Associate Director, Wake Forest Fund, Schools and Units

External Applicants:

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Job Description Summary

The Associate Director, Wake Forest Fund, Schools and Units oversees all annual giving for the Wake Forest Funds, with a focus on the Schools and Units (Business, Law, Divinity, College, Graduate School, ZSR Library, and the Parents Campaign). The Associate Director provides leadership for the development and solicitation of Giving Societies and annual leadership giving through strategies that include direct mail, email, postcards, ThankView, and additional project-based efforts designed to reach the constituency base. The Associate Director coordinates digital marketing efforts associated with the Schools and Units on the University Giving Day. A key area of focus will be on broadening the base of support for all the Schools and Units.

• Applications for this position will be accepted through July 29, 2026, 11:59 PM EST.
• 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:

• Directs the Annual Fund fundraising efforts for all Wake Forest Funds, with a focus on the School of Business, the School of Law, the School of Divinity, the College, the Graduate School, ZSR Library, and the Parents Campaign.
• Builds School of Business, School of Law, School of Divinity, College, Graduate School, ZSR Library, and the Parents Campaign annual giving through direct mail, digital marketing efforts, and project-based efforts.
• Works with and through volunteer groups and boards to encourage annual giving to the Wake Forest Fund for all the Schools and Units.
• Works with the Assistant Director, Direct and Email Marketing, to design and build direct marketing and email efforts in Blackbaud DM to support the Wake Forest Fund with a focus on the Schools and Units.
• Works with the reporting team to define selections needed to create marketing efforts and keep selections updated over time, and to prepare annual giving reports and Giving Society reporting for all the Schools and Units.
• Establishes and implements periodic meetings with all Schools and Units to make sure the Wake Forest Fund team is coordinating effectively.
• Uses data and analytics to drive performance and effectiveness of annual giving campaigns.
• Works with the Director, The Wake Forest Fund, Digital Fundraising, and Direct Marketing, on the University Giving Day - Deacs Day of Giving (DDOG). Responsible for coordinating with key partners across campus to identify areas of potential support and get their support on the day. As well as supporting the build-out and operation of the Giving Day platform to support the Schools and Units. Works with University Marketing and Communications and School-based marketing teams to create messages and graphics and coordinate social media efforts to promote DDOG.
• Works with the Director, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement Strategy, to assist with marketing and solicitation of giving society prospects for Giving Societies Day to assure coordination with the Schools and Units.
• Works with the Schools and Units teams, particularly the alumni group, to support work with board members in the areas of annual giving, stewardship, and board member fundraising outreach opportunities.
• Assists with other University Advancement events and staffing, when needed.
• Have high standards for your work and are proud to contribute to a mission-driven organization.
• 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 a minimum of three to five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in the use of fundraising techniques (i.e., direct marketing, peer-to-peer fundraising, telethons).
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct multiple programs and activities in a fast-paced environment. Ability to complete and follow up on tasks.
• Knowledge of educational fundraising principles and methods.
• Knowledge of budget preparation and fiscal management.
• Ability to develop and implement comprehensive marketing goals, strategies, and plans.
• Ability to identify and target major funding prospects and to plan, organize, and direct solicitation programs.
• Ability to prepare and analyze data and to develop and deliver presentations.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community.
• Ability to represent Wake Forest and interface with business executives at the highest level.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, the internet, and other relevant software.
• Ability to demonstrate effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize workflow and coordinate activities.
• Ability to travel and work the occasional evening and weekend.
• Ability to meet the requirements of the University's automobile insurance.
• Respect for the dignity and abilities of all people.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Experience in a higher education or non-profit setting strongly preferred.

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.