Donor Engagement Officer, 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.

Cover Letter and Supporting Documents:

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

Job Description Summary

The Donor Engagement Officer (DEO) will develop meaningful connections between donors and philanthropic beneficiaries within the Wake Forest community. The DEO will have responsibility for creating and executing strategies to enhance the donor experience, with a focus on building meaningful, lasting relationships among donors, students, program managers and faculty members. The DEO will recommend, develop, and execute connective programming tailored to specific donor populations. Serves as Operations Manager for deployment of Giving Programs.

*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:

• Enhances connectivity and facilitates engagement between donors and recipients and/or beneficiaries, including students, program managers and faculty members, to deepen engagement and support for the University.
• Develops personalized communication strategies to steward donors and demonstrate the impact of their contributions.
• Leverages an array of platforms, including digital programs, printed materials, in-person and video experiences, etc. to connect donors with philanthropic beneficiaries.
• In collaboration with University Advancement partners, creates content and implements strategies for utilizing social media, email campaigns, and other digital channels to engage donors and share impactful stories.
• In partnership with the Stewardship Operations team, identifies donor cohorts based on giving designation, regional location, demographics or other criteria, and analyzes their engagement and giving patterns. Uses data to develop targeted programming and initiatives to cultivate relationships within each donor cohort.
• In partnership with Academic and WAKE Community teams, as well as the Donor Events team, recommends, imagines and executes connective programming tailored to donor populations within each Wake Community.
• Designs and executes stewardship concepts in alignment with Campaign priorities.
• Collaborates with the Stewardship Operations team to communicate the impact of donor support and stewardship efforts.
• Builds, maintains and executes the Permanent Stewardship program.
• Serves as Operations Manager for the deployment of giving programs, such as Giving Societies, Legacy Society, Carillon Circle, etc.
• 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 plus three to five years of direct experience with fundraising and/or stewardship.
• Familiarity with online meeting tools.
• Familiarity with digital outreach tools, or ability to learn how to use these tools.
• Ability to manage multiple, complex projects concurrently; superior time management and project management skills.
• Service-oriented; delights in providing exceptional service to others.
• Ability to analyze data and create strategic and tactical plans based on findings.
• 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 work ethic, and a keen attention to detail while seeing the big picture.
• Resourceful problem-solver.
• Self-starter; ability to think independently and anticipate next steps.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite; ability to become proficient in Deacon Advancement Database (Blackbaud), ClickUp, GiveCampus and other relevant software.
• Ability to learn and use customer relationship management systems (Blackbaud CRM preferred), document imaging systems, project management systems, and event registration systems; develop/refine skills as needed.
• Ability to answer moderately complex questions. Proactively seeks additional information to perform assigned duties.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Ability to travel locally and nationally as necessary.
• Ability to meet the requirements of the University’s automobile insurance policy.
• Respect for the dignity and abilities of all people.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality pertaining to information contained in donor records and system data.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Experience with donors, volunteers, students, faculty and program managers, preferably in a higher education fundraising setting.
• Experience in donor stewardship or in a customer/constituent-facing role.
• Ability to make decisions on sensitive, confidential issues to ensure positive outcomes for Wake Forest University.
• Familiarity with project management tools and concepts.

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. Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another. Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds. 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.