There’s never been a more exciting time to be part of the development team at Wake Forest Athletics. Our three-phase program offers an outstanding opportunity to learn fundamental development operations from a successful and talented fundraising staff. Our interns will have access to learning every aspect of how a development office operates in a Power 5 conference school and will leave the program fully prepared for the next step in their career, as evidenced by our recent participants landing positions at top institutions. The Deacon Club is committed to ensuring that each intern receives valuable experience through a variety of special projects and day-to-day interaction. Our program is designed so that each participant engages with our five areas of focus throughout the internship: Major Gifts, Annual Fund Operations, Annual Fund Prospect Management, Donor Experience, and Strategic Initiatives and Engagement (leadership councils and committees).

Fall Phase: August 1 – December 22

Learn about game day development responsibilities, premium seating set up and hospitality. Learn Blackbaud, Paciolan, Advizor and other software systems to manage development operations. Participate in the student-athlete Thank-a-Thon. Learn about the management of volunteer boards, councils and committees and observe programs and events designed to support our capital campaign. At the Staff Retreat, our interns will participate in role play for development calls and learn the responsibilities of each development position. Learn how to evaluate challenges and opportunities in the fundraising environment.

Spring Phase: January 2 – June 30

Learn how to set up a successful reunion weekend and observe high-end stewardship events. Learn about the activation of social functions including Homecoming and Deacon Club Appreciation events. Learn to develop strategic long-term plans for prospects and the actions and best practices for reaching fundraiser targets and goals. Learn how to transform data into actionable information. Learn about our year-end fundraising push, securing new donors, annual fund renewals and solicitations.

Summer Program: May 15 – August 15

Learn the daily operations of a fundraising office including crucial planning stages.

Supervisor’s Role:

Learning will take place with various staff members including the Senior Associate Athletic Director of Development, Associate Athletic Director of Major Gifts, Assistant Athletic Director of Donor Experience, Assistant Athletic Director of Annual Fund & Development, Director of Donor Experience, and the Operations Director of Development. Their roles are to educate interns on all aspects of the responsibilities under their area. Interns will participate in role play, and observe and shadow each supervisor.

At the conclusion of each phase, interns will document their learning experience and review the opportunity to continue to the next phase.

 

This is an unpaid intern position.

Now accepting applications from candidates interested in completing all phases of the program, starting August 1, 2023.

TO APPLY: Email letter of interest and resume (including 2 references) to Olivia Peraino at perainoo@wfu.edu with the subject line “Internship Application – Athletic Development”

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