Job Description

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 9,000 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 University’s School of Business serves as the School’s 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 School’s top priorities—including scholarships, faculty excellence, centers and initiatives, and facilities.

Based in Winston-Salem and serving as a key member of the Dean’s 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 University’s leadership on campaign planning, donor strategy, and volunteer engagement. The Executive Director also collaborates with the School and University’s alumni engagement and communications teams to ensure that development efforts complement the School’s alumni and corporate relations strategy and reinforces lifelong connection and philanthropic participation among alumni and friends.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including proven success in securing major and principal gifts ($1M+).
• Demonstrated experience collaborating across functions—particularly with alumni relations, faculty, and academic leadership—to 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 Business’s 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 martin@buffkinbaker.com