investment.

A highly relational fundraiser, the Director cultivates leadership-level donors, builds strong partnerships with campus stakeholders, and collaborates closely with Advancement colleagues to design and execute successful fundraising strategies. This role calls for a professional deeply aligned with Wake Forest’s mission of Pro Humanitate who thrives in a collaborative, student-centered environment.

*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.

* In order for your application to be considered received in full, please include a cover letter upon submittal.

Job Description

Essential Functions:

• Serves as the primary development leader and liaison for assigned campus initiatives and programs, with annual individual fundraising goals of $2M and project goals ranging from $10M–$100M+.
• Collaborates with campus leaders and partners to translate institutional needs into clearly defined fundable priorities.
• Works closely with development officers across University Advancement to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gifts from shared and managed prospects.
• Develops and implements strategic communication and engagement plans that clearly articulate campus priorities and inspire donor investment.
• Maintains a strong and current understanding of Wake Forest’s strategic plan, campaign priorities, and evolving philanthropic goals.
• Maintains accurate donor records and activity reports in the University’s CRM system and consistently tracks progress toward individual and initiative-based fundraising goals.
• Collaborates with the Donor Experience team to creatively and strategically engage and steward donors, ensuring sustained connection to their philanthropic commitments.
• Contributes to a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability within the Advancement division.
• Demonstrates a passion for leadership and character development in the workplace.
• Maintains high standards of performance and take pride in contributing to a mission-driven organization.
• Embraces the opportunity to join a team that is making a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree with eight to ten years of fundraising experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge and proven history of gaining philanthropic support and financial commitments from others.
• Knowledge, awareness, and skills related to fundraising in a student affairs/student success context.
• 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.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents.
• Commitment to the mission and values of University Advancement and a commitment to community and belonging 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.
• Ability to multi-task and demonstrate sound judgment and discretion.
• 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.
• Experience in database management and maintenance.
• Detail-orientation in coordinating activities.
• Ability to supervise and train staff, volunteers, and student workers, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments for these individuals/groups.
• Skill in fiscal management.
• 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.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience in direct fundraising.
• Experience working in higher education and student affairs or not-for-profit environments.
• Possesses an understanding of the donor cycle.
• Knowledge and clear understanding of Wake Forest University, its schools, programs, and administrative units.
• Previous experience with frequent travel.

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.

Additional Job Description

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 AskHR@wfu.edu or (336) 758-4700.