Director, Transformational Investment

Webster University•Webster Groves, MO

18h•$90,000 - $105,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for securing transformational investment through major, annual, and deferred philanthropic commitments in support of Webster University’s operational, endowment, and capital priorities. The Director serves as a front-line fundraising professional responsible for building relationships with high-capacity individuals and guiding their engagement and investment in Webster through major annual gifts ($25,000+), campaign commitments, and planned gifts. The Director manages a portfolio of approximately 100–150 prospective and current donors and advances these relationships through the philanthropic lifecycle—from qualification and cultivation through solicitation and stewardship. This role contributes directly to Webster’s philanthropic priorities by strengthening donor relationships, securing philanthropic support, and deepening long-term engagement. The Director reports to the Senior Director for Community Resource Development and works collaboratively with leadership, departmental colleagues, and prospect development staff to align donor interests with Webster’s strategic priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
Minimum of 5 years of progressive fundraising experience with demonstrated success in securing major gifts
Experience managing a donor portfolio and participating in the cultivation, solicitation, and closure of major gifts
Proven ability to build and sustain long-term donor relationships
Experience developing and executing donor engagement and solicitation strategies
Strong working knowledge of fundraising compliance and disciplined documentation of donor activity within a donor database (CRM)
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a fundraising team
Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and commitment to ethical fundraising practices

Responsibilities

Manage and advance a portfolio of approximately 100–150 prospective and current donors capable of making transformational investments.
Conduct regular visits and substantive interactions with donors and prospects to cultivate relationships and secure major gifts, campaign commitments, and planned gifts.
Develop and execute individualized engagement strategies to move donors through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Utilize and tailor existing case materials and philanthropic opportunities to align with donor interests and Webster’s priorities.
Partner with leadership and institutional colleagues to prepare for and participate in donor meetings, cultivation efforts, and solicitations.
Work collaboratively with University leadership, deans, faculty, and resource development colleagues to align donor interests with meaningful philanthropic investment opportunities.
Partner with prospect development colleagues to qualify and advance prospective donors into the major gifts pipeline.
Develop and implement strategic engagement plans that deepen donor relationships and position Webster for increased levels of philanthropic investment.
Maintain accurate, timely documentation of donor interactions, strategies, and next steps within the University’s donor database.
Other duties as needed to support Webster University’s philanthropic priorities.