Assistant Director, Donor Events

Application Instructions

Ensure all required documents – resume, cover letter and any other items specified – are ready before starting.

Cover Letter and Supporting Documents:

• Navigate to the "My Experience" application page.
• Locate the "Resume/CV" document upload section at the bottom.
• Use the "Select Files" button to upload required documents; you can select multiple files.

Important Note:
The "My Experience" page is the only opportunity to attach your cover letter, resume, and supporting documents. You will not be able to modify your application or add attachments after submission.

Current Employees: Apply from your existing Workday account in the Jobs Hub. Do not apply from this website.

A cover letter is required for all positions; optional for facilities, campus services and hospitality roles unless otherwise specified.

The Assistant Director, Donor Events translates strategic goals into experiential outcomes alongside University Advancement partners. In tandem with colleagues, develops, manages and executes events and experiences related to fundraising, cultivation, stewardship and engagement. Produces creative, meaningful events, both large and bespoke, in myriad venues and locations across the country.

* 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.

• Serves as a strategic thinking partner with Unit and Regional teams to develop experiences and events in support of University Advancement projects and initiatives.
• Imagines creative, thoughtful experiences with an orientation toward exceptional hospitality.
• Plans and executes events both in Winston‑Salem and in targeted metropolitan areas across the country.
• Collaborates with Advancement partners to develop data‑driven invitation lists and event messaging materials and language.
• Plans and manages program outline development, program content, speakers, and scripts for all assigned events. Coordinates audio‑visual and print assets as needed.
• Responsible for event location identification, rental orders, floral arrangements, linen selection, invitations, responses, catering, menu planning, seating assignments, space reservations, parking, security, audio/visual arrangements, budget reporting and coordination of event set‑up/strike with all vendors.
• Develops and manages event safety plans in partnership with the University’s emergency management team.
• Oversees the development of complex travel itineraries when groups of leaders are traveling.
• Creates and ensures timely delivery of event briefings to Wake Forest University Administrators, including President’s Office, Trustees, Senior Leadership, Volunteers, etc.
• Oversees event budgets and ensures events are kept within scope.
• Secures vendor contracts for necessary services.
• Tracks projects in project management tool; uses existing templates and creates new ones based on experience to ensure efficient processes with scalable outcomes.
• Responsible for internal facilities work orders, transportation and parking requests, security requests, and catering orders, in partnership with Coordinator.
• 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.

• Bachelor’s degree plus three to five years of direct experience with professional event planning, logistics and/or hospitality.
• Knowledge of event planning strategies, processes, and resources.
• Ability to manage multiple, complex projects concurrently, superior time management and project management skills.
• Ability to be nimble and gracious in the face of changing priorities.
• Service‑oriented; delights in providing exceptional service to others.
• Ability to create a shared vision among those with differing opinions and perspectives.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and written, with a broad range of internal and external constituents.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Superior judgment, a strong…