Advancement Director- Northeast Region

Western Governors University•Bentonville, AR

23h•$109,900 - $170,400•Remote

About The Position

WGU Advancement is dedicated to making workforce-based education affordable and attainable for all by increasing and improving access to higher education and accelerating innovations in learning on behalf of students through transformational philanthropic partnerships. WGU Advancement partners with national scale and regionally based foundations, corporations, associations, and high net-worth individuals to solicit and steward impactful investments in support of our strategic initiatives. Since 1997, WGU has redefined ways to access and attain a post-secondary credential of value and fundamentally changed American higher education to be more equitable, affordable, and achievable. As such, our donors reflect that same spirit of innovation and invention in their generosity. The Advancement Director is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts of $100,000 and above from foundations, corporations, and individual constituents. The qualified candidate will manage a portfolio of approximately 100-125 donor prospects and will conduct a minimum of 12-15 personal visits a month, entailing online meetings, national or regional travel. This position must work independently and collaboratively with the Advancement team, the Regional Vice President, and other stakeholders such as senior administration, School leadership, and others. The Advancement Director demonstrates progressive development experience in all aspects of fundraising, particularly major and principal gifts. The Director develops long-term relationships with various constituencies and helps ensure a pipeline of major gift donors. The purpose of this position is to secure philanthropic funds by managing a group of identified, qualified donors, ensuring as many as possible are retained as continuing donors to WGU and are upgraded in their giving and involvement. The Advancement Director will assist donors by helping them fulfill their passions and interests through giving support to the students WGU serves.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related area.
Six (6) years of experience in cultivating and soliciting major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations as well as fundraising and relationship management experience.
Experience in cultivating, closing, and stewarding six-figure gifts.
Residence and strong philanthropic connections the Northeast Region: New York, Washington D.C., Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Virginia, or Pennsylvania
General knowledge of Advancement programs and processes.
General knowledge of IRS rules regarding philanthropic gifts.
Understanding of, and adherence to, the Donor Bill of Rights.
Ability to demonstrate mastery in written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to deliver persuasive and compelling presentations to secure major gifts and donations.
Entrepreneurial spirit and independent problem solver.

Nice To Haves

May have broad knowledge of project management.

Responsibilities

Independently identify and manage a portfolio of 100-125 prospects/donors (foundations, corporations, alumni, friends)in the region of responsibility.
Responsible for identification and progression of major gift prospects through the gift cycle: (qualification through stewardship) as well as documenting all prospects interactions, outcomes, strategies and rationales in WGU’s donor management system.
Develop proposals based on WGU’s fundraising priorities and donor investment interests.
Works collaboratively with the WGU Advancement team, the Regional Vice President, and other internal constituents to develop both broad reach and targeted engagement opportunities.
Qualifies individual, corporate, and foundation prospects and cultivates those that have ability to contribute $100K or greater.
Assists in the development of annual fundraising goals using past giving history and anticipated new funding opportunities.
Works collaboratively across the university so that all proposals/reports are well prepared and properly vetted so that WGU is represented in a professional and thoughtful way.
Regularly reports relevant donor activity and strategy to the Executive Director of Development and other internal stakeholders.
Collaborates internally in adherence to processes, deadlines, budgets, policies, and procedures of WGU.
Maintains a positive and constructive attitude while solving problems.
Performs other related duties as assigned.