Vice President, Advancement

Western Governors University•Salt Lake City, UT

About The Position

The Vice President, Advancement (VP) leads WGU Advancement, the university’s fundraising arm. The VP designs and implements a comprehensive strategy for deepening relationships with alumni, donors, foundations, and strategic partners, aligning fundraising with WGU’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities. The strategy reflects the university’s innovative model and student-centric approach to higher education. The VP fosters a culture of philanthropy across WGU and advances efficient, sustainable, high-impact fundraising through data-informed decisions, innovative practices, and technology-enabled systems. The role leads and develops the Advancement team, oversees advancement services and grants administration, and works closely with academic leadership, enrollment, marketing, student services, Trustees, and faculty. As a member of the President’s Leadership Team, the VP advises the President and contributes to institutional strategy, vision, and operational decisions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution.
At least 10 years of progressive senior leadership experience, including leading teams of directors and multiple managers.
At least 10 years of progressive leadership in fundraising, with demonstrated ability to develop and implement successful strategies.
Demonstrated success securing five- to seven-figure gifts from high-net-worth donors.
Experience in an entrepreneurial business, political fundraising, or education-related environment.
Exceptional leadership and organizational skills, including the ability to lead high-performing, cross-functional teams in complex, mission-driven environments.
Proven success securing major and principal gifts, driving multichannel fundraising strategies, and exceeding ambitious philanthropic targets.
Deep understanding of higher education fundraising, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship.
Expertise in grant management, including lifecycle development, reporting, and compliance.
Proficiency with advancement technology, CRM systems, and fundraising analytics.
Ability to foster philanthropy across an organization and engage stakeholders at all levels.
Collaborative, entrepreneurial leadership and relationship-building skills, including ability to engage high-net-worth individuals, corporate partners, and philanthropic institutions.
Analytical and results-driven approach, translating metrics into fundraising strategies and performance improvements.
Strong financial acumen and experience overseeing multimillion-dollar Advancement budgets.
Managerial courage, adaptability, sound judgment, and willingness to innovate in a rapidly evolving environment.
Willingness to travel occasionally, up to 20%, including designated company summits and other business-related travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution.
Existing relationships with high-net-worth individuals capable of donations of $100,000 or more.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute an ambitious Advancement strategy supporting WGU’s growth, long-term sustainability, philanthropic partnerships, and organizational priorities.
Recruit, develop, and retain a diverse, high-performing Advancement team; set clear expectations and foster accountability, innovation, professional growth, and collaboration.
Lead fundraising across major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, planned giving, and donor engagement.
Oversee grants administration throughout the grant lifecycle, including identification, application, compliance, and reporting.
Establish and maintain best practices in donor stewardship, recognition, and engagement.
Allocate Advancement resources in alignment with funds generated and oversee operating budgets.
Manage advancement services, including donor management, gift processing, and fundraising analytics.
Use technology, CRM systems, and data analytics to guide fundraising strategy, personalize donor engagement, monitor performance, and drive continuous improvement.
Collaborate with WGU leaders, Trustees, and faculty to build university-wide commitment to philanthropy and shared fundraising goals.
Cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners to build a philanthropic pipeline.
Advise the President and senior leadership on enterprise planning and Advancement’s contribution to institutional goals.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.