Development Operations Specialist, University Advancement

External Applicants: 

Please ensure all required documents are ready to upload before beginning your application, including your resume, cover letter, and any additional materials specified in the job description.

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• Navigate to the "My Experience" application page.

• Locate the "Resume/CV" document upload section at the bottom of the page.

• Use the "Select Files" button to upload your cover letter, resume, and any other required supporting 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:

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Job Description Summary

Provides assistance to the Director of Development Operations in managing the high-volume tasks of documenting donor intentions, maintaining the advancement database, and monitoring campaign progress.

*This position is a temporary position approved for a limited time frame.

The application process will close on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 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:

The responsibilities for this position generally fall into three core areas: managing the high-volume tasks of documenting donor intentions, maintaining the advancement database, and monitoring campaign progress.

Fund Agreement Development:

• Works directly with the Director of Development Operation and leads fundraisers to correctly codify specific restrictions and preferences within formal gift agreements.
• Collaborates with operation leads to define the parameters for special fundraising initiatives and determine the best methods for recognizing donor success.
• Ensures all necessary fund agreements are finalized and in place before commitments are processed.
• Get excited about the prospect of joining a team that is making a difference in people’s lives every day.
• Have high standards for your work and are proud to contribute to a mission-driven organization.

Advancement System Management (CRM):

• Performs the data entry for setting up new naming opportunities and initiatives within the Advancement database.
• Assigns and codes newly created purposes or designations to the appropriate Campaign Committees and projects.
• Creates specific queries and lists within the database (DAD) to ensure all fundraising data is organized accurately for reporting and stewardship.
• Investigates and resolves any data discrepancies or inconsistencies that appear during database tracking.

Fundraising Progress Tracking:

• Prepares and distributes regular fundraising activity and status reports to stakeholders.
• Assists in ensuring all commitments are recorded promptly and accurately to reflect the true progress of fundraising goals.
• Provides necessary donor lists and project reports to the University Advancement team for tracking and stewardship purposes.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• High level of proficiency with project management techniques and the ability to follow-up on all projects and tasks until successful completion.
• Ability to develop deep, trusting relationships with Development staff; a natural collaborator invested in the shared success of the team.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively to organize information and prioritize duties in a multi-tasking environment; ability to synthesize lots of information and make sense of it for other people.
• Naturally possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to listen with discernment particularly when drafting donor restrictions.
• Extraordinary organizational skills and project management competence with strong attention to detail.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and significant experience navigating complex databases and spreadsheets.
• Comfortable engaging with people at all levels of the organization/institution.
• Ability to understand the highly sensitive and private nature of the work and the ability to keep such information confidential.
• Strong interpersonal skills (i.e. listening, diplomacy, mediating, networking, and developing partnerships).
• Possesses a high degree of self-motivation, a positive attitude, and good judgment.
• Respect for the dignity and abilities of all people.

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.

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.