Director of Development, Campus Initiatives

Director of Development, Campus Initiatives

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.

• Serve 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+.
• Collaborate with campus leaders and partners to translate institutional needs into clearly defined fundable priorities.
• Work closely with development officers across University Advancement to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gifts from shared and managed prospects.
• Develop and implement strategic communication and engagement plans that clearly articulate campus priorities and inspire donor investment.
• Maintain a strong and current understanding of Wake Forest’s strategic plan, campaign priorities, and evolving philanthropic goals.
• Maintain accurate donor records and activity reports in the University’s CRM system and consistently track progress toward individual and initiative-based fundraising goals.
• Collaborate with the Donor Experience team to creatively and strategically engage and steward donors, ensuring sustained connection to their philanthropic commitments.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability within the Advancement division.
• Demonstrate a passion for leadership and character development in the workplace.
• Maintain high standards of performance and take pride in contributing to a mission-driven organization.
• Embrace the opportunity to join a team that is making a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day.

• 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…