Leadership Gift Officer, University Advancement

Position Title: Leadership Gift Officer

Department:  University Advancement

Reports to: Director, Philanthropy and Donor Engagement Strategy

FLSA Status: Exempt

Time Type: Full-Time 

Employee Type: Regular

Summary: The Leadership Gift Officer (LGO) is an integral member of the Philanthropy and Donor Engagement team within University Advancement. Dedicated to supporting the mission and values of Wake Forest University, the LGO plays a key role in cultivating relationships with prospective donors to advance philanthropic support. Through a strategic focus on alumni, parents, and friends, the LGO will engage, qualify, and solicit major gifts, ensuring the University’s continued growth and impact.

As part of the team, the LGO will manage a portfolio of prospects and collaborate with University Development to strengthen relationships and broaden support for Wake Forest. This role offers unique opportunities to work alongside University Leadership and gain deep insight into the workings of higher education advancement.

Essential Functions:

• Connects with alumni, parents, and friends via video call, phone call, locally on occasion, or in-person on campus to identify their interest in philanthropic engagement with Wake Forest.
• Manages a prospect portfolio of 1,000+ with fundraising goals and benchmarks.
• Solicits donors for support of the Wake Forest Fund, Giving Society memberships, and other programs/projects as appropriate. 
• Works collaboratively with all development teams; Leadership Gift Officers may be asked to focus their work on specific units, priorities/projects, or regions.
• Documents fundraising progress through call reports, cultivation strategy updates, and other communication materials as necessary.
• Works closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Donor Engagement Strategy to create and implement innovative fundraising and stewardship activities.
• Communicates effectively between different departments within University Advancement and university wide.
• Represents the University in various institutional divisions as well as the general public and local community.
• Maintains current knowledge of university wide institutional priorities.
• Assists with, and participates in, University Advancement functions and events as necessary.
• 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 or equivalent professional development experience.
•  Knowledge and a clear understanding of Wake Forest University, its component schools, and programs.
• Detail-orientation in coordinating activities.
• 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.
• Proficiency in Windows, Google Calendar, Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint), the internet, and other relevant software. Proficiency in the operation of standard office equipment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to research, collect, and analyze data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Knowledge of the University policies and procedures, or ability to acquire knowledge in a short period of time.
• Leadership Gift Officers will not travel unless needed by University Development.
• Ability to be a team player and willingness to take initiative.
• Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours as needed.
• Ability to travel locally and nationally as requested.
• Ability to meet requirements of the University's automobile insurance.
• Respect for the dignity and abilities of all people.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Development/fundraising experience in a non-profit or higher education setting.
• Experience in utilizing a fundraising database (ex: Blackbaud, razor’s edge, Banner).

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.

To help provide a safe learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final candidates being considered for employment.

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.

Wake Forest University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in employment for individuals with disabilities.