Director of Advancement Services
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Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were
previously incarcerated, or justice-involved. We invite all potential
applicants to apply for positions for Which they may be qualified.
Please Note:
A criminal background check will be conducted on the candidate finalist
prior to the offer of employment.
If it is determined that no applicants meet the minimum competency,
education, and experience requirements, then management may consider other
applicants.
Salary will be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market
considerations.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic
application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work
history) for your qualifications to be considered.
Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being
considered for the vacant position.
Your application for the position will not be completed until you receive
an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a
position.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may
contact Human Resources at [email protected]. Individuals with disabilities
requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview
process, please call 336-750-2834.
Position Details
Classification Information
Position Classification Title Advancement Services Professional, Donor Relations Director
FLSA Exempt
Position Class 89780
Position Overview
Join the Ramily! Join the Ramily!
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is a distinguished institution that
combines academic excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to
fostering student success. We are proud to be North Carolina's only university
to earn the distinguished designation of Opportunity College by the Carnegie
Classifications of Higher Education and the American Council on Education
(ACE). WSSU is dedicated to preparing students for leadership roles through
rigorous programs in health sciences, business, education, and the humanities.
Known for its supportive environment, the university fosters a close-knit
community that nurtures both professional and academic excellence.
Situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina—known as the City of Arts and
Innovation, WSSU provides students with opportunities to engage in a dynamic
mix of professional, social, and cultural experiences. Winston-Salem is home
to thriving arts, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering both students
and faculty unique collaboration opportunities and professional development
pathways.
With its beautiful campus, strong sense of community, and dedication to
fostering personal and professional growth, Winston-Salem State University is
an ideal place to teach, work, and learn.Find information about our current
benefits and retirement options, our holiday schedule, and other discounts and
perks at the links below:UNC System Employee Benefits CentralUNC System
Retirement BenefitsWSSU Holiday ScheduleWSSU Discounts and Perks
Position Summary Winston-Salem State University ( WSSU) is seeking a Director of Advancement Services.The Director of Advancement Services is responsible for the strategic oversight and management of Winston-Salem State University's fundraising infrastructure, ensuring the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the university's advancement efforts. This role supports the long-term financial sustainability and growth of WSSU by managing key functions such as gift processing, prospect management, donor relations, stewardship, and data integrity. The Director plays a central role in aligning these critical systems with WSSU's 2022-2030 Strategic Plan. By driving innovation, improving processes, and fostering strong donor relationships, this position ensures that the university's advancement operations are scalable, data-driven, and capable of supporting WSSU's mission to provide an equitable, transformative education.
Primary Responsibilities of the Director of Advancement Services:
Strategic Leadership & Fund Management Oversight
Collaborate with senior leadership and key stakeholders to develop and
implement long-term strategies for donor data management, stewardship,
prospect research, and operational efficiency.
Provide strategic direction for the Advancement Services unit, aligning
operations, fund administration, and donor stewardship with Winston-Salem
State University's broader fundraising goals and strategic priorities.
Provide overarching oversight for university gift fund management,
ensuring that all endowed, restricted, and scholarship funds are utilized
in strict compliance with legal gift agreements, donor intent, and
institutional policies.
In coordination with the WSSU Foundation, Financial Aid, and university
business offices, oversee the strategy for scholarship fund allocations,
monitoring fund balances, disbursement schedules, and award criteria
execution.
Establish monitoring mechanisms to identify unspent or underutilized
restricted/scholarship funds, collaborating with campus partners and
development staff to resolve utilization bottlenecks or execute necessary
fund agreement amendments.
Formulate, enforce, and audit policies and procedures governing gift
administration, fund setup, spending compliance, and state/federal
regulatory guidelines.
Use data analysis and reporting to inform strategic decisions, optimize
fundraising efforts, and identify opportunities for growth in donor
engagement and giving.
Management and Oversight of Advancement Systems
Oversee the development, implementation, and ongoing management of
Winston-Salem State University's fundraising database (Raiser's Edge
NXT), prospect management systems, and auxiliary award management
platforms (e.g., Scholarship Universe).
Oversee relationships with advancement technology vendors, ensuring proper
staff access and optimal utilization of software platforms, contract
management, implementation of upgrades, and ongoing system enhancements.
Ensure data integrity and financial accuracy across all donor, prospect,
fund, and scholarship distribution records.
Oversee gift processing and financial recording operations to ensure
timely recording of contributions, adherence to IRS regulations, accurate
fund designation, and prompt donor acknowledgments.
Lead efforts to integrate technological innovations across advancement
operations, automating workflows between scholarship management software,
CRM systems, and general ledger accounting.
Donor Stewardship and Relations
Lead and manage donor stewardship strategies, ensuring donors are
consistently recognized, thanked, and informed of their fund's impact.
Implementing stewardship plans that align with donor preferences and
institutional priorities, including the creation of impact reports,
personalized communications, and recognition events.
Direct the production of annual financial endowment reports and
scholarship impact statements, verifying that financial data (balances,
payouts, and beneficiary details) reported to donors is accurate and
transparent.
