Chief Development Officer, School of Business

Wake Forest University invites applications nominations and inquiries of interest for the position of Executive Director for Development within the School of Business.

Founded in 1834 Wake Forest University is a private university located in Winston-Salem North Carolina with nearly 9000 students across its six schools. Wake Forest attracts students across the country as well as from abroad. This academic year the undergraduate population hails from over 47 states and more than 48 countries. Wake Forest is recognized for its vibrant and diverse academic community in which students pursue learning in at least one of the more than 50 majors 60 minors or additional programs. Wake Forest is well recognized for its academics especially a number of graduate programs which include those in the highly ranked School of Law School of Business and School of Medicine.

The Executive Director for Development in Wake Forest Universitys School of Business serves as the Schools chief development officer and is a key member of the University Advancement team. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Academic Fundraising and working in close partnership with the Dean of the School of Business the Executive Director leads strategies to secure major principal and transformational philanthropic support for the Schools top prioritiesincluding scholarships faculty excellence centers and initiatives and facilities.

Based in Winston-Salem and serving as a key member of the Deans executive leadership team at the School of Business the Executive Director manages a team responsible for major and principal gifts and partners closely with the School and Universitys leadership on campaign planning donor strategy and volunteer engagement. The Executive Director also collaborates with the School and Universitys alumni engagement and communications teams to ensure that development efforts complement the Schools alumni and corporate relations strategy and reinforces lifelong connection and philanthropic participation among alumni and friends.

Required Education Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Bachelors degree with 10 years of progressive fundraising experience including proven success in securing major and principal gifts ($1M).
• Demonstrated experience collaborating across functionsparticularly with alumni relations faculty and academic leadershipto achieve shared engagement and fundraising goals.
• Evidence of strong interpersonal and communication skills executive presence and strategic acumen.
• Experience managing professional staff and complex prospect pipelines.
• Strong project management and analytical skills with experience in tracking analyzing and reporting on performance metrics.
• Ability to manage and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Experience in and knowledge of relevant budget management principles.
• Ability and willingness for frequent travel and working a varied schedule with flexible hours.

Preferred Education Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Prior experience in business-school or professional-school advancement.
• Success in campaign management and volunteer board engagement.
• Experience working with corporate and foundation donors.
• Understanding of Wake Forest and the School of Businesss mission and market positioning.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. For fullest consideration application materials should be received no later than January 26 2026. Candidates should provide a letter of application describing their interest and qualifications for the position and a current resume. To receive the full position profile and to submit nominations and applications please contact Martin Baker of Buffkin / Baker at .

Required Experience:

Chief

Key Skills
Business Development,Sales Experience,B2B Sales,Sourcing,Financial Services,Organizational skills,Communication skills,Investment Experience,Banking,Relationship Management,Underwriting,Financial Analysis
Employment Type : Full Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1