Wake Forest University · 2 months ago
Assistant Director, Donor Events
Winston-Salem, NC
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
3+ years expWake Forest University is seeking an Assistant Director, Donor Events who will translate strategic goals into experiential outcomes alongside University Advancement partners. The role involves developing, managing, and executing events related to fundraising, cultivation, stewardship, and engagement, while ensuring exceptional hospitality and creativity in event planning.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
No H1B
Responsibilities
Serves as a strategic thinking partner with Unit and Regional teams to develop experiences and events in support of University Advancement projects and initiatives
Imagines creative, thoughtful experiences with an orientation toward exceptional hospitality
Plans and executes events both in Winston-Salem and in targeted metropolitan areas across the country
Collaborates with Advancement partners to develop data-driven invitation lists and event messaging materials and language
Plans and manages program outline development, program content, speakers, and scripts for all assigned events
Coordinates audio-visual and print assets as needed
Responsible for event location identification, rental orders, floral arrangements, linen selection, invitations, responses, catering, menu planning, seating assignments, space reservations, parking, security, audio/visual arrangements, budget reporting and coordination of event set-up/strike with all vendors
Develops and manages event safety plans in partnership with the University’s emergency management team
Oversees the development of complex travel itineraries when groups of leaders are traveling
Creates and ensures timely delivery of event briefings to Wake Forest University Administrators, including President’s Office, Trustees, Senior Leadership, Volunteers, etc
Oversees event budgets and ensures events are kept within scope
Secures vendor contracts for necessary services
Tracks projects in project management tool; uses existing templates and creates new ones based on experience to ensure efficient processes with scalable outcomes
Responsible for internal facilities work orders, transportation and parking requests, security requests, and catering orders, in partnership with Coordinator
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
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree plus three to five years of direct experience with professional event planning, logistics and/or hospitality
Knowledge of event planning strategies, processes, and resources
Ability to manage multiple, complex projects concurrently, superior time management and project management skills
Ability to be nimble and gracious in the face of changing priorities
Service-oriented; delights in providing exceptional service to others
Ability to create a shared vision among those with differing opinions and perspectives
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
Comfortable being part of a team that largely works behind the scenes
Self-starter; ability to think independently and anticipate next steps
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to learn and use customer relationship management systems (Blackbaud CRM preferred), document imaging systems, ClickUp project management system, and event registration systems; develops/refines 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 perform moderate physical work; ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently and constantly to move objects
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
Understanding of protocol and etiquette standards
Ability to make decisions on sensitive, confidential issues to ensure positive outcomes for Wake Forest University
Previous experience in event management, project or logistics management, or academic (higher educational fundraising) environment
Familiarity with project management tools and concepts
Company
Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University is a private, independent, nonprofit, non-sectarian, coeducational research university.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$63.9MKey Investors
Lilly EndowmentAmeriCorps Public AlliesNational Institutes of Health
2025-07-10Grant· $30M
2024-10-10Grant· $0.2M
2023-02-23Grant· $3M
Leadership Team
Dedee DeLongpre Johnston
VP, Sustainability (CSO) and Chief of Staff to the Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer
Jacqueline Travisano
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Recent News
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