Oversee efforts by the Assistant Director and donor relations team to
facilitate meaningful connections between donors and fund beneficiaries
(such as student scholarship recipients and endowed faculty). Including
the preparation and delivery of donor acknowledgment letters, annual
giving reports, and other communication efforts that demonstrate the
impact of gifts on Winston-Salem State University's mission.
Work closely with development officers to ensure that stewardship
activities are integrated into broader fundraising strategies and that
donor expectations are met or exceeded.
Continuously improve stewardship processes, exploring innovative
approaches to donor engagement such as digital recognition platforms,
virtual events, and personalized outreach strategies.
Prospect Management and Research
Direct and oversee prospect management and research functions, including
the identification, research, and qualification of potential major gift
donors.
Supervise the Assistant Director and prospect analysts (including shared
services resources) in utilizing wealth intelligence platforms (e.g.,
iWave, LexisNexis, ResearchPoint) to build strong prospect pipelines.
Develop and oversee tracking and moves management strategies to equip
development officers with accurate data regarding donor interests,
capacity, and engagement history.
Lead the prospect research team in conducting comprehensive research and
analysis to identify new fundraising opportunities, leveraging both
qualitative and quantitative data sources.
Create and maintain a repository of prospect profiles and briefing
materials for development staff to facilitate personalized engagement and
solicitation efforts. Collaborate with advancement leadership to
prioritize and strategize outreach efforts, aligning prospect management
activities with institutional fundraising goals and campaigns.
Position Information
Position Number 074695
Working Position Title Director of Advancement Services
Building and Room No. Blair Hall 310D
Appointment Type Permanent Full-Time
If Time Limited. No
Appointment Length. 12 Months
Requirements and Preferences
Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies Not Mandatory
Normal Work Schedule 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, occasional evenings and weekends
Department Required Skills
Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in
advancement services, development, or a related field within higher
education or a nonprofit organization.
Proven track record in managing key operational functions such as gift
processing, donor database management, prospect research, and donor
relations.
Bachelor's degree required in business administration, nonprofit
management, information systems, or a related field.
Master's degree preferred in nonprofit management, business
administration, higher education administration, or a related discipline.
Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education Preferred Skills
Data Management Expertise: Advanced proficiency in managing donor
databases (such as Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or other CRM systems)with
a strong understanding of data integrity and security best practices.
Leadership and Team Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and manage
teams effectively, with strong interpersonal skills to foster
collaboration across departments.
Gift Processing and Compliance: Strong knowledge of fundraising
principles, gift administration, and IRS guidelines related to charitable
giving.
Prospect Research and Moves Management: Expertise in identifying,
researching, and tracking major gift prospects, as well as implementing
moves management systems to enhance donor engagement.
Operational Efficiency: Experience with process optimization, including
automating workflows, improving donor data management systems, and
increasing the scalability of advancement operations.
Stewardship Best Practices: Deep understanding of donor recognition and
stewardship strategies, including personalized engagement plans and impact
reporting.
Financial Management: Strong skills in budget management, tracking
donations, and ensuring proper allocation of resources in alignment with
institutional goals.
Project Management: Strong project management skills, including experience
overseeing multiple initiatives, ensuring deadlines are met, and aligning
projects with strategic priorities.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to
effectively engage stakeholders and present complex information in a clear
and concise manner.
Training and Certifications
Certifications in fundraising management or nonprofit leadership (such as
CFRE, Certified Fund Raising Executive) are preferred but not required.
Advanced training in donor database systems (Raiser's Edge, Salesforce,
or similar platforms) and data analytics.
Ongoing professional development and training in fundraising best
practices, donor stewardship, and advancement services.
The ideal candidate will combine extensive technical expertise in
advancement operations with strategic leadership skills to drive WSSU's
fundraising success and contribute to the institution's long-term
financial sustainability.
Required License or Certification
No specific licenses are required for this position.
Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification or equivalent is
preferred but not mandatory.
Advanced certification or training in fundraising database management
systems (such as Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or other CRM platforms) is
preferred.
Relevant project management certifications (such as PMP, Project
Management Professional) are an asset but not required.
Valid US Driver's License No
Commercial Driver's License Required No
Physical Required No
List any other medical/drug tests required
Posting Details
Posting Details
Internal Posting Only No
Time Limited Position No
Appointment Length
Salary $85,000-$100,000
Open Date 08/25/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions Summary Our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated, or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for Which they may be qualified.
Please Note:
A criminal background check will be conducted on the candidate finalist
prior to the offer of employment.
If it is determined that no applicants meet the minimum competency,
education, and experience requirements, then management may consider other
applicants.
Salary will be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market
considerations.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic
application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work
history) for your qualifications to be considered.
Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being
considered for the vacant position.
Your application for the position will not be completed until you receive
an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a
position.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may
contact Human Resources at [email protected]. Individuals with disabilities
requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview
process, please call 336-750-2834.
Supplemental Questions
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Applicant Document
Required Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
References List
Optional Documents
Letter of Recommendation 1
